Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Prepare for an Xtreme Halloween in Rockville (Photos)

If there weren't any ghosts lurking in the shadows at the former Pier 1 Imports space at 1590 Rockville Pike, there are now. Xtreme Halloween is getting ready to open their pop-up Halloween costume, accessory and decoration store there. The store was still getting unpacked in the 11,345 SF space when I stopped by, but expect the scares to begin soon.


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Rockville 2040 public listening session in King Farm tonight

The Rockville 2040 listening sessions being held citywide continue tonight in King Farm. Residents, and business and property owners, are invited to the King Farm Clubhouse tonight at 7 PM, at 300 Saddle Ridge Circle.

These sessions are one source of public input on the Rockville Planning Commission's major task of updating the city's Master Plan. Commissioners and city planning staff want to know what you think Rockville should look like in the year 2040, both citywide and in your neighborhood.

If you can't attend, you can find more information on the Rockville 2040 website. There will also be future opportunities to address the Planning Commission directly, as the process goes forward.

Monday, September 7, 2015

New banner, liquor license request up at New York Mart in Rockville (Photos)

More signs of the impending opening of Asian grocery store New York Mart in Rockville - literally. A new banner has been tacked up touting "Coming Soon", and the store has applied for its liquor license from Montgomery County. New York Mart will be located in College Plaza, at the intersection of Route 355 and College Parkway.


Friday, September 4, 2015

Tea Dó hiring in Rockville (Photos)

Tea Dó Contemporary Tea House is hiring a cashier and a barista in Rockville. The bubble tea shop and Japanese eatery is located at 838-C Rockville Pike, and replaces the departed Yocake.

Yesterday, the lights appeared to be on inside, and a roof-height ladder was up against the building, suggesting work continues on the conversion of the space. Of course, that same ladder has been there a week or two ago...

Thursday, September 3, 2015

New "coming soon" signage at Miso Fusion Café in Rockville Town Square (Photos)

Miso Fusion Café, which has been delayed from its expected summer opening, has added some window screen "coming soon" banners to its future space in Rockville Town Square.

The Korean fusion restaurant is from the owners of the existing Miso in Annandale, and will be located at 33-E Maryland Avenue. Note that the new signage has a modified name for the restaurant - it was previously just "Miso Café".


Veteran DC-area chef to convert Kam Sam Supermarket into high-end restaurant; New York Mart opening soon

Another big addition to Rockville's burgeoning dining scene is on the way. DC-area restaurant veteran Liu Chaosheng has negotiated a lease with the owner of the recently-vacated Kam Sam Supermarket space, and is planning to convert the building into a high-end restaurant. Liu, who has established restaurants in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia over the last 15 years, says this will be a white tablecloth dining room. His other restaurants include the popular Mala Tang, Uncle Liu's Hot Pot, China Jade and Hong Kong Palace.

The former supermarket is located at 300 N. Washington Street. Liu's new venture would be the latest addition to a booming number of Asian restaurants, grocery stores, and shops in that area. Many are calling it the DC region's new Chinatown. The growing concentration of businesses in the vicinity of N. Washington Street likely played a role in the decision to locate there. Liu noted to Eater in 2011 that because one of his restaurants was located right by the Great Wall Supermarket, he didn't have to spend much on advertising to reach the target audience.

On that front, I can also report that New York Mart - a new Asian supermarket in the College Plaza shopping center - is finally and rapidly moving forward. When I stopped by this week, the shelves were not only in place, but lined with new groceries. It appears the opening is imminent, and that is fabulous news for Rockville.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Old Line Bank makes big move into Rockville (Photos)

The Upton luxury apartment building has a second retail tenant to add to World of Beer - Old Line Bank is coming to its ground floor. But Old Line has bigger plans for Rockville. The bank is opening a second branch down the road at 1801 Rockville Pike. Old Line has received a permit from the City of Rockville for interior renovations at that latter space.

Future Old Line Bank space
at 1801 Rockville Pike


Bowie-based Old Line has up until now served Prince George's and Charles Counties in Maryland. In entering Montgomery County, it joins Carroll Community Bank as a new entry in an increasingly-competitive banking market.