New McDonald's "coming soon" to Rockville Pike (Photos)

The structural form of a new McDonald's restaurant is shaping up at 11710 Rockville Pike in White Flint. Cinderblocks remain visible, however. A banner just posted at the construction site promises the new McDonald's is "coming soon." When this McDonald's opens, the existing one at 11564 Rockville Pike will close. 2025 is sure to bring a new McDonald's, as well as the return of McDonald's Snack Wraps, and new-and-improved chicken tenders under the McCrispy branding.

Outdoor dining pods return at Julii in Rockville

Outdoor dining pods have returned at Julii at 11915 Grand Park Avenue at the Pike & Rose development in Rockville. The pods can seat up to four people, as you can see below. Originally debuting as a perceived safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pods apparently continue to be popular for providing a more intimate dining atmosphere. The jewelbox restaurant building also isn't that large, so the pods allow the French bistro to accommodate more customers during the winter months.

Assault at bus stop in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bus stop in Rockville yesterday afternoon, December 8, 2024. The assault was reported at a bus stop in the 700 block of Hungerford Drive at 2:39 PM Sunday. That is on MD 355, just north of the Rockville Town Center area, in the vicinity of the U.S. Post Office and Rockville City Centre shopping center.

Rockville police searching for suspect who sexually assaulted woman

Rockville City police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a suspect who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the King Farm neighborhood on November 28, 2024. Around 2:00 PM that day, the male suspect approached a female pedestrian at the intersection of Redland Boulevard and Reserve Champion Drive. According to police, the suspect grabbed the victim in a "bear hug," and "repeatedly thrust himself in a sexual motion."

The victim began filming the suspect using her cell phone. When the suspect realized he was being recorded, he grabbed her phone and smashed it, before fleeing on foot. Police describe the suspect as a Black male, 20 to 29 years of age, and about 6' in height. He was clean-shaven with an "athletic-build." At the time of the assault, he was wearing gray sweatpants, a black hoodie, and a beanie-style knit hat with a pattern on it. If you can identify the suspect, or have any other information about this incident, call police at 240-314-8900.

Dirty Dough sets target opening date in Rockville

Dirty Dough has set a target opening date for its Rockville Town Square location at 36-B Maryland Avenue. The cookie shop is now hoping to open on December 18, 2024. If you missed my first report, Dirty Dough's selling point amongst its competitors is its stuffed cookie fillings, as well as the availability of milkshakes and ice cream that employ the cookie ingredients and toppings. Dirty Dough has an existing Maryland location in Halethorpe, with Baltimore and Laurel stores in the works.

Rockville snack thief uses hot ramen cup as weapon in escape

A resourceful snack thief employed a steaming cup of ramen noodles against those blocking his escape in Rockville on November 20, 2024. Rockville City police report that the suspect was caught allegedly stealing a bag of chips from a business in the 200 block of N. Washington Street at 7:35 PM that evening. Confronted by employees, the suspect tossed the noodle cup at his accusers, and fled.

Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic male with a red beard. He was wearing a brown jacket. If you can identify this suspect, you are asked to call police at 240-314-8900.

Bowlero Rockville, Gaithersburg to rebrand as Lucky Strike

All three Bowlero locations in Montgomery County will rebrand as Lucky Strike. Bowlero Bethesda at 5353 Westbard Avenue, Bowlero Gaithersburg at 1101 Clopper Road, and Bowlero Rockville at 15720 Shady Grove Road will become Lucky Strike bowling alleys over the next two years. Bowlero, which acquired Lucky Strike last year, has decided to make the name change to reflect its intention to broaden its entertainment empire beyond bowling. 

Lucky Strike has an existing Montgomery County location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The future of the Westbard location is unclear, however, as its lease ends in 2027, requiring a decision by property owner Regency Centers.

Bowlero told The Wall Street Journal this week that profits from its Raging Waves water park in Illinois have exceeded expectations, fueling confidence that the company can expand its horizons, while staying centered on its core business of food and beverage sales. CEO Tom Shannon told the Journal that he envisions the company one day selling passes that are accepted at all of its entertainment businesses.