After a bit of a rough patch with the closure of Old Town Pour House in late 2023 and Paladar in mid-2024, Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg is gearing up for a busy fall and winter with several new businesses (including three new restaurants) on the way and the return of a popular local festival.
The second annual Crowntoberfest craft beer and music festival will take place on Saturday, October 4 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Crown Park. Hosted by Downtown Crown Wine & Beer and local musicians Kenny & Joel, the event will feature live music throughout the day, food from Taco Bar, and a wide selection of beer. Last year’s event drew more than 500 attendees. Additional information can be found here.
Rowan, a piercing studio with all of its piercings performed by licensed nurses, is opening a new location in Gaithersburg’s Downtown Crown. This will be the studio’s third Maryland location after opening its first in Bethesda and second in Annapolis. Rowan offers different styles of ear piercings including, hoops, studs, charms, threaders, cuffs, and others. Rowan will be moving into the vacant space between Ideal Image and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, but an opening date is not yet available. Additional information can be found here.
Sixty Vines, a restaurant known for its vineyard-inspired cuisine and extensive wine-on-tap program, is preparing to open its first Maryland location at 212 Ellington Blvd. The new restaurant is expected to debut in mid-October in the former Pour House space. The menu includes shareable boards, small plates, pizzas, pastas, and entrées such as braised pork pappardelle, rainbow trout, and filet mignon. The brand already operates locations in Washington, D.C., and Reston, Virginia. Additional information can be found here.
Taco Bar El Güero, a longtime Gaithersburg favorite that began inside a gas station on Fields Road, is relocating to 200 Ellington Blvd. The family-owned restaurant will rebrand as El Güero Mexicano, but owners say the menu and prices will remain the same. The new location will feature the return of the salsa bar, expanded breakfast offerings, and a tequila-focused cocktail program. A liquor license hearing is scheduled for October 2, with the opening expected later that month. Additional information can be found here.
Also coming to Downtown Crown is The Crêpe Shoppe, a Gaithersburg-based business known for serving sweet and savory crêpes at local farmers markets. Signage is now up at 202 Ellington Blvd., next door to the new El Güero Mexicano. An opening date for the business’s first brick-and-mortar location has not yet been announced. Additional information can be found here.
