Restaurants Opening in MoCo in 2024

Over 125 new restaurants opened in Montgomery County in 2023 and below you’ll find a list of restaurants that are scheduled to open in 2024.

Authentic African Restaurant- Germantown
The owners of African International Market in Germantown (13011 Wisteria Dr) and Gaithersburg are opening a new restaurant in Germantown that will be called ‘Authentic African Restaurant.’ It will be located in Germantown Plaza, in the same shopping center as the first African International Market. An opening date is not yet available.

Bagels & Grinds- Potomac
Bagels & Grinds is coming to 9812 Falls Road in the Potomac Village shopping center. The New York-style bagel spot will be located in the space that was previously occupied by The Potomac Village Deli. Bagels & Grinds is owned by Adam and Courtney Greenberg, owners of Potomac Pizza and the recently acquired Hunter’s Bar and Grill,  both of which are also located in Potomac Village and is expected to open mid-2024.
“The arrival of Bagels ‘n Grinds to the Potomac Village will fill a longtime void for a grab-and-go breakfast and lunch option. Bagels ‘n Grinds offers a menu featuring nineteen bagel flavors, nine different spreads, omelet-style bagel sandwiches, salads, soups, “baginis,” and traditional sandwiches. Bagels ‘n Grinds also features a 28-foot beverage station stocked with brewed coffee, iced coffee, iced tea, soda, and a full espresso and frozen drink menu at the counter.”

Bouboulina- North Bethesda
Bouboulina, a new full-service American grill influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, will take 3,080 square feet on the street level of 915 Meeting at Pike & Rose. The restaurant, which is being opened by the founders of CAVA, will feature a wood fired grill, premium steak cuts, fresh seafood and house baked breads with Mediterranean influences that celebrate the founders’ heritage and roots. Construction will begin winter 2024. Additional information: Ted Xenohristos, Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ike Grigoropoulos are behind Bouboulina, the team’s third restaurant at Pike & Rose, that joins a collection of popular and award-winning dining choices available in the neighborhood.  Melina, which opened in 2021, is name after Dimitri’s daughter and is located on the street level of 909 Rose near the group’s first restaurant, French Mediterranean concept, Julii, which opened in 2018. The partners are also the co-founders of CAVA, the Mediterranean fast-casual concept, which is publicly held.

The restaurant is named for Bouboulina, who commanded her own fleet and private army during the Greek War of Independence and became the first woman in world naval history to become an Admiral. The restaurant will feature a wood fired grill, premium steak cuts, fresh seafood and house baked breads with Mediterranean influences that celebrate the founders’ heritage and roots.

Brio’s Chicken- Bethesda
Brio’s Chicken has announced it will open a location at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda. The restaurant will be located in the space previously occupied by Tara Thai, which closed this past spring.  Menu items at Brio’s will includes Peruvian charbroiled chicken, empanadas, paninis, steaks, and seafood. Brio’s plans to be open daily from 8am-9pm and will offer Sunday brunch (full menu below.) No opening timeframe has been announced.


Buena Onda Baja Taqueria – Rockville
Buena Onda Baja Taqueria is coming to 12107 Rockville Pike, the former home of Avail Vape/Kure CBD & Vape, in the Pike Center shopping center (home to TGI Friday’s), according to Kimco. The restaurant is a José Garces creation. Garces is an Ecuadorian-American chef, born in Chicago to Ecuadorian parents. He won in the second season of The Next Iron Chef and also defeated Bobby Flay in Iron Chef America. According to the restaurant website, Buena Onda, celebrity chef Jose Garces’ Baja-inspired taqueria is more than a fast casual taqueria, it’s a mindset. In Spanish, Buena Onda means “Good Vibes”. In a world full of fast casual options, Buena Onda offers a unique, casual Baja taqueria  experience for guests with an appealing menu, friendly service, and laid-back beach bum decor.

