OTC Bar & Grille will close its longtime Olde Towne Gaithersburg location today, Sunday, November 15, ahead of a planned move to Bethesda in 2027.
The family-owned restaurant at 226 E. Diamond Avenue announced in October that a change in ownership of the property would prevent it from continuing operations at the location.
“We’re sad to leave the place that has been our home for so long. Because of a change in ownership, we’re unable to continue our business here. But our story isn’t over,” the family shared.
The same family has operated the restaurant since 2000. Previously known as Diamond Fountain Cafe and Olde Towne Cafe, the business reopened as OTC Bar & Grille in 2022 after expanding into the neighboring former Diamond Drugs storefront.
The property’s history dates to 1893, when Dr. Elisha C. Etchison purchased the northwest corner of Diamond and Summit Avenues from John B. Diamond and opened a drugstore. The site continued serving as a neighborhood pharmacy through multiple ownership changes before eventually becoming home to the restaurant.
The owners have signed a lease for a new Bethesda location and plan to reopen in late spring or early summer 2027. An exact address has not yet been announced.
The family also plans to host a soft opening for longtime customers at the future Bethesda location and has encouraged regulars to contact the restaurant about receiving an invitation.
