7-Eleven Montgomery Mall opening soon - here's a sneak peek (Video+Photos)

The new 7-Eleven store inside Westfield Montgomery Mall will be opening very soon. But a lot of the digital screens and equipment like the soda dispenser are already lit up and running inside. The signage is up on the exterior, as well. This store could have a big advantage over other 7-Eleven locations if the coronavirus gets out of control, as mall tenants do not have germ-laden doors you must handle to enter and exit, a good way to keep COVID-19 off your coffee cup.

Gordon Biersch closed at Rockville Town Square, Buffalo Wild Wings temporarily closed

Gordon Biersch has closed at Rockville Town Square, perhaps the deepest blow to the struggling property so far. And a temporary closure of the neighboring Buffalo Wild Wings was providing another unneeded jump scare for RTS patrons Monday night. It turns out the chicken wing chain has only closed this location through this Thursday, for "equipment upgrades and installation."

Buffalo Wild Wings is temporarily closed
at Rockville Town Square; it will reopen Friday

Both restaurants have remained highly popular even as some of the center's longest-standing anchors have departed in recent years. The Rockville Gordon Biersch was dark Monday night. Large Home Depot packing boxes could be seen inside. A sign in the window thanked longtime customers, and directed GB fans to their not-so-convenient Annapolis location.

The closure is another body blow to the County's cratered nightlife scene, which collapsed in the wake of the Montgomery County Council's disastrous Nighttime Economy Task Force debacle, which saw eighteen nightspots shutter in downtown Bethesda alone. Gordon Biersch's demise is a rare one that isn't the direct result of County Council incompetence, however. The chain has closed many other locations, as well. Finnegan's Wake on Gibbs Street now finds itself the beneficiary of one fewer nightlife choice at RTS, as they gear up for their biggest day of the year, St. Patrick's Day.

"How doers get more done"

Derwood home invasion invader posed as package deliveryman, police say

A frightening and brazen home invasion in Derwood Friday was attempted by a man posing as a package deliveryman, Montgomery County police said. The man rang the doorbell at a home in the 7200 block of Titonka Way carrying a package and wearing a UPS/Fed Ex-style deliveryperson uniform. Believing a package was being delivered, the homeowner answered the door, only to have the man draw a gun.

The homeowner called out to a second resident inside the home. At this point, the invader forced his way into the foyer of the house, and threatened that he would kill both residents, police say. He then pushed one resident, and pistol whipped the other. The second resident was treated for injuries resulting from being struck on the head by the gun.

Alleged Derwood home invader (at far left) runs
to getaway white van
(top photo)

After the assault, the invader turned and fled the residence, dropping his box in the driveway as he ran. He leaped into a white Ford van and sped off, his run and getaway being recorded all the while by a neighbor's doorbell camera. Unless the footage was edited, it also appears a second individual was driving the white van, as it moves after the suspect is already at the door of the invaded home.

Anyone with information about this suspect or this home invasion robbery is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5100.

Lego "coming soon" signage, luggage store opens, Mattress Warehouse moving at Montgomery Mall

Highly-anticipated new addition to Westfield Montgomery Mall Lego Store has posted some "coming soon" signage at its future Bethesda location, opening this summer. The floor-to-ceiling screens mark off a storefront of significant size.

Meanwhile, in a potential case of unfortunate timing, a luggage store has opened between Nordstrom and Hanna Andersson on Level 1 just as coronavirus threatens to bring travel to a halt worldwide. Having said that, the luggage is of high quality, and now might be the time to stock up at better prices for future vacations.

Finally, mattresses are always big news in a bedroom community like economically-moribund Montgomery County, compared to the booming job centers elsewhere in our region. Mattress Warehouse is gearing up to move to the other side of the same wing it's in now.

Top Bethesda Land Rover repair business moving to Rockville

One of downtown Bethesda's most unique auto repair shops is relocating to Rockville. Independent Land Rover Specialists will shortly move its Bradley Boulevard Liberty gas station and River Road facilities into a new 12500 SF space at 5334 Marinelli Road in the White Flint area. The new location is within walking distance of the White Flint Metro station.

Aside from its proximity to one of the largest clusters of Land Rover owners in the region, Independent established its business servicing just Land Rovers, and every Land Rover - whether you own a 1948 or a 2020 Range Rover Velar. Rover aficionados in Bethesda will miss seeing the varied collection of vehicles parked outside their Liberty shop, but Rockville will be seeing more Land Rovers than ever now.

Strong-arm robbery on Woodglen Drive in Rockville

A victim reported a strong-arm robbery on Woodglen Drive around 8:30 PM Wednesday night to Montgomery County police, crime data indicates. The victim was in a car at the time of the robbery, records state.

Rockville Mayor & Council to dedicate new Swim Center upgrades March 1

Rockville's Mayor and Council will be on hand this Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 2:00 PM to dedicate the renovated Rockville Swim Center at 355 Martins Lane. Improvements include an updated lobby and expanded locker room facilities. Work continues on further updates at the swim center. Sunday's event is free, and open to the public.