The Clarks Lodge – Clarksburg
Construction began in November at The Clarks Lodge Bar & Grill– the restaurant that signed on to move into the old GrillMarx space at 12011 Snowden Farm Pkwy in Clarksburg. The Clarks Lodge is owned by the same restaurant group behind The Creek Lodge, which opened at 5566 Norbeck Rd in October 2022, as well as Brews & Barrels in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood. The menu is expected to be similar to that of The Creek Lodge and feature a selection of steaks, seafood, pasta, and a full bar. GrillMarx Clarksburg, which in recent years was not affiliated with the other GrillMarx locations in Olney and Columbia, opened in 2013 and closed this past June. The Clarks Lodge is hoping to open in early February and is currently hiring for all positions at www.clarkslodge.com

DMV Empanadas- Gaithersburg
DMV Empanadas, a regular at local farmer’s markets, recently closed its location at 113 E Diamond Ave in Olde Towne Gaithersburg and has announced it will be opening its new location “very soon” at 560 N. Frederick Ave. (recently Kogi Grill) in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center. Additional info, per the restaurant’s website: “Welcome to DMV Empanadas, your number one source for delicious empanadas in Gaithersburg, MD and the surrounding area. Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, our menu features an extensive list of empanadas and other Latin American food items for any time of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a shrimp empanada or a pork empanada, DMV Empanadas has it all!

Dok Khao Thai Eatery- Chevy Chase
Dok Khao Thai Eatery is coming to Montgomery County, signing on to move into a new space in Chevy Chase Lake, next to The Charmery (opening on Friday) off of Connecticut Ave in Chevy Chase.  Dok Thai Thai Eatery opened its first location in Woodbridge, VA, followed by a second in the Merriweather District in Downtown Columbia, which is coincidentally also located to a relatively new location of The Charmery. Only a few spots remain available at Chevy Chase Lake, which is anchored by Amazon Fresh.

The restaurant describes itself as a “Local Thai Cuisine for everyone – every dish is crafty made to order using high quality ingredients including locally made fresh noodles, chef’s home grown Thai herbs, & Rare-Finds Asian vegetables.” The menu includes “Deliciously addictive Street Food & Noodles, Sense of Thai craft cocktails, and homemade cakes and an Asian Inspired Dessert Bar . At Dok Khao Thai Eatery, we brought to you the breeze of a Bangkok Night Market and the taste of real Thai street food with a variety of Thai small plates, healthy salads, & hearty noodle soups.” An opening date/timeframe is not yet available. Featured photo courtesy of the Dok Khao website.

Dunkin’- Six locations across MoCo
Dunkin’ has been making a big push lately in Montgomery County, with new locations at the Layhill Center (14328 Layhill Rd) in Silver Spring and in the Goshen Crossing Shopping Center in Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village, where it has taken over the former Capital One Bank building at 20000 Goshen Rd.  Last December, we let you know that Dunkin’ is continuing its massive expansion across the country and within MoCo, and there are currently six locations in the works:

• Dunkin’ will be taking over 1,500 SF in the back half of the building that was previously home to Capital One Bank building at 9761 Traville Gateway Drive in Rockville. The location will also have a drive-thru. 1,700 SF on the front side of the building is still available to lease and has also received a facelift since its days as a bank. Crews have been working on both the interior and exterior of the space, with a projected opening timeframe of late 2023/early 2024.
• A new Dunkin’ is coming to 2 Wisconsin Circle, the Chevy Chase Metro building in Chevy Chase. It is slated to take over suite 100, which was recently home to Karin’s Cafe (currently listed as temporarily closed on Google). According to the rendering for the new location (seen below), it appears that it will have electronic ordering boards and a walk-up window for customers to pick up their orders.
• Dunkin’ will soon be joining the Giant gas station/grocery pick-up center at 8500 Connecticut Avenue for a second upcoming location in Chevy Chase. There are plans to convert part of the existing building to a Dunkin’, but it does not appear that this location will have a drive-thru. Opening dates for both Chevy Chase locations are not yet available.
• Dunkin’ has also submitted a site plan proposing to turn an existing building at 17700 Muncaster Rd. (off of Muncaster Mill Rd.) into a new Dunkin’ location in Derwood, Luis Group confirmed today. The proposed restaurant would be 2,500SF and there is no word yet on if it will include a drive-thru.
• Dunkin’ will be taking over the space that was previously home to $2.49 Cleaners, at 12196 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton-Glenmont, on the same block as Trippy’s Tacos and Seafood in the Buff and near Popeyes. An opening timeframe is not yet available for the store, but it appears the store will have a drive-thru (or at least a walk-up window) based on the renderings.
• Dunkin’ will be moving in will be moving in to 8455 Fenton St, taking over an empty retail space on the ground level of the Central Silver Spring apartment complex. An opening timeframe is not yet available for the store, but construction has not yet started.

