Drive-thru Dunkin' Donuts planned for Shady Grove Road in Rockville

A new Dunkin' Donuts store with drive thru service is planned for the Shady Grove Road corridor, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. The new store will take over the vacant United Bank branch at 16268 Frederick Road, which actually has more prominent frontage onto Shady Grove than MD 355. This follows the recent pattern of Dunkin' stores moving into vacated banks that already have significant drive-thru infrastructure in place. There is an existing Dunkin' Donuts just around the corner at 16220 Frederick Road.

Signage installed at Ebisu Life Store in Rockville (Photos)

Permanent signage has been installed at the future Ebisu Life Store at 836 Rockville Pike. The Japanese grocery store is currently hiring staff. Last night, both signs were lit. Interior fit-out of the store is still a work-in-progress, however, as there is no shelving, merchandise, or checkout counter yet. When it does open, it promises to be one of the most interesting retail additions to the Pike yet.

DoorDash to bring DashMart convenience store service to Rockville

DashMart items awaiting orders via
virtual convenience store service

Montgomery County DoorDash users will get access to the company's DashMart convenience store service in the coming months. Much like the "ghost kitchens" that serve a variety of menus from one restaurant - or a remote kitchen that isn't in a restaurant at all - DashMart functions as a ghost convenience store. DoorDash drivers will pick up your order from a central warehouse in Rockville, including anything from milk and eggs to ice cream, soda and potato chips. DashMart also partners with local businesses who wish to sell their packaged food items, artisan wares and home goods through the delivery service.

Photo courtesy DoorDash

Rockville Wegmans/Twinbrook Quarter update (Photos)

Sheeting, shoring and excavation are the primary steps taken at the future site of Wegmans and the Twinbrook Quarter development at Rockville Pike and Halpine Road since my last update. Contractors are now grading the excavated area for construction of the underground parking garage. The shuttered Fuddruckers restaurant remains a prominent sight on the horizon beyond the excavation for the B.F. Saul project.

Rockville Qdoba update (Photos)

Construction of the new Qdoba Mexican Eats restaurant at the Rock Grove shopping center is in the later stages of completion. Both the dining room and kitchen areas are shaping into their final forms. Even the menu flatscreens have been installed. 

Still no tables and chairs, though, and some basic painting and finishes still to be added in places. Qdoba is located at the corner of Frederick Road and Shady Grove Road, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg.

Update on Pupuseria Mama Emilia in Rockville (Photos)

There's been more activity at the future Pupuseria Mama Emilia at 785-H Rockville Pike in the Ritchie Center. More signage has been installed, so we now know what the operating hours will be. They are seeking a cook with experience making pupusas. And we have an image of Mama herself now on the storefront.

Signage installed at Rockville Beer & Wine in Derwood

The permanent sign has been installed at Rockville Beer & Wine, opening soon at 15809 Frederick Road in Derwood. It was already lit last night. In addition to adult beverages, the store will also sell Maryland Lottery tickets. A hearing on the store's liquor license is now scheduled for tomorrow, January 20, 2022.