Police investigate assault at busy Rockville intersection

Montgomery County police are investigating an aggravated assault that took place at one of the busiest intersections in Rockville on November 12, 2024. At 10:39 PM that evening, police say, four suspects assaulted an adult male victim at the intersection of Frederick Road (MD 355) and E. Gude Drive. The suspects are described only as three Black males of unknown age, and one Black female of unknown age. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify any of the suspects involved, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Kokee Tea opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Kokee Tea has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The bubble tea kiosk added one novel design touch just before its debut: a giant bubble tea cup that lights up. "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. Look for Kokee Tea on Level 1 of the mall, outside of Macy's.

Abercrombie & Fitch opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Abercrombie & Fitch has been as much of the typical mall experience since the 1990s as Auntie Anne's or Cinnabon. How appropriate, then, that the once-controversial apparel retailer has returned to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Just in time for Black Friday, and with Abercrombie Kids for the younger people on your shopping list. Look for - and, perhaps, smell? - Abercrombie & Fitch on Level 2 of the mall, next to the Apple Store.

Thanksgiving burger this week only at Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg

Give thanks for the Thanksgiving Burger, the appropriate Burger of the Week at Dogfish Head Alehouse at 800 W. Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg this week. A 4 oz. beef patty is topped with turkey, melted provolone cheese, homemade stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. For $17, it comes with a side of Beach Fries. Pairing the burger with a pint of Punkin' Ale is the recommendation of the house. 

Photo courtesy Dogfish Head Alehouse

Fashion Q opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

Fashion Q has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Los Angeles-based company traces its roots back to the 1980s. It chose its "Q" logo because a one-letter sign was cheaper than using the whole brand name. The cost savings extend to its merchandise, which is purchased wholesale here and abroad. "We refuse to give our customers B.S. markups," Q declares. Look for Fashion Q on Level 1 of the mall, right outside of Macy's.

Bark Social closes in Rockville

Have we passed peak "pet parent" in Montgomery County? The demise of Bark Social at 935 Prose Street at Pike & Rose in Rockville may require us to ponder this question for the first time. Bark Social has filed for bankruptcy after an expected round of new financing fell through, the company announced as it - in its own words - "abruptly" closed all of its locations Thursday. 

A cross between a dog park and a bar, with a border-crossing-checkpoint design aesthetic, Bark Social appeared as if it could do no wrong when it opened in 2021. Pandemic-weary Americans were eager to embrace any new outdoor venues, and dog owners in the many apartment buildings around Bark Social had limited exercise options for their pets to take advantage of. The steady decline of alcoholic beverage sales was also briefly reversed, as lockdowns, pandemic restrictions, and a botched rollout of vaccines led some to turn to adult beverages to pass the empty hours.

Investors apparently have since turned (Karelian) Bearish on the concept. Have cats overtaken the dogs? Has inflation made expensive dog ownership too much of a luxury expense at this point? This is the time for all "plant parents" to seize the zeitgeist!

Sports merchandise kiosk opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Hello, sports fans! A new kiosk has opened just for you at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It carries a variety of merchandise and decor for professional and college teams. But the selection is not limited to local teams. In fact, rivals outnumber the Washington Commanders in some of the NFL displays. Kind of like in the stands at Northwest Stadium! 

Look for the kiosk on Level 1 in the Old Navy/The Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall, near Häagen-Dazs - - and be sure to wear your Bob Knight "game face."