Here’s a rundown of recently opened and upcoming restaurants and businesses in Gaithersburg, MD:
Chef Ngee Kitchen
Chef Ngee Kitchen is coming to 18523 N. Frederick Ave. in the Gaithersburg S.C. shopping center. The restaurant and bakery will be located below the All African Food Store and is expected to open this summer. Gaithersburg S.C. is home to Bruster’s Ice Cream, Corner Pizza, and Pho Nom Nom. The shopping center was also once home to Hechinger, the hardware store that once had over 130 locations in the Mid-Atlantic.
Copper Canyon Dining Pier on the Lake
Construction is underway on Copper Canyon Grill’s 1,012 square foot covered dining pier to be located on the RIO Lake. Access to the outdoor dining area/pier will be via two gangways attached to the existing boardwalk. The plan is for the dining pier, referred to as an annex barge by Copper Canyon Grill, to be ready “just in time for the warmer months.” Renderings of the pier, as well as a photo of the construction can be seen below.
Per Copper Canyon: “Our Gaithersburg location is undergoing some exciting renovations! Pretty soon you’ll be able to enjoy all your Copper Canyon favorites right on the water. We regret that the view from our patio will be obstructed while we improve your dining experience, but the main restaurant is still open and operating normally in the meantime and we can’t wait to serve you!”
DMV Empanadas
Coming soon signage is up for DMV Empanadas, at 560 N. Frederick Ave. (recently Kogi Grill) in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center. DMV Empanadas is relocating from its previous location at 113 E Diamond Ave in Olde Towne Gaithersburg, which closed in December. The restaurant features over 25 flavors of empanadas, including bacon & cheese, cheeseburger, and Old Bay shrimp.
Additional info, per the restaurant’s website: “Welcome to DMV Empanadas, your number one source for delicious empanadas in Gaithersburg, MD and the surrounding area. Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, our menu features an extensive list of empanadas and other Latin American food items for any time of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a shrimp empanada or a pork empanada, DMV Empanadas has it all!
Han Spot
Coming soon signage is up for Han Spot. The restaurant will be located in the space that was previously home to Union Jack’s until June 2020. Han Spot is being opened by Chris Zhu, owner of popular dim sum restaurants China Garden (Rockville) and Han Palace (Tysons, Woodley Park, Barracks Row). Construction began a few months back with the previous interior being removed and now the restaurant is working on constructing the new space.
Zhu made the initial announcement via social media in May, “Another milestone. New baby from Han Palace coming to Rio Gaithersburg. Next to AMC theater & Guapo’s.” One of Zhu’s other restaurants, Han Palace, offers an all-day dim sum menu. Scallops, shrimp, pork/crab dumplings, rice rolls, barbecue pork buns, lobster sticky rice, Han-style filet mignon, and Peking duck are included on the Han Palace menu. An opening timeframe is not yet available, we anticipate a mid to late 2024 opening being a likely scenario.
Kong Dog
Kong Dog, a restaurant that offers Korean corn dogs, will open its second Montgomery County location in Gaithersburg a couple years after opening its first location in the Glenmont shopping center. Kong Dog will be taking over 12141 Darnestown Rd at the Shops at Potomac Valley shopping center- the space that was the longtime home to Neal’s Bagels before it moved to the Kentlands neighborhood last summer. Kong Dog has been opening up restaurants across across the country and has upcoming nearby locations in Georgetown and Arlington.
The menu can be seen on the restaurant’s website, and offers unique corn dog combinations that include churro kong dogs, rainbow kong dogs (made with Fruity Pebbles or something similar), ramen kong dogs, and a lot more.
NOW OPEN: La Caleta Peruvian Restaurant
La Caleta Peruvian Restaurant is now open at 9627 Lost Knife Rd in the Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center in Gaithersburg. The restaurant is located in the space previously occupied by El Carbonazo. Menu items include ceviche and lomo saltado (full menu below).
Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center is also home to B2J Fish Soup, BLT Grill, H-Mart, Hook & Reel, Los Amigos, and the upcoming Nori Japan.
NOW OPEN: Locally Crafted
Locally Crafted is now open 9 Grand Corner Ave. in Gaithersburg’s Rio. The store was previously located at 201 Boardwalk Place.
About Locally Crafted: “Locally Crafted is a community space where artists can showcase their unique products. Customers will experience seeing the items in person, rather than through an online store, giving them the opportunity to feel and see the quality in person. Locally Crafted appeals to customers who value unique items and prefer supporting makers from their own community over national corporate big chain stores.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
In November, we let you know that Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is coming to 201 Boardwalk Place in Gaithersburg’s Rio Lakefront. Construction recently began at the space (photo below). It will be taking over the space that is currently the temporary home of Locally Crafted and was previously home Joseph A. Bank. An opening timeframe is not yet available, but a summer or fall opening is possible if construction progresses in the coming months.
