In this article, we take a look at five upcoming restaurants (and a bonus entertainment based business) that have generated the most buzz on our website and across our social media channels over the past couple of months. Based on views, likes, and shares, these are the five places, listed in alphabetical order, that readers can’t stop talking about.
Char’d (Pike & Rose): Coming soon signage is now up for Char’d at Pike & Rose, taking over the space at 11881 Grand Park Ave. that was previously home to BurgerFi for more than six years. The signage recently appeared on the storefront, and the restaurant tells The MoCoShow it is currently aiming for a late January to early February opening, pending final preparations. More here.
Flavor Hive (Rockville): Flavor Hive, the viral halal fusion brand co-founded by local social media creator Shihan Chowdhury and business partner Amgd Gende, is opening its first Maryland location in Rockville. Chowdhury, known online as “Chilipeppercooks,” is a Montgomery County native and Seneca Valley High School graduate, making the expansion a hometown milestone for the fast-growing concept. More here.
Maurizio’s (Potomac): A new Italian restaurant named Maurizio’s is set to open in Potomac in spring 2026, bringing a deeply personal concept to the former Renato’s restaurant space at 10120 River Road in the Potomac Village Shopping Center. The restaurant is named in honor of Maurizio Luise, the longtime director of operations for the Cava Mezze family of restaurants, who passed away unexpectedly in November. Luise played a central role in the group’s growth and day-to-day operations, overseeing a portfolio that includes Cava Mezze, Julii, Melina, and Bouboulina. More here.
Steeze Burger (Gaithersburg): Steeze Burger is moving closer to opening its first brick-and-mortar location, with a liquor license hearing scheduled before Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services on Thursday, February 19. The popular burger concept plans to open at 12141 Darnestown Road in the Shops at Potomac Valley shopping center, with a spring 2026 opening currently targeted. More here.
Xi’an Famous Foods (Rockville Pike): New York-based Xi’an Famous Foods is expanding to Maryland with a location in Montgomery County at 12031 Rockville Pike, just off one of the county’s busiest corridors. The restaurant will be the brand’s first company-owned location in Maryland and marks a significant expansion for the nationally recognized concept. More here.
Bonus– Round1 Bowling & Arcade (Wheaton): Round1 Bowling & Arcade is coming to Wheaton Mall with plans for a massive 49,000-square-foot entertainment complex. The project will bring one of the country’s fastest-growing bowling and arcade restaurant and bar concepts to Montgomery County. It will be Round1’s second Maryland location, following its opening at Towson Town Center in December 2019. More here.
