Gyuzo Japanese BBQ closes at Rockville Town Square until Montgomery County indoor dining ban ends

The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved an executive order banning indoor dining yesterday. Interestingly, the Council did not put out a press release to trumpet their vote, a vote that angered many in the hospitality sector. In response, Gyuzo Japanese BBQ at Rockville Town Square was forced to immediately close for the duration of the ban, and to lay off employees ten days before Christmas. 

Due to the restaurant's concept of cooking food at your table, the impact is most severe at Gyuzo. Other restaurant tenants at RTS are soldiering on with tents and heaters, like Finnegan's Wake. Gyuzo is not alone in closing as a result of the indoor dining ban; Tastee Diner, a Bethesda institution for decades, also announced it was closing until the ban is lifted. That could potentially be spring at the earliest.

Maryland SHA treating MD 355 ahead of Wednesday snow event

A significant snowstorm approaching the northeast is expected to drop up to 3 inches of snow on Montgomery County Wednesday into Thursday. The key variable will be how much comes down as snow, and how much as rain. Maryland's State Highway Administration isn't taking any chances. Rockville Pike (MD 355) had already received a layer of deicing solution between Rockville and downtown Bethesda last night, 24 hours before the storm was even expected to arrive.

VisArts seeking rent relief from City of Rockville

 

VisArts, a visual arts 501(c)(3) non-profit, is seeking rent abatement from the City of Rockville. In a letter to the Mayor & Council on November 24, VisArts Executive Director Alice Nappy asked for rent forgiveness for the period of January 1 through June 30, 2021. Nappy wrote that the organization's revenue has plummeted, due to the inability to hold its normal classes and the local ban on large gatherings. In the latter case, VisArts has been unable to stage large events that would ordinarily bring in at least $350,000 a year alone.

Nappy wrote that VisArts has applied for all relief programs available, and has cut every possible cost. City staff are recommending approval of the rent relief. The Mayor and Council will take up the request at its virtual meeting tonight at 6:00 PM.

Armed robbery in Rockville

City of Rockville police responded to a report of an armed robbery Wednesday night. The robbery was reported at an apartment building in the 1000 block of Rockville Pike around 9:40 PM. According to crime data, the weapon used was not a firearm.

Potbelly trolls Panera Bread in Rockville Town Center

Panera Bread remains closed in the ground floor of the Upton/Cambria Suites building in Rockville Town Center. Neighboring sandwich shop Potbelly is having a little fun at its rival's expense, trolling for potential customers for its 199 E. Montgomery Avenue location a block away at Regal Row.

Directly under the "temporarily closed" message from Panera, Potbelly has taped its own message to sandwich seekers. "But Potbelly is just up the hill...mmmm....Mmmmm....MMMMMM....DELICIOUS!!"

Indecent exposure at Rockville laundromat

City of Rockville police responded to a report of indecent exposure at a Rockville laundromat yesterday afternoon. The incident occurred at a laundromat in the 2200 block of Veirs Mill Road around 5:00 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville construction update: Ansel Apartments (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress of the Ansel Apartments in Rockville Town Center. This is between E. Middle Lane and "Regal Row," on the former public parking lot site outside the Regal Cinemas. Duball, LLC is the developer, and Bozzuto will be the property manager. Delivery of Ansel is anticipated in the fall of 2021.