An update on Maryland’s first Kitchen Social as “Coming Soon” signage is now up at the future Downtown Crown location. Interior construction is expected to begin soon as the restaurant works towards a summer 2026 opening.
Kitchen Social is taking over the space formerly occupied by Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar at 203 Crown Park Avenue in Gaithersburg. The temporary signage went up on-site in recent weeks, marking the first major exterior sign of movement since the Ohio-based restaurant group signed its lease.
As previously reported, Paladar closed its Gaithersburg location in May 2024 after nearly a decade in the community, following the earlier closure of its North Bethesda restaurant in 2018. Kitchen Social will bring a modern American comfort food concept to the space, featuring a made-from-scratch menu and a lively, social atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for dishes such as house-made pretzels with cheese fondue, crispy Brussels sprouts, deviled eggs, short rib risotto, Korean BBQ salmon, Nashville hot chicken, and wood-grilled steaks, along with a full bar offering craft cocktails, local beer, and wine. The concept also emphasizes a community-focused vibe and an open-kitchen layout.
The Gaithersburg location will be Kitchen Social’s first in Maryland, adding the state to its growing footprint that spans the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, with another location also planned for Sarasota, Florida. With signage now in place, the Downtown Crown restaurant is officially targeting a summer 2026 debut.
