Kami Ramen Bar coming soon to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Kami Ramen Bar is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It will be opening its latest location in the mall's Dining Terrace food court, right next to Cinnabon. This will be at least the second try for a ramen bar inside the food court, with Ejji Ramen lasting just over a year. The description of Kami Ramen Bar provided by Westfield matches that of a small chain that currently operates four locations in Tennessee. Those spots get high marks from locals in the Volunteer State. Kami Ramen Bar says it offers a "true taste of Japan. We are crazy about making ramen noodles!"

Maman Joon Kitchen to open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Maman Joon Kitchen is coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The authentic Persian kabob restaurant will be located in the space most recently home to Brio's Chicken, but best known as the longer-term home of Tara Thai. That is on Level 2 next to the entrance from the parking deck. Maman Joon has six existing locations, and this will be its second in Montgomery County.

Most of the spices employed in the dishes at Maman Joon are imported from Iran, the local chain says. The dishes are based on family recipes handed down through generations. They also offer catering services. As for the name of the restaurant, Maman means “mom” and Joon means “soul, spirit of life.”

Assault at grocery store in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault at a grocery store early Saturday afternoon, August 23, 2025. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 800 block of Rockville Pike at 12:10 PM. There is a Food Lion on that block. An individual was accused of theft in the same incident.

Marlo Furniture confirms it is closing in Rockville

I reported back in July that Marlo Furniture's showroom space at 725 Rockville Pike was being marketed for lease. Images in the marketing materials at that time showed Marlo's logos removed from the building. Now the furniture retailer has made it official: The Rockville store is closing. In fact, after 70 years in business, Marlo is closing all of its stores.

The chain hasn't continually been run by the same people over those 7 decades, however. Marlo was acquired by Regency Furniture in 2012. Regency continued to operate some of the stronger Marlo locations under the Marlo name through this year. A liquidation sale - which Marlo is referring to as its "final Labor Day sale ever - is now underway.

Police officers assaulted at public library in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to the Rockville Memorial Library at 21 Maryland Avenue on August 19, 2025. A case of indecent exposure was reported at the library at 2:07 PM. That is located at The Square at Rockville in Rockville Town Center. Officers apparently engaged in a struggle with the suspect after arriving at the library.

A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with two felony counts of 2nd-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, a felony count of disarming a law enforcement officer, and indecent exposure. He posted a $5000 unsecured bond, an amount set by Montgomery County District Court Judge John C. Moffett. Maryland court records do not yet indicate that he is free on bail, however.

Police respond to Metro station assault in Rockville

Rockville City police were called to a Metro station on August 19, 2025, after someone reported having been the victim of an assault there in broad daylight. The assault occurred at the Twinbrook Metro station at 3:37 PM Tuesday. It took place in the station's parking lot. At least one individual was also accused of causing property damage in the same incident.

French laser firm chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. headquarters

Say it isn't so! Montgomery County and Maryland have lost yet another economic development competition to Arlington County and Virginia. French laser firm Cailabs SAS wanted to move its U.S. headquarters out of Washington, D.C., but remain in the region. It announced yesterday that it had chosen the booming Rosslyn area of Arlington as the destination for the company's U.S. operations. Cailabs will move into 4,200-square-feet of office space at the gleaming Class A office building at 1530 Wilson Boulevard. The company will also add 16 new employees.

Many of Cailabs' employees hold PhDs, and the company has filed over 25 patents. It specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced laser-light products for the defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries. The Rosslyn location provides quick access to both Reagan National and Dulles International airports, as well as Metro and I-66. Montgomery County and Maryland could have had direct access to Dulles and I-66, but chose to cancel the new Potomac River crossing to Dulles, and the Northwest Freeway, which would have connected to I-66 in Rosslyn. Doh!

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin toasted his victory Wednesday, as Maryland Governor Wes Moore was declared America's "most-disappointing governor" by economist Anirban Basu, and Moore's chief-of-staff jumped ship as the state's fiscal crisis continues to slam up against its moribund economy and high crime. With plummeting poll numbers, Moore could only look on with envy, in the reflection of fellow White House aspirant Youngkin's stunning laser light show across the Potomac.

“Cailabs’ decision to relocate their U.S. headquarters to Virginia shows that the Commonwealth remains the premier location for global tech companies looking to expand their footprint in the Americas,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “Virginia’s exceptional talent, reliable infrastructure, and proximity to key federal and defense partners gives companies like Cailabs a strategic advantage as they continue to innovate and expand. The Commonwealth is proud to support Cailabs’ mission of paving the way to a bright future with the power of lasers.” 

“When Cailabs first decided to open a U.S. office, they chose Washington. Two years later, when they decided to stay in the US, they chose Virginia. That decision speaks volumes,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “Logistically, economically, and strategically, Virginia remains the ideal location for tech companies looking to push boundaries and build a thriving business.” 

“Arlington cordially says ‘Bienvenue’ to Cailabs on their decision to establish their U.S. headquarters in Rosslyn, at the heart of our nation’s capital region,” Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis said. “By choosing Arlington, Cailabs joins a community where the nation’s best-prepared, innovative and talented workforce meets exceptional quality of life in an open, welcoming and forward-thinking culture. We are excited to add a leading new technology business to the dense fabric of transatlantic partnerships that connect, strengthen and advance economies, people and values. We look forward to seeing Cailabs grow and succeed here in Arlington.” 

“I’m delighted that Cailabs has chosen to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Arlington County,” said Senator Barbara Favola. “Arlington has leveraged the investments made by the Commonwealth to create a 21st century workforce. In addition to proximity to major airports and our nation’s capital, Arlington offers a world class public education system, great transit options, and a park in every neighborhood. I am sure that Cailabs will feel ‘right at home’ in the diverse and caring Arlington community.”