David Trone endorses Evan Glass for Montgomery County Executive

Evan Glass

Businessman and former Maryland Congressman David Trone has endorsed Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass in the 2026 Democratic County Executive primary race. It's a significant development in the contest for two reasons. One is that Trone's endorsement is valuable politically, as Glass is running in the same "pragmatic centrist" lane as rival Democratic Councilmember Andrew Friedson. Backing from one of the most successful business owners in the county will be a signal to others in the business community.

The second, and most valuable, benefit of Trone's endorsement is even simpler: money. Friedson has plenty of it in his campaign chest. If Trone is willing to spend, and coach others in his Rolodex of powerful local and national Democrats, that will help Glass stay afloat amid the big developer bucks funding Friedson. The most shocking part of the endorsement is that Trone has hired Friedson in the past, and knows him well. To then choose Glass over Friedson says a lot, and certainly gives Glass something to crow about. If nothing else, it shows very skilled political maneuvering on the part of Glass.

Also shocking: the lack of Democrats filing to run for an open executive seat, the highest office in Montgomery County. Is this now a job that few want, as the County faces tough financial times ahead, a structural deficit, heavy debt, and a taxpayer base our leaders have already bled dry with yearly tax hikes? Is the next generation of progressive leadership in Montgomery County privately being told to stay on the sidelines for another 8 years?

Only Councilmember Will Jawando is running in the Marc Elrich progressive lane so far. He is unlikely to match Glass and Friedson in dollars. But he has a chance over the next 11 months to campaign to retain as much of the winning Elrich primary coalition as possible, while Glass and Friedson split the centrist vote. And while Trone is only a multimillionaire, Jawando may also have gained some stump material about the strong support his opponents have from the billionaire oligarchy.

Buffalo Wild Wings GO signage installed in Rockville

Permanent signage has been installed above the future storefront of Buffalo Wild Wings GO at 16256 Frederick Road at the Rock Grove shopping center, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. The logo for the express version of Buffalo Wild Wings has been added to the roster on the shopping center's monument signage, as well. Things aren't quite as far along inside, however, as you can see in the photos below. Rockville and Gaithersburg each already have full-scale Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants, which are more like sports bars, competing with sit-down competitors like Hooters.

A Beautiful Closet relocates at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A Beautiful Closet has joined the game of musical chairs at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Last December, the fashion boutique moved to the Nordstrom wing on Level 1. Today, it has relocated up to Level 2, in between Laderach and LensCrafters. This is their largest space yet, and has a sharper-looking sign over the storefront. A Beautiful Closet features sustainable apparel and accessories sourced from around the world, including Italy and Turkey. 

Luggage Plus moves at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

All the luggage stores at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda seem to be moving this summer. Last month, I reported on Tumi's plans for relocation. Now, with far less of a preamble, Luggage Plus has up and moved from Level 2 down to Level 1, next to Häagen-Dazs. Or, based on the sign over their new storefront, "Lu gag Plus."

Ace Hardware store construction begins in Rockville

Construction is underway on the future Ace Hardware store at 835 Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza. First they are demolishing the interior of the former Gold's Gym. According to plans filed with the City of Rockville, Ace Hardware is demolishing the staircase leading to the second floor of the former gym, and sealing the stair opening off in the ceiling. Bathrooms will be updated for current accessibility standards. When it opens, this will be the only Ace Hardware store in Rockville. Windows are currently papered over, but take a sneak peek below:

Andy's Pizza to add second Montgomery County location

Andy's Pizza's first venture into Montgomery County in Bethesda has been so successful, the local pizzeria chain is opening a second one. It will be located at 145 Commerce Square Place at Kentlands Market Square, next to CHOPT, in Gaithersburg. Andy's serves New York-style pizza in whole pies, or by the slice, making it an upgrade from previous tenant MOD Pizza. No opening date has been announced, and this location does not yet appear on the chain's website.

KPUB Irish-Korean fusion bar "coming soon" to Rockville

Here's something you don't see every day: an Irish-Korean fusion bar and restaurant are "coming soon" to Rockville Town Center, according to signage posted at its future space in the ground floor of the BLVD Ansel apartments at 33 Monroe Street. According to property owner Comstock, KPUB "is a dynamic full-service restaurant and bar that offers a bold menu of Korean-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an energetic nightlife atmosphere. KPUB will feature private karaoke rooms, a lively bar scene, and a sleek ambiance that is set to bring an elevated dining and entertainment experience to the Rockville Town Center neighborhood."

"With KPUB, I set out to create a groundbreaking Irish-Korean fusion bar that blends high-energy social dining with cutting-edge technology,"KPUB founder Derek Liu said in a statement. "This isn’t just another pub—it’s an immersive experience where guests can send drinks to other tables, enjoy elevated Korean-Irish cuisine, and transition into a late-night speakeasy with private karaoke rooms. KPUB is redefining nightlife in Rockville and beyond with innovation and excitement the industry hasn’t seen before."

"We are excited to welcome KPUB to BLVD Ansel," said Tim Steffan, Chief Operating Officer of Comstock COO Tim Steffan said. "Their concept will bring a fresh, engaging dining and entertainment experience to Rockville Town Center, creating yet another unique destination that our residents and the surrounding local community will enjoy."