Arby’s has shared a new timeline for its long-awaited return to Montgomery County, saying construction at its future Derwood location is expected to begin after Labor Day with hopes of opening before the end of the year.
“We’re in permitting currently,” an Arby’s spokesperson told The MoCoShow. “We hope to begin construction after Labor Day and to be open before the end of the year. This is subject to change of course.”
The new restaurant will be located at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road in the Red Mill Shops shopping center, taking over the former McDonald’s building that permanently closed on March 15 after serving the community for decades. The update comes a couple months after “Coming Soon” signage was installed on the building, marking the latest visible sign that Arby’s was preparing to return to Montgomery County.
As previously reported, Arby’s signed a lease for the longtime drive-thru restaurant shortly before McDonald’s closed the location. Since then, the property has begun transitioning to its new tenant while the company works through the permitting process.
The site has a long history in the Derwood community. Before operating as a McDonald’s, the building previously housed both Roy Rogers and Hardee’s. Built in 1985, it has remained a fixture along Muncaster Mill Road for more than 40 years.
If the current timeline holds, construction would begin shortly after Labor Day, with Arby’s welcoming its first customers before the end of 2026. The company noted that both the construction schedule and opening date remain subject to change.
