Construction is moving forward on a new Chipotle restaurant in Gaithersburg’s Walnut Hill shopping center.
On April 28, a permit was issued for construction of the shell building for the future Chipotle at 8950 N. Westland Drive. The former bank building that once occupied the site was demolished during the winter, and the early stages of vertical construction are now underway. An opening date has not yet been announced, though it is possible the restaurant could welcome customers sometime in 2026.
The project has been several years in the making. In August 2025, we reported that Chipotle planned to bring a new standalone location to the shopping center. The proposal officially moved forward in December 2025 when the City of Gaithersburg Planning Commission approved plans for the 2,385-square-foot restaurant, which will include a drive-thru pickup lane.
The restaurant is part of the ongoing transformation of the Walnut Hill Shopping Center, which has undergone significant changes over the past two years. ALDI opened at the center in July 2024, while a large mural by Baltimore street artist Nether was installed as part of efforts to refresh and revitalize the property. Since then, Concentra Urgent Care has opened, and additional projects including Lightbridge Academy, Inspire Nail Bar, and Sheetz are planned for the area.
The redevelopment also aligns with Montgomery County’s long-term transportation plans. A future Flash Bus Rapid Transit station is planned for the intersection of Route 355 and Westland Drive, bringing enhanced transit access to a corridor that continues to attract new investment and development.