EggMania- Gaithersburg
Permanent signage is up at EggMania (385 Muddy Branch Rd), which is taking over the space formerly occupied by Curry Place, next to Indian Bazaar in Gaithersburg. The menu consists of egg-centric Indian street food, including a masala omelet, egg curry, and Goti Fry (sliced boiled eggs cooked with ginger, garlic and chili and topped with American cheese and onion-tomato based gravy). EggMania currently has franchises in several states and is currently opening new locations throughout the U.S. The restaurant had its hearing for a beer/wine/liquor license with the Montgomery County ABS back in July.

The restaurant tells us, “There’s lots of misconception when it comes to “EggMania”. In American culture eggs based dishes are primarily used during breakfast whereas in popular Indian street food culture, eggs based dishes are made for entrees and served during lunch / dinner and full menu items, not just breakfast. EggMania is not breakfast place. Hope to serve the community and bring this delicious food options for our MoCo residents and surrounding very soon…!!” The restaurant is expected to open in January.

Firehouse Subs- Wheaton 
Firehouse Subs will open its third Montgomery County location when the new restaurant opens in the Wheaton Mall food court. An exact date is not available, but the space is now closed off with Firehouse Subs signage posted while construction begins behind the wall. Firehouse Subs has current MoCo locations in Germantown (19851 Century Blvd) and Rockville (28 Upper Rock Circle). Firehouse Subs was founded by two former firefighting brothers in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994. Firehouse Subs is all about hearty portions, premium ingredients, and delicious recipes, with a commitment to saving lives through raising funds to support local public safety organizations. To date, more than $80 million has been awarded to first responders and public safety organizations in the U.S. and Canada.

Fruit N Boba Tea- Rockville
Fruit N Boba Tea, a shop that specializes in making fruit tea with fresh fruit, bubble tea with imported ingredients from Taiwan, smoothies made with fresh fruit and all natural sweeteners, as well as non-dairy frozen yogurt, is coming to King Farm. Danny Rubin of WashUrban tells us the new shop will be taking over the vacant soace located next to Montgomery County’s last remaining Baja Fresh, at 302 King Farm Blvd. Ste. 130. Construction is expected to begin soon in preparation for an opening later in 2024.

Hangry Joe’s- Germantown
Hangry Joe’s is moving into 19730 Germantown Rd in the Shops at Germantown shopping center, according to the development’s leasing website.It will be located on the strip next to the Safeway, in the space that was previously home to Center Cleaners, between Acqua Nails and Thrive Pet Healthcare. Construction has not yet begun and an opening date is not available, but we expect a mid-2024 opening.

Hangry Joe’s in know for its hot chicken sandwiches, known as the “Chicken Sando”, and allows guests to choose the spice level of the fried chicken (Plain<Mild<Medium<Hot<Angry Hot). The menu also consists of chicken fingers, chicken & waffles, wraps, nuggets, loaded fries, and salads. Sides include cider slaw, waffle fries, and fried okra. Hangry Joe’s has additional Montgomery County locations in Wheaton (2533 Ennals Ave), Rockville (718-B Rockville Pike and 10050 Darnestown Rd.), and recently opened Montgomery Village (19290 Montgomery Village Ave.).

