Foot Locker construction begins at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The interior fit-out of Foot Locker's new space is underway at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Now the location of the new space is clear, as "coming soon" signage has been placed across the future storefront. The new store will open this fall, just in time for the big holiday shopping season, and will include a Kids Foot Locker. Foot Locker can currently be found two doors to the left, in its temporary location between AT&T and Macy's Home.

3 new Dunkin' Donuts locations to open in Rockville

Rockville is getting three more Dunkin' Donuts stores. The first will be at 4011-C Norbeck Road, in the former Sassy Cleaners space. The second will be at 2401 Wootton Parkway in Rockshire. And the third will open at 17700 Muncaster Road in Derwood. All three will be operated by franchisee Luis Group Management, which is based right here in Montgomery County.

Below Zero opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Below Zero is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The cold therapy skincare boutique missed its expected spring opening date, but is now here in time for fall and the holiday shopping season. Its products are targeted at those who want to look younger and extend their lives, which is just about everybody, right? The interior fit-out of the boutique is quite nice, with upscale marble finishes.

"Many animal species live longer at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures," Below Zero notes. "Researchers found that the sense of cold activates a genetic program that enhances lifespan. The research shows that enzymes and hormonal frameworks have a role in reactions to low temperatures, which affects aging and lifespan." Look for Below Zero on Level 2 of the mall, between California Pizza Kitchen and Avalon Nails-Hair-Lashes, right outside of Nordstrom.

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.