Business

“Shark Tank,” eat your heart out. In an eight-week program that ultimately led to an exciting finale reminiscent of the popular reality TV show, 30 teams of start-up businesses participated this fall in the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) Lab for Entrepreneurship and Transformative Leadership’s second “Equity Incubator” for minorities and women.

Five teams qualified to compete in the showcase at the conclusion of the program on December 8, with the $10,000 grand prize ultimately going to NanoBioFAB, a local nanotechnology firm that uses artificial intelligence-driven sensors to support innovative medical treatments and healthcare solutions.


Germantown

Back in April we let you know of the impending arrival of Laperaux, the Journeymanchef’s Bistro,  the new restaurant coming to 18056 Mateny Rd in Germantown- the former home of Gumbo Ya Ya, Dickie’s BBQ Pit, and Cafe Mileto (located in the Cloppers Mill shopping center, in the same strip as Shoppers). The French bistro has made a lot of progress, adding an illuminated sign and awning covered patio, with plans to open in January.  Chef and owner Gregory Webb, who has earned such accolades and awards as “Chef of the Year 1998” in Houston, Texas, “Winner all Categories” at the Texas Open Wild Game Cookoff, “Top Chefs of Mexico City” and many others, will be bringing a French bistro to the location (menu available below).

The restaurant will offer high casual cuisine created by Webb, who has competed against Bobby Flay on The Food Network, and won numerous ‘chopped style’ competitions put on for various local charity and fund raising events, including DC Central Kitchen’s Chefs Cook Off. Webb decided on the location because it’s close to his Gaithersburg home. Previously, he spent 7 years as the executive chef at Downtown Crown’s Paladar. The menu will consist of the “Daily Chalk Board,” which will feature “the best product of the season straight from today’s market.” Seafood fruits de mer, including chilled shrimp, lobster, octopus, and salmon crudo. Soups like onion soup gratinee and crawfish bisque. Starters such as escargot, steak tartare, and more. Entrees like Steak au Poivre, Coquilles St Jacques, Coq au Vin, and more (full menu below).


Beyond MoCo

“Just a kid from Jersey with a dream.” Chris Van Jura opened Catalyst Hot Dogs in late 2020 as a new food truck/trailer that serves New Jersey style hot dogs. The trailer has operated across Montgomery County and surrounding areas for two years and starting January 5th Catalyst Hot Dogs will be taking over the kitchen at the Riverdale Park location (4550 Van Buren St., River Dale Park, Prince George’s County) of MoCo-based Denizens Brewing. The food trailer will continue to operate. Photos of the hot dogs available below.

Per Catalyst Hot Dogs when the trailer first opened: “Owner/operator, Chris Van Jura, has been a member of the Hospitality Industry for nearly 20 years. Over this time he has, on a daily basis, done what every Hospitalian does, which is put the attention and focus on the guest. During this time, he has relocated to the DMV, found love and started a family. He has devoted hundreds of hours to the needs of others—and now, through the pandemic and two furloughs, he has made a choice: We’re getting into the Hot Dog business!”


Crime

On December 26, at approximately 2:45 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to a call reporting a stolen auto.  According to the Takoma Park Police Department, on December 25 at approximately 9:00 pm, the auto was moved by the victim from the 100 block of Lee Avenue to Grant Avenue.  When the victim went to retrieve the vehicle at approximately 1:00 pm on December 26, it was gone.  The outstanding stolen vehicle is described as a 1995 black Honda Civic, MD Tag #926Z72.  Case #220057289.

The outstanding vehicle has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) stolen vehicle database. Investigation continues. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100 . Featured photo shows Grant Avenue, courtesy of Google Maps


Events

The City of Rockville celebrates Lunar New Year by offering a free event that celebrates Rockville’s Asian cultures with performances, to-go activities and snacks. Organized in partnership with Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force, the Lunar New Year celebration is a source of pride for the city’s Asian community and an educational opportunity for neighbors to learn about Asian culture.

The event will take place at Thomas S. Wootton High School (2100 Wootton Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20850) on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 10am-1pm. Performances will begin at 11am.


Maryland

Maryland’s general assembly previously voted to override Governor Larry Hogan’s veto of the Maryland minimum wage increase. The Maryland minimum wage, starting in 2023, will be $13.25 for larger businesses and $12.80 for small businesses. Montgomery County’s minimum wage increased earlier this year, on July 1, to $15.65 for all large employers.

As part of the bill that was recently passed, Maryland’s minimum wage will gradually increase over time (much like a Montgomery County’s has). The Maryland minimum wage is $15 per hour in 2025 for businesses with 15 or more employees, and in 2026 it will raise to $15 for businesses with 14 or fewer employees. The Maryland minimum wage increase schedule is as follows:


MCFRS

The Rockville Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) have both warned residents of broken water pipes due to cold temperatures. According to both, over the course of the last few days, stations across the county have responded to hundreds of calls for broken water pipes (mostly domestic and a few commercial).

Across the county, @mcfrs stations have responded to hundreds of burst pipe calls in the past few days


DC Sports

In a press release tweeted by NBC Sports’ JP Finlay, attorney Seth Berenzweig has announced that the “originals HOGS”, a group that consists of Joe Jacoby, Mark May, John Riggins, Fred Dean, and Doc Walker, will be suing Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders. Additional information in the full press release below:

WHAT: Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders are trying to profit off the original HOGS legacy by taking that trademark and associated goodwill and brand equity of the original HOGS. The Commanders are using the original HOGS brand for commercial purposes with NO compensation to the men who’s blood & sweat equity built the original HOGS brand 40 years ago.


Germantown

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire in the basement of a two-story single family home in Germantown at approximately 1:20am on Monday morning. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the crews were able to extinguish the fire in 16° temperatures and there were no injuries.

ICYMI https://t.co/b5TIF0UXZZ


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a collision involving two vehicles on Colesville Rd at Fenton Street in Silver Spring at approximately 8:30am on Monday morning.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, one of the vehicles rolled over, trapping an occupant inside (the occupant has since been extricated). All lanes were initially blocked due to the collision that occurred in 18° temperatures. The left lane is now getting by. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


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