Han Spot- Gaithersburg
Back in May we let you know that the owner of popular dim sum restaurants China Garden (Rockville) and Han Palace (Tysons, Woodley Park, Barracks Row) announced that she is bringing a new restaurant to Rio– taking over the space that was previously home to Union Jack’s until June 2020. It has now been confirmed by Rio that the restaurant will be known as Han Spot. Construction recently began on the interior of the restaurant, with much of the previous interior being removed (photo below).

Zhu made the initial announcement via social media in May, “Another milestone. New baby from Han Palace coming to Rio Gaithersburg. Next to AMC theater & Guapo’s.” One of Zhu’s other restaurants, Han Palace, offers an all-day dim sum menu. Scallops, shrimp, pork/crab dumplings, rice rolls, barbecue pork buns, lobster sticky rice, Han-style filet mignon, and Peking duck are included on the Han Palace menu. An opening timeframe is not yet available, we anticipate a mid to late 2024 opening being a likely scenario.

Luna Hall- Rockville 
Luna Hall has signed on to move into one of the vacant spaces in the Pike Center (the shopping center that’s the longtime home of TGI Friday’s), according to Kimco. The location is listed as taking is the former CiCi’s Pizza spot. Luna Hall tells us that in addition to Rockville, Luna Hall also has new branches on the horizon in Tyson’s and Ellicott City, but that Rockville’s Luna Hall will be their “premier location.” The Rockville location will offer Hot Pot and Korean BBQ at Top Pot KBBQ, and food court with ten offerings, including Dumpling District, Kung Fu Tea, TKK Fried Chicken, Pollo Aria, Buena Onda by renowned Iron Chef Jose Garces, Mala Pot, Ramen, Kebob, a dessert spot, and a bakery. An opening date is not yet available.

Marathon Deli- Kensington
Marathon Deli, a staple of College Park and life at the University of Maryland for decades, has signed on to open a new location at the upcoming Kensington Crossing shopping center on the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Plyers Mill Rd. Known for its specials, like its $6 gyros on Mondays, $6 steak and cheese on Tuesdays, and $6 chicken parm subs on Wednesdays, Marathon offers a variety of Greek specialities, subs, pizza, and more. Construction began earlier this year at Kensington Crossing at 10619 Connecticut Avenue (at Plyers Mill Road). Since plans were approved, Kensington Crossing has also signed M&T Bank, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, and Mezeh for the upcoming shopping center. More about Marathon Deli below:

“Originally from the beautiful Ionian island of Greece Lefkada, the owner/chef of Marathon Deli ,George Soldatos has more than 25 years of experience in the food industry and he is bringing the love and uniqueness of the Greek cuisine back in  College Park, Maryland. As a family – owned business we see our customers as family as well, and every Gyro  is served with care and love. We value quality, freshness and authenticity more than anything. Marathon Deli offers several Greek Specialties which are all made in – house from the finest ingredients available. We are pleased to be part of College Park for over 30 years and to be voted the “Best Gyro” in the area! We appreciate your patronage and hope to see you soon! Thank you! George & Maria”

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls- Gaithersburg
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is coming to 201 Boardwalk Pl, taking over the space that is currently the temporary home of Locally Crafted and was previously home Joseph A. Bank. Lobster rolls, lobster (or shrimp) salads, lobster BLT, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese, potato salad, lobster bisque, clam chowder, and more are all part of the fast-casual restaurant’s menu. Construction has not yet started and an opening date is not yet available. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has been rapidly expanding since opening its flagship Annapolis, Md., location in 2014. The fast-casual franchise has made lobster-lovers out of seafood fans by opening additional locations in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., Washington state, Texas, Virginia, and more. For more information, please visit Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls site.

Mojitos Bar & Grill- Gaithersburg
Signage is up for Mojitos Bar & Grill at 8035-D Snouffer School Rd in Gaithersburg. The restaurant is taking over the space that was recently home to Moonlight Sports Bar and previously Buffalo Wings & Beer. Mojitos is having its liquor license hearing on January 4, 2024. We will provide additional information when it becomes available.

