Bethesda Row is set to welcome a new major retailer as Sephora has secured a permit for a significant $1 million fitout. The new store will occupy the 6,718 SF space at 7271 Woodmont Avenue, which was most recently home to Chef José Andrés’ Spanish Diner.
The Spanish Diner, a restaurant known for its Spanish-style comfort food, closed its doors on Wednesday, February 5th. It had opened in the spring of 2021, taking over the space that was previously occupied by another of Andrés’s restaurants, Jaleo. Following the closure, new signage has appeared, confirming the rumors that Sephora would be the new tenant.
The $1 million permit, first reported by Maryland Newsletters, signals a substantial investment in the space’s transformation from a restaurant to a modern retail environment. The fitout will involve a complete overhaul of the interior, including the removal of all kitchen equipment and the installation of fixtures and displays typical of a Sephora store. This marks a new direction for the property owner, Federal Realty, which appears to be leaning more towards retail tenants over new dining establishments in recent years at the Bethesda Row development.
This new Bethesda Row location will be joining existing stores at Montgomery Mall and Pike & Rose. The company also operates a store at The Shops at Wisconsin Place in nearby Chevy Chase. Despite the new addition, these existing locations are not expected to be affected by the opening of the Bethesda Row store, which is anticipated to open in 2026.