Restaurants

Wheaton Mall Update: Openings, Closings, and Coming Soon (Summer 2024)

Below is a list of businesses that have recently opened, closed, or are coming soon to Wheaton Mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Rd.

Now Open: Sake Japanese Steak House
Sake Japanese Steak House is now open in the space previously occupied by Bar Louie. The restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and taking reservations. Its menu consists of a variety of appetizers, hibachi, sushi, and more.

According to its website, “Sake Japanese steakhouse is a fine restaurant that offers fresh and flavorful dishes of Japan. Our mission is clear: To be the best and truly authentic Japanese Steakhouse in MD. Aside from the exquisite food, decor and ambiance, patrons will have the opportunity to experience various traditions of Japan. Guests are guaranteed to have a unique and unforgettable experience. Sake Japanese Steakhouse is committed to providing the most pleasurable and an unique dining experience by igniting all of your senses.”

Sake currently has additional locations in Glen Burnie and Owings Mills in Maryland, and Woodbridge and Alexandria in Virginia. Featured photo courtesy of @sakejapanesesteakhouse_wheaton on instagram.

Coming Soon: Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero is coming to the Wheaton Mall food court. It will be taking over the space previously occupied by Moe’s Southwest Grill. Menu items include fried and grilled chicken, empanadas, yuca, plantains, and flan. No opening date has been announced.

Pollo Campero has additional Montgomery County locations in Bethesda (Montgomery Mall), Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, and Wheaton.

Now Open: WOW Games
WOW Games is now open on the mall’s lower level, near Hollister and Charlotte Russe. According to Westfield Wheaton, WOW Games specializes in “new and used games and systems, art, TCG cards, and gaming accessories.”


Now Open: Java Fresh Café
Java Fresh Café opened earlier this month in the food court. The kiosk serves hot and cold coffee, bubble tea, ice cream, frozen yogurt, pastries and smoothies. According to Westfield: “We are excited to welcome Java Fresh Café to our food court! Java Fresh brews up a wide range of cold and hot coffee drinks with a smooth finish. Pair your beverage with something from the bakery rack or even a scoop..or 2 of ice cream to complement the bold rich flavor of their fresh coffee. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with flavor and nutritional value you can order up a fruit bowl or smoothie to satiate your sweet tooth.”

Event: Back-to-School
MCPS is hosting its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the mall. The event is described as “a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the school system, and county programs and services. Enjoy family activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. There will also be an immunization clinic. Free bus shuttle transportation will be provided”

“Bring the whole family and enjoy free music, giveaways, and learn all about our school and county programs.” MCPS is offering free shuttle transportation from these high schools to the Back-to-School Fair:
– Gaithersburg
– Richard Montgomery
– Montgomery Blair
– Paint Branch
– John F. Kennedy
– Wheaton

Closed: Express
Fashion retailer Express announced in April that is was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and planned to close almost 100 of its locations, including the one at Wheaton Mall and Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Clarksburg Premium Outlets location remains open.  Click here to see a full list of all store closures.

Closed: rue21
In May, teen clothing retailer rue21 announced it had filed for bankruptcy for a third time and would be closing all of its locations. The Pennsylvania based company designed clothes that “appeal to people who desire, wish, or feel to be 21.” rue21 previously had a location in Wheaton Mall that closed in 2017 during its prior bankruptcy filing, before reopening in May 2022.

rue21 in 2022

Coming Soon: Divine Jewelers and Deluxe Gold & Diamonds
Coming soon signage is up for two new jewelers at Wheaton Mall: Divine Jewelers and Deluxe Gold & Diamonds. They will join Classic Diamond & Jewelry/Pandora, Gold Palace, Kay Jewelers, Paradise Jewelry Store, and Ruby Jewelers as gold/jewelry vendors in the mall. Opening dates have not been announced.