Amici Miei Ristorante closes in Rockville

Patrons of Amici Miei Ristorante at 6 N. Washington Street in Rockville were surprised to hear that the longtime Italian favorite had permanently closed this past weekend. The restaurant announced the closure on social media, and in an email to customers. Owner Roberto Deias reports some good news, however: he and his staff will be relocating to Trattoria da Lina in Takoma Park on January 11, 2022.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich tests positive for Covid-19

The omicron wave has hit the top of government in Montgomery County. County Executive Marc Elrich (D) announced Saturday that he has tested positive for Covid-19. Elrich had received two doses of an RNA vaccine, and a booster, as had many victims of the omicron coronavirus variant in recent weeks. He credited those shots for his relatively mild symptoms so far.

"Just feeling tired," was Elrich's characterization of his condition as of yesterday. In a statement, he encouraged everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. Elrich said he is isolating, and will continue to execute his duties from home.

Aggravated assault at Derwood convenience store

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault at a convenience store in Derwood Thursday evening, December 30, 2021. The assault was reported at a store in the 15800 block of Frederick Road at 6:45 PM. There are two gas stations with convenience stores on that block - 7-Eleven and Marathon Gas.

Taylor Gourmet closes Rockville location

It seemed like only yesterday that Taylor Gourmet reopened its Rockville store at Pike & Rose. But it has now closed permanently. The timing is sad, because the store would likely have seen an increase in lunch sales from all of the new office workers relocating to Pike & Rose for Choice Hotels (which will have its own new office building), and for new 909 Rose office tenants Carl M. Freeman Companies, Prudential Financial, and ACA Group.

Boston Market returning to Rockville

Boston Market fans, rejoice. The all-American cuisine restaurant is returning to Rockville after closing its Loehmann's Plaza location two years ago. Boston Market will be in the Towne Plaza retail center at 12238 Rockville Pike. I can taste the mashed potatoes and cornbread now!

Rockville Burger King touts new restaurants Ripieno's Italian Bistro, JoJo's + dining room sneak peek (Photos)

One reason the major renovation of the Burger King on Shady Grove Road has taken so long may be the addition of other restaurants to the building, which is on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. New signage has been posted in the restaurant windows for Ripieno's Italian Bistro and JoJo's. Potomac Foods Group owns many restaurants across Maryland, including this Burger King.

PFG has already added a Ripieno's to the rear of its Ocean City Burger King restaurant. That location's pizza has been named to some Top 10 pizza lists since its opening there. Potomac Foods Group has operated Golden Corral restaurants in Maryland. One of its former Golden Corral locations in Salisbury is now....JoJo's Family Restaurant. The surf and turf photograph in the sign matches one on the JoJo's website.

The idea of adding two restaurants to this Burger King is not exactly brand new. PFG previously considered adding a Bojangles and a sub and salad shop to the Shady Grove location. The Bojangles was to replace the large play area at the front of the restaurant. 

There's still no reopening date announced, but it looks like opening day is getting closer. We now have our first look at the renovated interior. Furnishings now look a bit more upscale than the typical fast food dining room. There appears to be an outdoor dining patio space, as well.

Rockville's Century Distributors acquired by National Convenience Distributors

Century Distributors, a Rockville-based convenience store wholesaling business founded in 1976, has been acquired by National Convenience Distributors, NCD announced in a press release this morning. NCD is America's fourth-largest full line convenience store distributor. Century will become its own division of NCD, rather than be absorbed into the larger company.

“This opportunity to join NCD opens the door to even greater potential, Century VP of Operations David Sadugor said in a statement this morning. "We are confident this will be an overwhelming benefit and positively impact our retail customers and valued employees.” Century is located at 15710 Crabbs Branch Way.