Vine Alley, Brews & Barrels spaces marketed for lease at Kentlands Market Square

Kimco Realty is marketing the spaces currently occupied by Vine Alley and Brews & Barrels at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg as "available" for lease. Both spaces have a notation that parties interested in leasing either storefront "do not disturb" the current tenants, who are still open for business. In addition, both businesses have been removed from the tenant roster in Kimco leasing materials for the property. Brews & Barrels opened at 625 Center Point Way in 2020, and Vine Alley opened two years later at 114 Market Street.

Aggravated assault with firearm at restaurant in Derwood

Montgomery County police responded to a report of disorderly conduct at a restaurant in Derwood on July 4, 2025. The report came from a restaurant in the 15800 block of Frederick Road at 8:07 PM Friday. One or more suspects were accused of aggravated assault with a firearm, and of 2nd-degree assault, in the incident. There are a McDonald's and a Wendy's on that block of Frederick Road.

Rockville hotel restaurant space available for lease

The ground floor restaurant space at the venerable Best Western hotel at 1251 W. Montgomery Avenue in Rockville is now available for lease. At 5,500-square-feet in size, the space is suitable for restaurant or retail use. The monthly rent amount is available upon request, according to the online listing. As part of the hotel building, the restaurant space delivers a "captive audience" on-site, hotel guests in search of convenient breakfast, lunch, and dinner options you can provide. Not to mention room service!

Police called after assault at Rockville restaurant

Rockville City police were called to a restaurant after someone was assaulted there on Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025. The assault was reported at a restaurant in the 14900 block of Shady Grove Road at 9:16 AM Wednesday. An emergency petition for an involuntary mental health evaluation was filed in relation to the incident.

Hollister to return to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

John Hollister, Jr. lives! Nearly a decade after Hollister closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. the California surfer-inspired apparel retailer is planning a triumphant return this fall. Word is that Hollister will move into one of the spaces just vacated by Foot Locker or Merlo Point. Part of the Abercrombie & Fitch empire, Hollister is one of those tenants every self-respecting American mall simply must have, like Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and - come to think of it - Abercrombie & Fitch. If not, is it really a mall?

Photo courtesy Hollister

Armed robbery at Montgomery County Liquor & Wine in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in the Rockville Town Center area on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. It was reported at Montgomery County Liquor & Wine at 300 N. Washington Street at 7:53 PM. The store is owned and operated by the Montgomery County government liquor monopoly. No suspect descriptions have been released as of this writing.

Hallmark store at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda changes hands

The Hallmark Gold Crown store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is under new ownership. Previously known as "Banner's Hallmark," the greeting card, ornament, stationary and gift shop has been acquired by Norman's Hallmark. Norman's is the nation's largest independent owner of Hallmark Gold Crown stores. It will be interesting to see if the merchandise selection changes in the coming months.

Banner's is a local company, headquartered in Gaithersburg, while Norman's is based in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Banner's region has been Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Norman's has been focused in the Keystone State and New Jersey, but seems to be slowly expanding southward into Maryland. Norman's takes the prize for longevity; Banner's has been around since the 1970s, while Norman's was founded in 1939.