Below is a list of restaurants and businesses that are coming soon or recently opened in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront:
New: Silver Diner Pergola– Silver Diner opened its new 1,581 square-foot pergola for outdoor dining at Silver Diner RIO (9811 Washingtonian Blvd in Gaithersburg) in June. The structure now features a louvered roof and walls equipped with a retracting window and roof system. Additional information here.
Coming Soon: Spirit Halloween– Halloween enthusiasts in Gaithersburg can rejoice as Spirit Halloween is set to return to the Rio Lakefront. The seasonal retailer will once again be taking over the former Pier 1 Imports space at 30 Grand Corner Avenue, bringing its vast selection of costumes, decorations, and spooky animatronics back to the popular destination. The Rio location is one of several for the retailer in the area. “Opening Soon” signage has also appeared at the former Party City location in Westfield Wheaton (11160 Veirs Mill Rd). Additionally, the company’s website confirms a new store will be opening at 1683 Rockville Pike in Congressional Plaza.
Coming Soon: Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen– Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen has signed on to open a new restaurant at Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront. It will be taking over the space that was home to Bach to Rock at 212 Boardwalk Place. The restaurant has a Naples, Florida location that opened in February of 2018 and has garnered a 4.6/5 Google rating on over 900 reviews as well as a 4.4 rating on Yelp with over 300 reviews. Rio has shared that the restaurant is known for its authentic Lebanese flavors” and “brings a taste of the Mediterranean to our vibrant dining scene. From savory shawarma to fresh mezze, their menu is packed with rich traditions and bold flavors!”
Coming Soon: Koi Sushi– Koi Sushi will be taking the vacant space between Chipotle and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls.
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.
Opened in 2024:
- Han Spot: Han Spot, the latest restaurant from restaurateur Chris Zhu, (Han Palace Georgetown, Woodley Park, Tysons Corner & Barracks Row, Live K, Ginza BBQ Lounge and Karaoke Spot and China Garden), opened on August 9th. The restaurant is located in the former Union Jack’s space in the Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg (9811 Washingtonian Center and menu items will include Cantonese Dim Sum, Peking Duck other popular dishes from Han Palace & China Garden.
- Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls: Annapolis-based Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has opened its first Montgomery County at 201A Boardwalk Place in August. The menu consists of lobster rolls, lobster (or shrimp) salads, lobster BLT, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese, potato salad, lobster bisque, and more are all part of the fast-casual restaurant’s menu. The rolls go for $21 with an option to upgrade to the “Bar Harbor” for $27 dollars total, which adds “50% more lobster & tail.” You also have the option to make it a combo, which adds a beverage and side of your choice. The soups, which include lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, and shrimp & sausage gumbo, go for $6 for a cup or $8 for a bowl. The lobster Mac & Cheese is $17 and the lobster grilled cheese is $16.
- TOUS Les JOURS– TOUS Les JOURS opened at 1 Grand Corner Ave in December. It is located in the space that was previously occupied by Corner Bakery, which closed back in February after nearly 25 years in business. The French-Asian Bakery features a variety of breads, pastries, and cakes that are baked in-store daily, as well as a wide selection of coffee/espresso based drinks and teas.
- The Barge Dining Pier at Copper Canyon– Copper Canyon unveiled its dining pier last September. Customers can access the pier via two gangways attached to the existing boardwalk and there are approximately a dozen tables that can seat four diners each on the barge. The section above the waterline and below the floor level is cladded with cedar wood planks. Additional information here.