Lobster rolls, lobster (or shrimp) salads, lobster BLT, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese, potato salad, lobster bisque, clam chowder, and more are all part of the fast-casual restaurant’s menu. Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has been rapidly expanding since opening its flagship Annapolis, Md., location in 2014. The fast-casual franchise has made lobster-lovers out of seafood fans by opening additional locations in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., Washington state, Texas, Virginia, and more. For more information, please visit Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls site.
Mayan Monkey Brewing Co.
After quite a bit of time without movement, the space at 227 E. Diamond Ave. has been sold to the owners of local establishments Taco Bar El Guero (Rio area), Ixtapalapa (Gaithersburg) and La Gula Mexicana (Germantown). The former site of Growlers and Summit Station Brewery will soon be home to Mayan Monkey Brewing Co., which will be a new concept from the group. They do plan to brew their own beer, but tell us that it takes 3-4 months to get their brewers license from the state.
Mayan Monkey Brewing Co. will be serving a mixed menu of Mexican and American food (pretzels, Burgers). Live music will continue in the upstairs portion of the space, and the downstairs area will include full-service dining. An opening date is not yet available.
NOW OPEN: Naz’s Halal
Naz’s Halal is now open at at 522 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg. The restaurant is located in the space of the recently closed Halal Guys in the Gaithersburg Square shopping. Naz’s Halal offers sandwiches, gyros, wings, salads, burgers, rice platters, and more. The first location outside of New York was also in MoCo, at the Burtonsville Town Center, next to Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The restaurant has since opened additional MoCo locations in Germantown, Rockville, Takoma Park, and White Oak.
NOW OPEN: Peter Chang
Peter Chang Gaithersburg at 637 N Frederick Ave held its grand opening in April. The restaurant is located in the space previously occupied by Ichiban Restaurant, which closed in September 2021 after 35 years in business.
Peter Chang serves tapas-style dishes, dim sum, and signature items that include Chengdu Garlic Steamed Pork Belly, Hot & Numbing Stone Pot Flounder, Shredded Tofu Skin Salad, and Steamed Pork Soup Dumplings. The restaurant is currently operating with limited hours but will be open Monday through Thursday, 11am-9pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am-10pm; and Sunday, 11am-9pm beginning the 18th.
Plaza Mexico
Plaza Mexico, which has two locations in Frederick, has signed on to open a rooftop restaurant and bar at the upcoming North Pointe at Flower Hill, a new 16,000 SF retail and restaurant center located at 18251 Flower Hill Way in Gaithersburg. North Pointe is located behind Gentleman Jim’s, which is a sister property to this project and other Flower Hill properties.
According to it’s website, “For years, Plaza Mexico Restaurants have been serving up all your Mexican food favorites all day long. When you’re craving quesadillas, nachos piled high with all your favorite toppings, or sweet and crispy churros to complete your meal, we have you covered. Your taste buds will be delighted and your stomach will be nice and full of our hearty food prepared fresh that day. We invite you to visit our family restaurant with your own family. Our colorful décor and fun atmosphere makes visiting our restaurant a treat every time. Whether you indulge in our delicious Mexican food or have a cold cerveza or margarita at the bar, you’re sure to enjoy your experience from the moment you walk through the door.”
NOW OPEN: Potomac Cookie Co.
Potomac Cookie Co., is now open at 109A Market St in the Kentlands Square shopping center. According to the owners, “we started our business during the pandemic with the goal of serving cookie lovers of all ages by providing an elevated cookie experience. As our local cookie deliveries increased, the calls for a physical store location grew louder. Thus, we embarked on a project to build our first storefront!” Potomac Cookie Co. also offers fresh coffee and teas.
Prime IV Hydration and Wellness
Prime IV Hydration and Wellness has signed on to take the last remaining vacant location in the new Kentlands paseo, between Vine Alley and Neal’s Bagels.Prime IV offers treatments And IV infusions provided by medically licensed staff to help with hydration, athletic performance, anti-aging, hangover recovery, weight management, immunity boosts, altitude sickness, jet lag recovery, and more. Prime IV opened its first Montgomery County location at 4923 Elm Street Bethesda, the former home of arts & crafts shop All Fired Up. They have plans to open additional Montgomery County locations in North Bethesda and Olney.
