A permit valued at more than $500,000 has been issued for Arby’s to begin construction at its future Derwood location in the Red Mill Shops.
Arby’s is taking over the former McDonald’s space at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road. The restaurant previously told The MoCoShow that it hoped to begin construction after Labor Day and open before the end of 2026, though the timeline was subject to change.
Crews began clearing out the former McDonald’s space over the summer in preparation for construction. Arby’s had signed a lease for the longtime drive-thru restaurant shortly before McDonald’s permanently closed on March 15 after serving the community for decades. “Coming Soon” signage was later installed on the building.
The site has a long history as a fast-food location in Derwood. Before McDonald’s, the building housed both Roy Rogers and Hardee’s. Built in 1985, it has remained a fixture along Muncaster Mill Road for more than 40 years.
The new restaurant will mark Arby’s return to Montgomery County. With the construction permit now issued, the project has cleared another significant step toward opening. Arby’s previously targeted an opening before the end of the year, but an updated opening date has not been announced.
