Here’s a list of restaurants and businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon to Gaithersburg’s Rio.
Now Open: Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
Annapolis-based Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls has opened its first Montgomery County location in the space that recently the temporary home of Locally Crafted, and previously home to Joseph A. Bank, at 201A Boardwalk Place.
The menu consists of lobster rolls, lobster (or shrimp) salads, lobster BLT, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese, potato salad, lobster bisque, and more are all part of the fast-casual restaurant’s menu. We have a video and pictures available below from our visit today. The restaurant is open from 11am-9pm daily.
The rolls go for $21 with an option to upgrade to the “Bar Harbor” for $27 dollars total, which adds “50% more lobster & tail.” You also have the option to make it a combo, which adds a beverage and side of your choice. The soups, which include lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, and shrimp & sausage gumbo, go for $6 for a cup or $8 for a bowl. The lobster Mac & Cheese is $17 and the lobster grilled cheese is $16.
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.
Now Open: Han Spot
Han Spot, the latest restaurant from restaurateur Chris Zhu, (Han Palace Georgetown, Woodley Park, Tysons Corner & Barracks Row, Live K, Ginza BBQ Lounge and Karaoke Spot and China Garden), opened on August 9th.
The restaurant is located in the former Union Jack’s space in the Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg (9811 Washingtonian Center and menu items will include Cantonese Dim Sum, Peking Duck other popular dishes from Han Palace & China Garden.
According to Han Spot, “in addition to all day Dim Sum, diners can choose from an a La Carte or Unlimited Tasting Menu, making it the first Unlimited Menu Tasting restaurant in the Gaithersburg area. The Unlimited Tasting Menu offers two options, one for $38 per person ($18 per child) and the second option for $48 per person ($25 per child). Option A features a selection of Dim Sum, Appetizers, Soups, Noodles/Rice and Dessert. Option B features all included in Option A, with the addition of Chef Recommended dishes like Han Style Peking Duck, MaPo Tofu and Sautéed Squid with XO Sauce. For an additional charge, special dishes like Braised Abalone with mushroom and Live Lobster, served with ginger & scallions, golden egg yolk and pan fried noodles are also available.
Daily brunch will feature All Day Bottomless Mimosas/Mai Tai’s/Lemon Drop Martinis, which are $20 per person. Happy Hour is offered Sunday through Friday from 3 pm – 7 pm and includes an array of cocktails, beers and wines by the glass. A comprehensive cocktail list is also offered, including soju, sake, creative cocktails and spirits. Late Night Karaoke, featuring a large LED screen, will be offered each night (10 pm – midnight Sunday – Thursday, 10 pm -1 am Fridays and Saturdays.)”
Now Open: Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween is now open at 30 Grand Corner Ave. in Gaithersburg’s Rio.
Spirit Halloween once again opened in the former Pier 1 Imports location in Rio in early August and has been stocking its Rockville store at 1519 Rockville Pike, in the space that was previously home to Bed Bath & Beyond. Spirit has since announced a third Montgomery County location at 13822 Georgia Avenue in the former Tuesday Morning location in Aspen Hill. The Rockville and Aspen Hill locations are expected to open in early September.
During the Halloween season, Spirit operates over 1,400 stores in North America. The Spirit Halloween website is open year-round, offering its in-store products online. The store usually open 30-60 days prior to Halloween.
Now Open: “The Barge” Dining Pier at Copper Canyon Grill
In April we let you know that Copper Canyon Grill was requesting approval for a 1,012 square foot covered dining pier to be located on the RIO Lake (100 Boardwalk Place). “The Barge” is now in its soft launch phase. A video can be seen below.
Cooper Canyon has four locations (all in Maryland) and offers “full-flavored, fresh American cuisine, served in a casual, energetic atmosphere.” Per the restaurant, “Located in the heart of Rio Shopping Center, Copper Canyon Grill features a spacious dining room and offers a variety of private dining experiences. Our four-season terrace overlooks the lake and lively boardwalk. Our scratch kitchen offers a variety of hearty salads and entrees, including our signature wood-fired rotisserie chicken and featured items prepared by our chef daily. Copper Canyon Grill is the only certified green restaurant in Gaithersburg, MD.”
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Coming Soon: TOUS les JOURS
Construction is currently ongoing at TOUS les JOURS, a French-Asian bakery that will be taking over the space previously occupied by Corner Bakery at 1 Grand Corner Ave. Corner Bakery closed back on February 22nd after nearly 25 years in business at the location. A representative from TOUR les JOURS tells us they plan to open in October.
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.
Per the bakery: “Since its launch in the United States in 2004, TOUS les JOURS has developed into a reputable bakery & café franchise, specializing in French-Asian-inspired baked goods, passionately made from the finest ingredients. TOUS les JOURS means “Every day” in French. As the name shows, the chain offers a wide range of baked goods – artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts, and handcrafted beverages – baked fresh in-store every day. The brand takes pride in sourcing and using carefully selected ingredients and promises to bring freshness and quality to its customers. TOUS les JOURS continues to expand and embrace innovation in all markets. With its franchising know-how and continuous support from the team, the brand is getting a lot of attention from people who are interested in setting up their own small businesses. Currently, there are more than 70 TOUS les JOURS stores in the U.S. and more than 1,650 stores all around the world. To learn more about TOUS les JOURS stores and their locations, please visit https://www.tljus.com”
Coming Soon: Koi Sushi
Koi Sushi will be taking the vacant space between Chipotle and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. We are currently working to find out information regarding any possible connection between the Koi Sushi restaurant moving into the space and any existing local eatery with Koi in its and will have an update on that for you soon.
