Restaurant

Gong Cha will be located at 1800 Rockville Pike, below the Galvan apartments, in the same shopping center as Safeway, Smashburger, and Urban Hot Pot.

A second Rockville location is expected to open in The Spot, an Asian food hall similar to Annandale’s The Block, that’s coming soon near Rockville Town Square.


Gaithersburg

In the mid-80s, Aris Mardirossian (currently Dan Snyder’s neighbor in Potomac), opened his convenience store named “6-Twelve,” based on the worldwide chain 7-Eleven (7,400 stores in North America with hundreds more across the world at the time).

By 1990, his Gaithersburg-based chain grew to 20 stores and there were rumors that he would be purchasing 600 7-Eleven stores in the DMV (the rumors were denied by 7-Eleven executives).


Bethesda

In the article we mentioned that a Frederick location will be opening soon. We spoke with the owner of the Frederick location and found out that he is a MoCo native.

Josh VerStandig was raised in Bethesda and Poolesville. He and his brother, Mac VerStandig, grew up in households that centered around family barbecues and cookouts. Josh tells me grilling and barbecue is in his blood, so when he found out Chaps was franchising it only made sense for them to get involved.


Clarksburg

It’s my understanding that everything has not been signed, but it’s very close.

Their current restaurant is located in Rock Creek Village Center in Rockville. Per their website, “It is a great option to share with the family, a place with delicious food. Our extensive menu offers a wide selection of Margaritas ranging from traditional to modern recipes, appealing to all tastes.”


Gaithersburg

​I’m told the plan is to open a location in Gaithersburg and one in Germantown. Corporate told me “We hope to be in Gaithersburg and Germantown one day soon,” but did not confirm the rumor. Management at the Rockville location told me “nothing has been confirmed.”


Gaithersburg

I spoke with a representative from the Rio Washingtonian Center this morning and was told that their leasing team is “speaking to a handful of restaurants for that space” and that there is nothing to share at this time.

Prior to Cafe Deluxe, the location was home to Hamburger Hamlet. Whether it’s Silver Diner or not, it seems we may find out who is moving in relatively soon.


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