Below is a list of businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon to Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda:
Coming Soon: Subway
Subway is set to open in the former space of J. Chow’s, which closed in December 2023. With nearly 37,000 locations worldwide, Subway is one of the largest restaurant chains globally. In 2021, a Subway-inspired eatery called Big Al’s briefly operated in the mall but closed after just six months.
Coming Soon: Thai Express
Thai Express is set to open soon at the dining terrace, taking over the space formerly occupied by Ruby Thai Kitchen, which closed on January 1. Thai Express is expected to open shortly after a quick remodel.
Coming Soon: UNIQLO
UNIQLO is known for their “high-quality, made for all” clothing and is expected to open in mid-2025, per Westfield. The store has current Montgomery County locations in Pike & Rose and Downtown Silver Spring. According to a report by Robert Dyer, the store will be located on the upper level in the space previously occupied by Express, which closed over the summer. Founded in Yamaguchi, Japan, in 1949 as a textiles manufacturer, UNIQLO has since grown into a global brand with over 1,000 stores worldwide, dedicated to quality and innovative textiles.
Temporarily Closed: Kapow Buddy
Kapow Buddy has temporarily closed following a fire on December 23. The fire, caused by a commercial water heater, was quickly extinguished by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, with no injuries reported.
In a statement, the restaurant announced the closure, citing damage to its water heater and electric panel, and noted plans for repairs, though the reopening date is uncertain. Having been open for only two months, Kapow Buddy expressed gratitude for the community’s support and pledged to return stronger.
New: Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch and Abercrombie Kids reopened in November, following the closure of their previous location in January 2021. Abercrombie is best known for their casual clothing, jeans, and fragrances. There are nearby locations in Tysons Corner and Leesburg, VA.
New: Akira
Chicago-based women’s clothing store Akira is now open the space that was recently occupied by Alex Baby & Toy. Known for its fashion-forward style, Akira is currently offering doorbuster deals, including 50% off select items. The brand has additional nearby locations in Arlington, VA, and Columbia, MD.
According to Akira, “AKIRA first opened in 2002 as a single Women’s Clothing boutique in the trendy Bucktown/ Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago and is owned by Eric Hsueh, Erikka Wang, Sarah Hughes, and Gordon Liao. Over the years, AKIRA has expanded to over 30 stores, its E-Commerce Website, and Wholesale. AKIRA now has stores in over 12 states with more on the way and offers a full line of Women’s Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories.”
New: Capsule Galaxy
Capsule Galaxy is now open on the mall’s lower level, next to the Lego Store. The store features gachapon (also called capsule toys), a type of vending machine-dispensed toy popular in Japan, known for its fun, collectible nature. The term “gachapon” comes from the sound the machine makes—gacha (the crank) and pon (the toy dropping into the tray).
New: Carters
Carter’s is now open on the mall’s lower level, next to American Eagle. According to its website, “Carter’s is the leading brand of baby & kids clothing in the United States. Our designs are based on a heritage of quality and innovation that has earned us the trust of generations. Little Baby Basics, the original bodysuit and America’s Favorite Jammies are just a few of the iconic products parents count on to make their lives easier. And with sizes and styles to fit babies, toddlers and kids – thanks to our newly expanded Carter’s KID™collection – Carter’s delivers quality clothing to handle everything from that first night at home to first days at school.”
Carter’s has additional Montgomery County locations in Clarks, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
New: Ǝ.mbrace Ur Greatness
Embrace Ur Greatness is now open on the lower level of the mall, across from Yogi Berry. According to its Instagram page, the clothing company is “looking to spark self belief through the form of merchandise.”
New: Falafel Inc
The DC-based quick-service chain Falafel Inc is now open in the space recently vacated by Butter Chicken House, next to Chick-Fil-A. Its menu includes falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides like Zaatar fries and Tabouli salad. Partnering with the World Food Programme, Falafel Inc supports refugee assistance worldwide. Branded as “the world’s first falafel fast-casual food social enterprise franchise,” it promotes an “Eat For Good” mission, serving authentic, all-natural, freshly made vegetarian dishes. The restaurant also operates in multiple locations across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and New Jersey.
New: Fashion Q
A new women’s discount clothing store, Fashion Q, is open on the mall’s lower level, next to Macy’s. Q has another Montgomery County location at Westfield Wheaton Mall, which opened this past spring.
New: Kokee Tea
Kokee Tea kiosk is now open on the lower level near Macy’s. The menu features a variety of milk teas, fruit teas, and “cold clouds” made with cold brew coffee. This new location will join existing nearby cafes in Wheaton and Urbana.
“Kokee Tea fosters a sense of positivity by crafting delicious tea and creating a vibrant, welcoming café experience. We’re dedicated to building a strong community with our customers and partners, spreading a wave of happiness with each cup,” the company shared.
New: Merlo
Merlo Furniture Designs is now open in the space previously occupied by Talbots, on the mall’s lower level. Merlo is a boutique store offering a selection of European furniture, decor, and art, featuring a range of styles and personalized design consultation services. Merlo has an additional location at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, VA.
New: Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors
Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors is now open on the lower level, across from the Cheesecake Factory. The shop is being launched by Peter and Lisa Lim, who also own Montgomery Custom Tailors, located nearby on the lower level near the escalator to the food court, close to Lucky Strike. The Lims opened their first store at Annapolis Mall in 1983 and have been at Montgomery Mall for 25 years, since 1998. Both locations will remain open.
New: Tory Burch
Tory Burch is now open on the mall’s upper level. The luxury women’s brand, known for its shoes, handbags, accessories, jewelry, and watches. Founded in New York City in 2004, Tory Burch has redefined American luxury with a global perspective, aiming to empower women and women entrepreneurs, according to the company’s website. Tory Burch also has a nearby outlet store at Clarksburg Premium Outlets.
