Shelves cleared at Chocolate Moonshine Co. at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The shelves are empty at Chocolate Moonshine Co. in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Packing boxes are visible inside the space. There was no sign indicating what is going on; the candy business has relocated inside the mall once before. However, I notice that Chocolate Moonshine Co. no longer appears on the mall's official website.

Dave's Hot Chicken opening in Rockville

Dave's Hot Chicken is coming soon to Rockville Pike. It will be at 11564 Rockville Pike in Rockville. That was a McDonald's restaurant until recently; McDonald's is moving into a newly-constructed building on the former Arby's site at 11710 Rockville Pike. Before expanding to Montgomery County, Dave's Hot Chicken was best known to Marylanders as the fast food company that promoted itself via influencer videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. One location is already open in White Oak, but it looks like the Waldorf restaurant in Charles County has opened before the Rockville location.

Rockville resident surprises burglars in bedroom

A Rockville resident disrupted a midday burglary in her home on Monday, April 28, 2025, Rockville City police report. The two female suspects had already picked up items from bedrooms in the home in the 500 block of S. Horners Lane, and then entered the victim's bedroom at 12:30 PM. When the victim surprised them, the two women ran out of the home with the stolen valuables, and fled in a dark-colored Chevrolet Suburban. 

The victim had earlier locked the front door, she told police, but officers determined that the suspects had still been able to break in through the door despite the lock. They were apparently not aware that the victim was at home at the time.

Police describe the two suspects as White women with "noticeably thick accents," approximately 40 to 50 years in age, heavy-set, 5'4" to 5'7" in height, with long, black hair. They were wearing "long robe-style dresses" and white shoes. If you can assist detectives in identifying either of the suspects in this case, call police at 240-314-8900.

Muse Alley renovations advance at Pike & Rose in Rockville

Extensive renovations on Muse Alley at Pike & Rose continue to advance at the Federal Realty development along Rockville Pike. The public space's primary function, aside from providing pedestrian access to several buildings and the Trade Street garage, is outdoor dining. It was essentially demolished, and now you can see the new overhead structure and lighting fixtures. Kusshi, Owen's Tavern and Garden, and Caruso's Grocery all remain open for business during the construction work.

Rockville hotel maid finds gun while cleaning room

Another unattended firearm has been recovered by Rockville City police. A hotel maid called police after finding a gun while cleaning a guest room at 8:26 AM on April 17, 2025. The gun turned out to be loaded, and it was believed to have been left by the guest who had just checked out of the hotel, which is located in the unit block of Research Court. There are two hotels on that block, a Ramada Inn, and a Sleep Inn. 

Masked men prowling Derwood at night

Masked men are reportedly prowling residential neighborhoods in Derwood at night, seeking to steal valuables from cars, or the cars themselves. Montgomery County police were called after at least one vehicle was broken into on Grande Vista Drive at 12:39 AM Sunday morning, April 27, 2025. According to police radio communications, several men were spotted wearing hoodies and masks at a nearby intersection in the neighborhood around that time. Police were called nearly two hours earlier about an auto theft incident in the nearby 7600 block of Moccasin Lane.

If you have any information about the masked men, or about these or other related incidents of theft in the Derwood/Rockville area, contact police at (301) 279-8000. Remember to lock your vehicle, remove all visible items from the interior, and do not leave your keys in the glove compartment or ignition. 

Maryland continues resurfacing northbound Rockville Pike

A Maryland State Highway Administration contractor continues a major resurfacing project on Rockville Pike (MD 355) in Rockville. This has been going on for months. Currently, the northbound lanes are being worked on. If you have a new car, or one you're concerned about getting scratched or dinged, you may want to take an alternate route.