Chocolate Moonshine relocating at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

There have been rumors among employees in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall recently that a chocolate shop would be filling the vacant 7-Eleven space. But signage just installed over the storefront indicates it's existing tenant Chocolate Moonshine that will be replacing the short-lived convenience store. Chocolate Moonshine abruptly closed in its current spot earlier this month, but now it turns out it won't be leaving the mall after all. 

Chocolate Moonshine's existing location, as
seen closed during business hours on April 7

This isn't the first time Chocolate Moonshine has closed for a spell at the mall without explanation. But it's managed to survive longer than many other tenants; in fact, it is nearing a decade in business here, a major accomplishment in business-hostile Montgomery County. The gluten-free, organic chocolatier first opened at Montgomery Mall in October 2016.

Tattooed man steals women's apparel in Rockville

A tattooed man stole a "large quantity" of women's apparel from a store in Rockville, Rockville City police say. Around 6:17 PM on April 9, 2024, the adult male suspect allegedly fled a store in the 1600 block of Rockville Pike with a valuable haul of women's athletic apparel. Police describe the suspect as a White male with a thin build, 20 to 29 years of age, with a mustache and tattoos on his arms. If you have any information about this incident or the suspect, contact Rockville City police at 240-314-8900.

Mango opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Mango has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Barcelona-based fashion brand launched this latest Mediterranean-inspired store concept in 2021. But the company, which manufacturers apparel for men and women, was founded in 1984 by brothers Isak Andic and Nahman Andic. Look for Mango's 11th American store on Level 1 of the mall, across from Shoe Charms.

"Go, go Gadget coat!"

Teso Life Japanese Super Store "coming soon" to Rockville

Teso Life, the "Japanese Super Store," is "coming soon" to Rockville, according to signage posted at its future storefront at 1701 Rockville Pike. The chain features a variety of imported Japanese goods, including groceries, toys and collectibles, housewares, beauty and health products, and kitchenware. If this sounds familiar, it's likely because Teso Life's similarly-named competitor, Ebisu Life, already opened a store on Rockville Pike two years ago. 

The addition of Teso Life bolsters a new era for the Shops at Congressional Village, which is shifting to align itself with the booming Asian business sector in Rockville. As Rockville finds itself vying to be the ultimate destination for Asian cuisine in the Washington, D.C. area, the retail property has leased several spaces to new Asian restaurants. When it opens, look for Teso Life next to 7-Eleven.

Talbots closing at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Talbots is closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Large signs announcing the pending closure were posted in the now-empty display windows of the store Thursday evening. Talbots opened here in June 2014, a refugee from White Flint Mall. The women's apparel chain's Village of Cross Keys location near Baltimore closed January 6, 2024. That store was much older than the Bethesda Talbots, opening there in 1996, and had existed even before then at a previous location.

Police respond to assault at Rockville office building

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at an office building Wednesday afternoon, April 17, 2024. The assault was reported at an office in the 800 block of Rockville Pike at 3:24 PM Wednesday. 

Windows smashed on 21 vehicles on one Rockville street

Two thieves smashed the windows of 21 vehicles parked on one Rockville street on the morning of April 13, 2024, Rockville City police say. The two unidentified suspects were carrying flashlights along the 200 block of Congressional Lane at 4:20 AM Saturday. They proceeded to smash the windows on three dozen cars, and rummage through the interiors, police allege. 

Among items reported stolen from the vehicles were cash, ID cards, credit cards, and a small travel purse. No physical description of the suspects has been released. If you have any information about this incident or the two suspects, contact Rockville City police at 240-314-8900.