Nori Japan- Gaithersburg
Construction is ongoing at Nori Japan (9615 Lost Knife Rd) in Gaithersburg. Back in January we let you know that the restaurant, which was one of the last remaining tenants at Lakeforest Mall, would be opening a new location across from the mall in the Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center, taking over the space that was previously occupied by Wok Express. We’re told the delay in construction was permit related. No opening date has been announced. Montgomery Village Crossing is also home to B2J Fish Soup, BLT Grill, Copacabana Bakery, Hook & Reel, and Los Amigos Mexican.

No Regrets Pizza- North Bethesda 
Coming soon signage is up for No Regrets Pizza Co. at 5454 Nicholson Lane, on the lower level of the  Harwood Flats apartment building in North Bethesda. We’re told the restaurant will offer both artisan New York and Roman Al Teglia-style pizzas. According to No Regrets, they will serve both pizzas by the slice or whole for lunch and then switch to full wait service for dinner, serving full pies along with homemade pasta and desserts. No Regrets also plans to have a “high-end craft cocktail” bar that will carry several Montgomery County brewed beers. The current estimated opening date is around March 1st.  We will post an update when additional information is available.

Olney Alehouse- OlneyBack in March we let you know that the 100-year old building that is home to the Olney Ale House was sold to Two Sibs LLC, led by Selim Kantar, for $1.45 million. Olney Ale House, located at 2000 Olney Sandy Spring Rd (Rt. 108 and Doctor Bird Rd.), operated in the space until a kitchen fire caused the restaurant to shut down in 2019. We spoke with new owner Selim Kantar today, who told us that they are still chipping away and anticipate a late spring/early summer 2024 opening. Photos taken of the restaurant’s exterior on Wednesday, November 29 can be seen below.

Outback Steakhouse- Silver Spring
“Coming soon” and “now hiring” signage is up at the upcoming Outback Steakhouse location at Ellsworth Place in Downtown Silver Spring. The Australian-themed casual dining chain will be located in the space that was previously home to Not Your Average Joe’s at 8661 Colesville Rd. The restaurant is expected to open in early 2024 and will be the chain’s third Montgomery County location, joining existing restaurants in Aspen Hill and Germantown.

While Outback Steakhouse is an international chain, one of the founders has strong local ties. Chris T. Sullivan, one of the founders of Outback Steakhouse, is a Blair High School alumnus. Sullivan attended the school, and Takoma Park Middle School before that, in the 60s before heading to the University of Kentucky to study business and economics. After graduating in 1972, he became a restaurant manager at Steak & Ale before opening the first Outback with his partners in 1988. He and the other co-founders saw the chain expand to over 900 restaurants worldwide and grow to include Carrabba’s, Bonefish, and several other hospitality-related businesses. He has previously been CEO and president of OSI Restaurant Partners (the restaurant group he founded) and is currently a board member at Bloomin’ Brands.

Featured image courtesy of @ellsworthplacesilverspring on Instagram.

Peter Chang
Peter Chang is coming to 637 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg, the former location of Ichiban Restaurant. Ichiban closed in September 2021 after 35 years in business. Chef Peter Chang’s signature dishes include Boneless Whole Fish, Dry Fried Eggplant, Crispy Pork Belly, Cilantro Lime Fish, Duck In Stone Pot, and Beef in Sichuan Chili.  Peter Chang opened its Rockville location at 20A Maryland Ave in 2016, and Q by Peter Chang opened at 4500 East-West Hwy in Bethesda in 2017. The restaurant is hoping to open by the beginning of February 2024.

Pisco Y Nazca Gastrobar- Bethesda
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar is coming to 7401 Woodmont Ave, according to a Biz Journals report. It will be taking over the space that was home to Cesco Osteria for a decade until it closed earlier this year. The space was also previously home to national chain McCormick & Schmick’s until the restaurant closed in the summer of 2011. According to the report, Pisco y Nazca will be taking about 5,500 square feet of the space vacated by Cesco Osteria, though Chevy Chase Land has broken up some of the former restaurant’s space for an expanded lobby.

