Below are updates on several businesses coming soon to Gaithersburg’s Rio.
COMING SOON: Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
According to representatives on-site, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls at 201 Boardwalk Place aims to open the weekend of August 9. Mason’s is taking over the space formerly occupied by Joseph A. Bank.
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.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Copper Canyon Dining Pier on the Lake
Construction is progressing on Copper Canyon Grill’s 1,012-square-foot covered dining pier on the Rio Lake. Access to the outdoor dining area 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 open by the end of summer. Recent photos 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: TOUS les JOURS
Coming soon and now hiring 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.
COMING SOON: Han Spot
Permanent signage is up at Han Spot, the new dim sum restaurant that’s coming to the space that was previously home to Union Jack’s until June 2020 (9811 Washingtonian Blvd).
The restaurant is being opened by Chris Zhu, owner of popular dim sum restaurants China Garden (Rockville) and Han Palace (Tysons, Woodley Park, Barracks Row). 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.
Earlier this summer Han Spot had its beer, wine, and liquor license hearing with Montgomery County’s Alcoholic Beverage Services and the restaurant has been hiring staff over the past several months. We will post an update once opening information becomes available.
RECENTLY OPENED: 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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