Update on Big Papi's Tacos, opening soon in Rockville (Photos)

A giant neon mustache has descended upon Rockville Town Center. Several lighted signs have been installed at Big Papi's Tacos, opening soon at 201 E. Middle Lane. Last night, they were all lit. Still to come is the exterior signage. Stay tuned for an opening date!

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on March 14, 2025. The incident was reported at 3:47 PM at the mall. This is the second assault at the mall so far this year. There were 11 in 2024, 5 in 2023, and 12 in 2022.

Virginia beats Maryland in January job growth

Virginia hammered Maryland in job growth once again in January 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia added 7,100 jobs in January, while Maryland only created 4,900. The BLS also revised Virginia's numbers from December upward, with the Old Dominion's jobs-added figure rising from 4,900 to 14,200. Maryland had infamously only gained a paltry 200 jobs in December.

“More Virginians are working than ever in the Commonwealth as jobs and opportunity continue to expand in Virginia,” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement Tuesday. “In January, the Commonwealth added 7,100 nonfarm jobs, building on the upwardly revised job gains in December. This performance underscores the success of our pro-business policies and our ongoing focus on workforce development, which are providing Virginia companies the talent they need to grow and Virginians with the opportunities to succeed.” 

Police investigate gunfire in Rockville park

Rockville City police are investigating a shots-fired incident in a park in the King Farm area of the city on March 11, 2025. Around 8:54 PM that evening, an unknown suspect discharged a firearm in King Farm Park, located at 401 Watkins Pond Boulevard. No injuries were reported. Police do not currently have a description of the suspect. If you can assist in this investigation, call police at 240-314-8900.

Tesla closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The Tesla store has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Signage has been removed from above the storefront. Tesla opened this showroom in 2013. It just recently had begun to display the Launch Edition of the new Model Y. The store is still on the mall website map, and no reason for the closure has been given as of this writing. 

Someone save this movie theater in Montgomery County!

You could own your very own cineplex in Montgomery County. CBRE is now marketing the vacant Regal Cinemas at 20000 Century Boulevard in Germantown for sale. While the signage posted on the theater building is pushing a retail use, the online sale listing notes that the 14-screen cineplex inside remains intact. That means this could be essentially a turnkey operation to reopen the theater for a smart cineplex chain, or a wealthy movie buff. Financing is being offered on the listing page, but the asking price for the property - which includes a large surface parking lot - is not provided. Good luck, and until next time, the balcony is closed!

Bouboulina steakhouse sets opening date in Rockville

Everything the founders of CAVA touch turns to gold, and Federal Realty is banking on another King Midas moment at Pike & Rose this Friday, March 21, 2025. There are plenty of steakhouses in the region, but here comes a Mediterranean-inspired steakhouse, with the debut of Bouboulina. Named for a heroine of the Greek War of Independence of 1821 who commanded her own fleet, and is believed to be the first woman in world naval history to attain the rank of admiral, Bouboulina will serve premium cuts of steak and fresh seafood from its wood-fired grill. Meals will start with the wonderful aroma, flavor, and texture of house-baked breads.

CAVA founders Ted Xenohristos, Dimitri Moshovitis and Ike Grigoropoulos already have two other restaurants at Pike & Rose, Julli and Melina. Bouboulina joins the neighborhood at 921 Meeting Street. That is in the ground floor of the new 915 Meeting Street office building, and right across from the Trade Street parking garage. 

Photos by Deb Lindsey