Photo Courtesy Prime IV Hydration and Wellness
Quincy’s Clubhouse
Back in June we reported that Quincy’s has officially signed a lease to bring its new concept, Quincy’s Club House, to 245 Kentlands Blvd. The country club style restaurant, bar, and golf venue will be taking over the location that was recently home to Not Your Average Joe’s. Fans of the original Quincy’s, located just a couple miles away at 616 Quince Orchard Rd, will be happy to hear that there is no current plan to close the existing bar and grille and that ownership believes both restaurant are sustainable due to the difference in concepts.
Quincy’s was approached by a golf professional who will run the golf-side of things. TrackMan, is the system that will be used for golf games, lessons, practice, and more. It will allow also for leagues that would provide customers with the experience of playing against people all across the world or country. Existing venues like Five Iron Golf (nearby locations in Baltimore and DC and many more across the country) have similar offerings on the golf-side and Quincy’s Club House will allow you to play against their members as well.
Non-golfers need not worry, as Quincy’s Club House will also be home to a full-service restaurant and bar. The restaurant will offer a full-service breakfast during the week and a “heavy brunch” on weekends. New cocktails and higher end wine will also be available through the bar in addition to the regular drink menu. A deli featuring Boar’s Head items will be available and the dinner menu will offer a variety of steak, seafood, pastas and more.
Leagues, memberships, and even club-fittings and private lessons will be a part of the offerings. A private simulator area for businesses and other organizations to participate in team-building activities or hold special events will also be available. Each of the simulators will have couches, tvs (so you can watch games or even talk to people you’re playing against) and the ability to choose between a driving range, or simulated course from across the world. An opening timeframe has not yet been announced.
Taco De Birria
According to a listing by retail property management company JLL, Taco De Birria is coming to 14 Bureau Dr in the Diamond Square shopping center in Gaithersburg. The restaurant will be located in the space previously occupied by Rooh Bistro, which opened and closed in 2020. Construction on Tacos de Birria does not appear to have begun and will provide an update when we have additional information.
NOW OPEN: TACOnMADRE
Taqueria Los Primos, which has a popular restaurant located on the 2nd floor of La Union Mall in Hyattsville MD (Prince George’s County), has opened its food truck known as TACOnMADRE at 16210 S. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg. “Exciting News Alert! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new food truck! Get ready, Gaithersburg MD, because we’re bringing all your favorites from Taqueria los primos en la union mall straight to your neighborhood streets!”
Tokyo Hibachi (Formerly Nori Japan in Lakeforest Mall)
In January 2023, we reported that Nori Japan, one of the last remaining tenants at Lakeforest Mall, had announced that it would be opening a new location across from the former mall at 9615 Lost Knife Rd in the Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center. The restaurant will be named Tokyo Hibachi and will be located in the space that was previously occupied by Wok Express.
According to a Facebook post by the owner, Tokyo Hibachi is now expected to open in mid-June: “Hello my friends I am the boss of nori japan from lake forest mall we are moving to the new address TOKYO HIBACHI 9615 lost knife rd Gaithersburg 20877 we have encountered some problems but we should be ready in the middle of June we will keep everyone posted and the 1st month grand opening we will give 10% off to all customers please share with your family and friends hope to see you guys soon thanks have a nice day”
TOUS les JOURS
Coming soon signage is up for TOUS les JOURS, a French-Asian bakery that will be taking over the space previously occupied by Corner Bakery in Rio. Corner Bakery closed back on February 22nd after nearly 25 years in business at the location.
Last year, TOUS les JOURS opened a location inside of New Grand Mart (13069 Wisteria Dr) in Germantown. The majority of TOUS les JOURS are independently owned and operated and the Germantown and upcoming Gaithersburg location are not affiliated. 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. There is no word yet on when the bakery plans to open.
Courtesy @touslesjoursusa on Instagram
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe has also signed on to open a new location in the upcoming North Pointe at Flower Hill shopping center. Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers fresh made smoothies, flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas, sandwiches, and bowls. The chain has additional Montgomery County locations in Aspen Hill , Bethesda, Burtonsville, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville, and White Oak. The news of Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s new Gaithersburg location was first reported by Robert Dyer.
Whip Clean Car Wash
‘Whip Clean’ Car Wash is coming to Gaithersburg’s Festival at Muddy Branch shopping center. The car wash will be built right off of Muddy Branch Rd, across from the existing Lotte Market, and next to the existing Best Friends Pet Resort. Whip Clean opened its first location at 1956 Crain Hwy in Bowie in May 2017. According to its Facebook, the car wash is looking to open this location in Gaithersburg and an additional location in Severn, MD. According to its website, Whip Clean offers memberships ranging from $45-$84 monthly.
