Xi’an Famous Foods has announced that its first Maryland location will hold a public soft opening from November 10-15 at Montrose Crossing in Rockville. The New York-based Chinese fast-casual chain will offer 20% off during the six-day soft opening period.
The restaurant, located at 12031 Rockville Pike, will occupy a 1,718 SF space next to RASA and Five Guys, taking over the former Boardroom Salon location. Ahead of the public soft opening, Xi’an Famous Foods will host a limited friends and neighbors preview from November 6-8 for which attendance is limited and available by confirmed reservation only.
Xi’an Famous Foods was founded in late 2005 as a 200 SF basement stall inside Flushing’s Golden Shopping Mall in Queens, New York. The family-owned company introduced American diners to the cuisine of Xi’an, a historic city in western China, and has since expanded to more than 20 locations throughout New York City. The chain also gained national recognition after the late Anthony Bourdain praised its bold flavors and hand-pulled noodles.
The menu features traditional western Chinese dishes based on family recipes, including Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles, Stewed Pork Burgers, Liang Pi Cold Skin Noodles, and Spicy and Sour Lamb Dumplings.
The Rockville restaurant marks the company’s first company-owned location in Maryland and represents a significant expansion beyond its established New York City market. When the Maryland expansion was first announced, CEO Jason Wang said the company hoped to open the Rockville location by mid-2026. Construction continued throughout the summer and fall, with a $100,000 interior construction permit issued in July.