Pisco Y Nazca adds a “modern twist to Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by Peru’s top eateries, the new DC outpost serves up bold-flavored dishes, unique cocktails and a vast selection of local and international beers.” It is named for Pisca- A city located in the Ica region of Peru, known for its Peruvian grape brandy that shares the same name and Nazca- a desert town in the southern coast of Peru, famous for its mysterious Nazca Lines and also for its production of Pisco. Per the restaurant, “Entre Pisco Y Nazca translates to “The enjoyment of libations in a social setting.” The restaurant currently has nearby locations in D.C. and a Reston location that opened last month. The menu of the DC location can be seen here, and includes creative fusion dishes like Lomo Saltado sushi rolls. An opening timeframe is not yet available.

Pollo Campero- Bethesda  
Pollo Campero is coming to Westfield Montgomery’s dining terrace. It will be taking over the space recently occupied by Greek Aroma Grill. Menu items include fried and grilled chicken, empanadas, yuca, plantains, and flan.  According to signage, the restaurant is expected to open this winter. Pollo Campero has additional Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, and Wheaton. The fried chicken chain, which originated in Guatemala, opened its first location in 1971 and has grown to over 400 locations worldwide, including over 70 in the United States.

Potomac Cookie Co
Coming soon signage is up at Potomac Cookie Co. at 109A Market St in the Kentlands Square shopping center in Gaithersburg, near Moby Dick and the upcoming Poke Bros. Potomac Cookie Co. is known for its “giant size” 4oz cookies and flavors include Choco-delight, Da Fudge, Dorothy’s Slippers, Double Dutch,  Peebee ‘n’ Yay!, and S’more Love.

Quincy’s Clubhouse- Gaithersburg In June we let you know that Quincy’s officially signed a lease to bring its new concept, Quincy’s Club House, to 245 Kentlands Blvd. The country club style restaurant, bar, and golf venue will be taking over the location that was recently home to Not Your Average Joe’s. Fans of the original Quincy’s, located just a couple miles away at 616 Quince Orchard Rd, will be happy to hear that there is no current plan to close the existing bar and grille and that ownership believes both restaurant are sustainable due to the difference in concepts. Additional details on the new concept here.

Ramen Ya
Coming soon signage is up for Ramen Ya at 16822 Georgia Ave. in Olney. The Japanese noodle and dumpling house is taking over the space recently occupied by Loyal Companion, in the same shopping center as Roots Market and Sisters Sandwiches & Such. Ramen Ya imports its flour for noodles directly from Japan and uses a “top-of-the-line noodle machine” to make fresh noodles daily. Ramen Ya has an additional location at 7938 Crain Hwy S in Glen Burnie, MD. According to its website, “Our company has been in the food business for over a decade. From distributing premium seafood ingredients to restaurants, to opening sushi stations in high-end supermarkets, we now seek our own spaces to serve guests the best authentic Japanese ramen we can offer.” We will post an update when additional information becomes available.

Rooted3- Bethesda
Rooted3, a restaurant and market that refers to itself as the only restaurant in the DMV to provide a fully plant based and top 9 allergen-free menu, is opening this winter at 4916 Cordell Ave. in Bethesda. The restaurant/market is opening in the space that was the longtime home to Leahy Plumbing and has also been occupied by Pierre’s Restaurant and Fine Consigns. Rooted3 plans to open this winter, and is currently hiring for all positions and all shifts, via a recent social media posting. More below, from Rooted3:

“Rooted3 is a fast casual dining experience and market that caters to not only every person and their individual cravings and dietary needs, but also helps create a better future for our planet. We are introducing healthy food in a new way: as great tasting innovative fare that is worthy all on it’s own, while (bonus!) reducing our collective environmental footprint one bowl at a time. Rooted3 offers food you can feel fantastic about, in a space that is bright, fun, and brings a taste of Los Angeles to the DMV. With a brand new 50 foot mural in our cozy outdoor courtyard, and just completed buildout, Rooted3 is an exciting space that we can’t wait for you to enjoy! We are the only restaurant and market in the DMV that provides a fully plant based and top 9, allergen free menu. So whether you are plant based, gluten free, prefer to eat anti inflammatory, or are just looking to get a delicious meal, check us out this winter!”

Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream- Rockville
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream will open its third Montgomery County location in Rockville’s Fallsgrove Village Center. The ice cream shop, which was recently ranked #1 in “Mr. MoCo’s 15 Favorite Ice Cream Spots in MoCo” list, has two existing locations in Bethesda- The Wildwood Shop (10219 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814) and River Road Shop (5241 River Road Bethesda, MD 20816). Sarah’s Handmade aims to open its Fallsgrove location by mid-February.

Per the ice cream shop, “Sarah’s Handmade was created by a Bethesda mother-daughter team, Sarah and Annie Park. When Sarah retired in 2018, she suddenly found herself with time to indulge in her old hobbies. She began to experiment and create original ice cream recipes for her family, friends, and neighbors, fit for each occasion. Soon enough, she was receiving calls and orders from strangers for her handmade ice cream! With strong enthusiasm from friends and wide support from neighbors, Sarah and Annie decided to bring the homemade flavors to a River Road storefront in Bethesda. To stay true to Sarah’s commitment to the highest quality ice cream that she would “feel proud feeding my family,” Sarah uses only the best, local-whenever-possible ingredients and sticks to her small-batch, all-natural recipes.”

TCBY – Silver Spring
Coming soon signage is up for TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) at 8563 Fenton St in Silver Spring, according to a report by Source of the Spring. The frozen yogurt spot is opening in the space previously occupied by Smoothie King, which closed in 2022. Menu items include soft serve frozen yogurt, milkshakes, frozen coffee, and parfaits. TCBY had multiple locations in Montgomery County in the 80’s and 90’s.

“TCBY is the original and most well-known frozen yogurt brand, leading the market in nutrition, taste and product quality. Serving communities nationwide for 40 years, TCBY is a successful model that has fueled the growth of a thriving industry. TCBY, which currently has over 250 franchise locations worldwide, offers an extensive product line, with most yogurt flavors in varieties that are low in fat, nonfat, or no sugar added. TCBY launched its unique frozen yogurt classification “Super FroYo” in 2011, which is still the most nutritious frozen yogurt product available in the market, as well as was the first brand to market Greek Frozen Yogurt. Also based in Broomfield, Colorado, TCBY has been a frozen yogurt innovator from the day its first shop opened in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1981.”

Tequila Modern Mexican- Rockville 
Tequila Modern Mexican is coming to 11 N Washington Street in Rockville Town Center, the former location of Trapezaria. Tequila Modern Restaurant has additional location in Harrisonburg, VA and upcoming locations in Kansas and North Carolina. While an opening date has not been announced, the restaurant tells us its “almost ready.”

Torchy’s Tacos/Kura Revolving Sushi Bar- Rockville
In September we let you know that Torchy’s Tacos is coming to 12266 Rockville Pike in Federal Plaza, taking over part of the space that was recently home to Chuy’s and previously home to Ruby Tuesday (photos below). Kura Revolving Sushi Bar will be taking over the other part of the space, so this is kind of a two for one. Torchy’s Tacos, featuring “the most unique tacos, coveted queso and refreshing margaritas in the game, and the rotating Taco of the Month,” will open its first location in the DMV in 2024. The 3,961 square-foot restaurant will be located at 12266 Rockville Pike. With more than 115 locations across 14 states, Torchy’s Tacos serves tacos, sides, and drinks from scratch, made-to-order.

Wawa- Gaithersburg
Construction is almost complete at the site of Montgomery County’s first Wawa. The upcoming convenience store/gas station is located at the site of the old Becraft Antiques (405 S Frederick Ave.) on 355, across from Gaithersburg High School.  The store added job listings on its website for Customer Service Supervisor,  Team Supervisor (Overnights), and Customer Service Associate for the new location late this past summer and an opening timeframe of “December” was added to Wawa Gaithersburg’s Google listing. We have since received additional information stating that it’s more likely Wawa opens in January.