Dash-In Food Stores has submitted a concept plan to develop a new location at 15700 Shady Grove Road in the former Red Lobster space in Gaithersburg (across the street from Rockville). The project aims to demolish an existing 6,000 SF building and construct a convenience store, car wash, and gas station that will include modern hybrid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
The news, reported by Maryland Newsletters, comes months after rumors that included a potential Olive Garden restaurant and a high-end Japanese steakhouse coming to the location. Dash-In has been a staple in the Mid-Atlantic region for over 40 years, beginning in 1979 as a family-owned convenience store chain. Currently, Dash-In has one Montgomery County location at 11150 New Hampshire Ave in White Oak. Originally known for being one of the first convenience stores in Maryland to offer a fresh food program with items like fried chicken and potato wedges, Dash-In has since evolved.
The company is part of the Wills Group, a prominent business in the region. Today, Dash-In focuses on providing an “elevated” convenience store experience with a modern store layout and a menu of high-quality, made-to-order food. Its locations across Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware emphasize good food, quality fuel, and community engagement. If approved, this would be its first Montgomery County location.
In May 2024, the two Red Lobster restaurants in Montgomery County. located in Gaithersburg on Shady Grove Road and Downtown Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue, abruptly closed their doors. The closures were part of a broader, nationwide shutdown of dozens of locations. Following the closures, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Fortunately for the brand, Red Lobster has since successfully exited bankruptcy. In September 2024, a court-approved plan allowed the company to be acquired by a new entity, RL Investor Holdings LLC. Under new leadership, Red Lobster has outlined a long-term investment strategy to revive the brand, which includes a commitment of over $60 million.