Below is a list of businesses that have recently opened, or are set to open in Germantown, MD:
- Sakura Go is coming to 20940-B Frederick Road in the Neelsville Village Center in the former home of BGR, short for “Burgers Grilled Right,” which closed in January. According to the restaurant’s website, Sakura Go will offer a menu of hibachi dishes, poke bowls, and pho, blending Japanese and Vietnamese flavors with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, along with online ordering and catering options. Sakura Go currently has locations at 8839 Branch Ave in Clinton, MD and 10562 Campus Way S in Kettering, MD.
- Kusshi Sushi has signed on to take over the former Zane Japanese Eatery space next to Beers and Cheers in Germantown. The space previously housed Indian Bistro and EN Asian Bistro and Sushi. Kusshi first made its debut in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose in 2018, where it quickly developed a loyal following for its high-quality sushi, inventive rolls, and stylish, casual atmosphere. The concept’s success has fueled rapid growth throughout the region, including openings in Bethesda (in the former Hanaro space), Rockville Town Square, and Downtown Silver Spring, among other DC-area locations. This will be the first upcounty location in Montgomery County.
- The drive-thru Dunkin’ at the Fox Chapel Shopping Center (19781 Frederick Rd.) is reopening soon, and the closure that sparked questions from local residents is only temporary. A sign posted at the location confirms the Dunkin’ is closed for a remodel, with plans to reopen once renovations are complete. Several readers reached out after noticing the closure, concerned the popular drive-thru spot might be gone for good, but the work is part of an upgrade rather than a permanent shutdown. During the remodel, customers are being directed to nearby Dunkin’ locations, including the Clarksburg store at 22610 Newcut Road. The Fox Chapel update comes as Dunkin’ continues a broader expansion across Montgomery County.
- Authentic African Restaurant, which first opened in June 2024 at 13075 Wisteria Drive in Germantown Plaza, has completed a full renovation and rebranding and is now operating as DONO Authentic Restaurant and Lounge. According to the restaurant, the refreshed space features a modernized lounge, expanded services, and new event capabilities, including catering and private bookings. DONO will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant also notes that its Happy Hour offerings now include a live DJ with Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Go-Go, and other music genres.
- Dollar Tree is coming to the former Staples store at 20906 Frederick Road. Dollar Tree, a company known for its value-oriented merchandise, has been actively growing its footprint in the area. The new Germantown store will add to its presence in Montgomery County, where the company has been moving into larger retail spaces to accommodate a wider selection of goods. Dollar Tree recently began construction on its upcoming store at 11130 New Hampshire Avenue in White Oak. We’ve previously reported on the company’s growth in our area, including the recent opening of a Dollar Tree in Cloverly Town Centerin April 2025, in a space that was formerly a karate studio. Additionally, a new Dollar Tree store opened last year in North Bethesda, and another new location recently arrived in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg.
- Marco’s Pizza has signed a new three-unit franchise agreement to open locations in Montgomery County, led by cousins Sri Masabathula and Sasi Vaddi under SS Brothers Pizza, LLC. The first location is expected to open ib Germantown within 12 months, with two additional stores planned over the following two years, though the exact locations have not yet been announced. According to Marcos, Masabathula got his start in the industry delivering pizzas for Papa John’s, always dreamed of owning his own pizza franchise. While he briefly pivoted to a career in IT, he quickly realized that his passion and long-term vision lived in the community connections of the pizza business.
