Below is a list of businesses that are new or coming soon to Gaithersburg’s Rio.
NEW: Tiki Bar & Grill
“Just in time for summer, your newest tropical escape awaits!” The Tiki Bar and Grill at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center (9751 Washingtonian Blvd), overlooking the Rio lakefront, opened on May 2nd. The new bar is open from 5 to 9pm every Tuesday through Thursday, offering classic tiki cocktails like the Blue Hawaiian and Mai Tai. Additionally, Tiki Bar serves Polynesian-inspired dishes such as Coconut Shrimp and Poke Bowls.
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION: 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 recent 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!”
COMING SOON: 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). In June, the restaurant had its liquor license hearing with the Montgomery County ABS.
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.
COMING SOON: 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.
COMING SOON: 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
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.
RECENTLY CLOSED: Bach 2 Rock
Bach to Rock at 212 Boardwalk Place has relocated to 112 Market St. in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands. Bach to Rock specializes in music lessons for kids, teens and adults. “Our experienced instructors use our tried and true B2R Method to teach students to play the music they enjoy most. B2R students see results quickly, motivating them to continue learning. We offer lessons for beginners & pros alike. Whether you are just picking up your first guitar or you’re already playing Bach on the piano, we have the perfect lessons for you.”
