Kokee Tea bubble tea kiosk opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall recently added a coffee kiosk, and now there's an option for tea lovers on the way. Kokee Tea is opening a kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, outside of Macy's. It has been under construction for the last few weeks, but now signage has been attached. 

"Kokee Tea is a cozy and modern bubble tea cafe that offers a variety of delicious and refreshing drinks," the company said in a statement. "Whether you’re looking for a classic milk tea, a fruity smoothie, or a creamy latte, we have something for you. You can also customize your drink with different toppings, such as tapioca pearls, jelly, pudding, or popping boba. Our drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and brewed fresh daily."

The bubble tea chain has added seven new locations this year, including Montgomery Mall. Ashburn, Baltimore, Centreville, Lorton, Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, and Urbana are the others.

Assault reported outside home in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in East Rockville Saturday morning, November 9, 2024. The assault was reported in the driveway of a home in the 300 block of Howard Avenue at 10:58 AM Saturday. That is a residential street near the CSX and Metro tracks.

Calendar kiosk opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

It's almost that time of year again: Time to replace your wall calendar. The seasonal calendar kiosk at Westfield Montgomery Mall is just what the doctor ordered. Popular calendar subjects this year include perennial favorites like Taylor Swift and Star Wars, as well as timely presidential candidates President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Not to be outdone are the retro Muhammad Ali, Rocky, and Rainbow Brite selections. I've already got my 2025 calendar; find yours at the calendar kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, by Forever 21.

Armed fentanyl pusher busted in Rockville

Evidence seized in Friday's bust in Rockville

Fentanyl deaths in America are reportedly declining, but the dangerous synthetic opioid is still being pushed on the streets of Montgomery County. Thanks to Montgomery County police officers, a substantial number of pills have just been taken off the market. Officers searching for a juvenile male wanted for multiple offenses in the Twinbrook area of Rockville found him on Friday, November 8, 2024. The juvenile attempted to elude officers on foot, 4th District Commander Captain David Smith said, but he was ultimately caught and taken into custody.

On his person, police allege, the juvenile had a loaded gun, cash, and about 250 pressed fentanyl pills.  "The apprehension of armed individuals like this is difficult and dangerous work, but also important work," Smith said in a statement. "Fentanyl destroys lives and families, and the officers of 4D are committed to improving conditions. We also appreciate all of the members of our community who care and are equally committed to this cause."

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police Department

Tory Burch opens at Montgomery Mall

Tory Burch is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The boutique's operating hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. The preppy-bohemian women's fashion brand sells apparel, shoes, handbags, home decor, watches, and accessories. Look for Tory Burch on Level 2 of the mall, next to Lovesac.

Trendy Man Italia closing, Peter Mason opens at Montgomery Mall

Two menswear tenants at Westfield Montgomery Mall are headed in opposite directions. Trendy Man Italia is on the way out, and is holding a closing sale. Those signs seen across moribund Montgomery County so often in recent years - "Store Closing," "Everything Must Go!" - are on display at the entrance to the shop. But if you need to suit up for the holidays, don't panic: Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors is now open on Level 1 in the Old Navy wing of the mall, across from The Cheesecake Factory. 

Falafel Inc. opens at Montgomery Mall

Falafel Inc. has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Recently voted "#1 New Restaurant in D.C.," the local chain serves authentic vegetarian falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides that include Zaatar Fries and Tabouli Salad. Falafel Inc. also offers a variety of dipping sauces, including their must-try flagship Habibi Sauce. The chain's Georgetown location, and its founder's humanitarian and cultural-preservation efforts, have been featured on Al Jazeera. Look for Falafel Inc. in the Dining Terrace food court, next to Chick-Fil-A.