Here’s a look at the latest openings and upcoming projects at Rio in Gaithersburg.
- Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen is now open at 212 Boardwalk Place, taking over the former Bach to Rock space. Led by Chef Rachid, whose culinary roots trace back to Beirut, the restaurant serves Lebanese favorites including hummus, mezze, shawarma, falafel, grilled entrées and flatbreads. The menu also features Lebanese wines, cocktails, zero-proof drinks and desserts such as baklava and pistachio ice cream.
- Sip, a family-owned dirty soda and mocktail stand, recently opened next to Bear’s Shaved Ice near the carousel and playground, offering a menu of customizable dirty sodas, mocktails, energy drink mixes, sparkling water refreshers, and specialty beverages. Owned and operated by Mindy Merrill, Sip is the result of what she describes as a true family effort. Her husband, Tyler Merrill, helps with the business, while their teenage children, Cameron and Jane, assist with management and social media. Even their two younger children have played a role through extensive taste-testing duties. The family moved to Montgomery County in 2013 after spending time in Oregon, Utah, Alabama, Texas, and California. Mindy noted that their oldest child, who started kindergarten in Montgomery County, recently graduated from Quince Orchard High School. Mindy said the idea for Sip came after years of working from home in tax and financial services while raising four children. Once her youngest started kindergarten, she decided it was time to pursue something more ambitious.
- Orange Pocket, a new Japanese and Korean-inspired pop culture and lifestyle store is coming soon to 30 Grand Corner Ave. The shop will feature gashapon machines, claw machines, blind boxes, snacks, beauty products, collectibles, stationery, and home goods.
- The 4th Annual Taste of Rio will return to Rio in Gaithersburg this September, with this year’s event expanding into a 10-day celebration of the development’s dining scene. Taste of Rio will run from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 27, beginning with Rio Taste Week from September 18-26. The celebration will culminate with the annual Taste of Rio event on Sunday, September 27 from 2-6pm along the lakefront. Participating restaurants and eateries will offer chef-crafted menus, happy hour specials, signature cocktails, desserts, and other limited-time offers throughout the week. The event will feature tasting bites from Rio restaurants, handcrafted cocktails, live music, interactive entertainment, and waterfront activities. Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for guests to discover new restaurants while also enjoying favorites from throughout Rio. Participating restaurants will be announced, and advance ticket sales are expected to become available soon.
- Possibly Coming Soon: Peterson Cos. has requested schematic development plan approval for up to 500 multi-family residential units and 43,000 SF of retail uses in four buildings located throughout the Washingtonian Center at Rio in Gaithersburg. Additional information on the proposal can be found here.
