Several notable changes and updates have unfolded across Olney and immediately surrounding areas in recent months, ranging from long-awaited reopenings to new restaurants preparing to move in.
The Greene Turtle in Olney has shared an update on its rebuilding efforts after a driver struck the restaurant in late December, causing significant damage and a gas leak that forced a temporary closure. The restaurant says it is now officially under reconstruction and moving forward, adding that the encouragement and support from customers, neighbors, and the community has meant a great deal during the process. Additional updates are expected as work continues and plans for reopening come into focus. More here.
A longtime local tradition is also making its return. Sherwood High School’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival is back for its 54th show, continuing a legacy that began in 1971. The only year without a live performance was 2020 due to COVID-19, when the show was produced virtually. This year’s performances are scheduled for March 6, 7, 13, and 14 with evening shows beginning at 7:30pm, along with afternoon performances at 2pm on March 8 and 15. More here.
On the development front, a $350,000 permit has been approved for Bubbakoo’s Burritos, clearing the way for interior construction at its upcoming Olney location near Roots Market. The fast-casual chain is expected to move forward with buildout in the coming weeks. More here.
There has also been a leadership change at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, which has named Sal Gorgone as its new head football coach. The move signals a new chapter for one of the country’s most recognizable high school football programs while maintaining continuity within the Falcon Football tradition. More here.
Not all the news has been additions. The Five Guys restaurant at 3333 Olney Sandy Spring Road has officially closed after years as a familiar stop for local families, students, and commuters. The restaurant permanently closed at the end of business on Sunday, December 7. A sign posted at the location reassured customers that Five Guys does not plan to leave the Olney community entirely, suggesting a future return in a different space. More here.
StretchLab’s Olney location has permanently closed after operating for roughly a year, despite online listings indicating a temporary shutdown. The assisted-stretching studio was located at 18304 Village Center Drive in Olney Village Center, between HomeGoods and TJ Maxx, in a space previously occupied by Sally Beauty Supply and, before that, Sunburst Tanning. Although the location is currently listed on Google as “temporarily closed” with a January 1 reopening date that never occurred, a call placed to the studio on Sunday evening reached a recorded voicemail confirming the Olney location officially closed on November 30 and directing customers to StretchLab’s Kentlands location in Gaithersburg for continued services.
Another new restaurant is on the way to Olney Village Center. Chicken Salad Chick is expanding in Maryland and plans to open a new location at 18209 Village Center Drive, next to Hallmark, in the space previously occupied by a karate studio. Co-owner Carrie Tydings says the team is excited to bring the concept to Olney and is currently targeting a late spring opening as construction approaches. More here.
Rounding out the recent changes, a Montgomery County landmark returned in late October. The Olney Ale House reopened following a full rebuild and renovation after a devastating 2019 fire. The restaurant, which has existed in some form since 1924, had been closed for six years before welcoming customers back through its doors.
