Coming Soon to Rockville (Restaurants, Retail, and More)

Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette, “the neighborhood bakery café where communities come together over expertly crafted baked and brewed goods”, announced that the brand is on track to open a projected 40 new locations by the end of 2022, reaching nearly 150 locations across the United States and reinforcing its status as one of the fastest growing franchises in the country. One of those location will be in Rockville Town Square with another location (currently unknown) coming to the area soon, according to a report by Bethesda Magazine. The Rockville Town Square location will be located at 101 Gibbs Street and will offer Korean and French baked goods. Doors may open by the end of 2022.
In addition to the upcoming Montgomery County locations, the growth of the bakery/cafe will accelerate in 2023 with 96 slated bakery café openings and increased interest from franchise partners. Paris Baguette currently operates in 14 states with a focus on expanding to a nationwide footprint in top-tier markets through a combined strategic approach of corporate-owned and franchise locations; franchise agreements have been signed to expand across 25 states. “The increased interest we’ve seen in franchise agreements and rapid expansion through new store openings at Paris Baguette is a testament to the success we’ve seen by focusing on the elevated bakery café experience and creating an emotional connection with our guests,” said Darren Tipton, Chief Executive Officer, Paris Baguette America. “We set an aggressive goal to open 1,000 locations in the U.S. by 2030 and we’re on track to exceed this plan with strategic direction on growth, quality products, customer experience, and innovation.”

HalfSmoke
Back in August of 2020 we let you know that HalfSmoke would be opening a location in Rockville Town Square, taking over the spot that was previously  home to Pandora, American Tap Room, and Austin Grill.  The latest update we received is that the restaurant is now scheduled to open in 2023. Back in May we were told that construction and supply chain issues have been the cause for the delay. In July, HalfSmoke opened a kiosk in the Montgomery Mall food terrac. The kiosk menu consists of the best selling sausages and sides from their DC location, as well as boozy milkshakes and a funnel cake bar. HalfSmokes sister restaurant Butter Me Up opened its Montgomery Mall location in May.According to the Washington Business Journal, “the  50-employee Rockville location will be 6,000 square feet with 150 seats inside under normal capacity and seating for 30 outside. Baltimore will have 4,000 square feet, with 80 seats inside and 40 outside, and 30 employees.” HalfSmoke was the first restaurant of its kind to serve gourmet sausages via an assembly line format. Its sausages and toppings can be fully customized to create over 50,000 variations. The HalfSmoke menu also features craft beer, mac and cheese balls, tater tots, milkshakes, funnel cakes, wine, cocktails, and more.

Planet Fitness
In July we let you know that Planet Fitness will be opening a new location at 5520 Randolph Rd in Rockville (Montrose Shopping Center) in the space that was formerly occupied by Gold’s Gym. Though an opening date has not yet been set, we were told today that the current Rockville location at 1776 E Jefferson St in Federal Plaza will close when the new location opens. The new location is currently under construction.Planet Fitness currently has MoCo locations in Germantown, Rockville, and two in Silver Spring. In June, Planet Fitness at 255 Muddy Branch Rd in Gaithersburg  announced it would no longer be open 24 hours, seven days a week.  The gym now closes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 9pm and reopens the following morning.  The other MoCo locations will remain 24-7 according to a representative at the Gaithersburg gym.
Wegmans
Work continues on Twinbrook Quarter, the upcoming development located on the southwest corner of the property at Rockville Pike and Halpine Road. It includes residential, office and commercial space, and will include Montgomery County’s second Wegmans. The framework is now two stories above ground level on the side facing the Metro parking garage (photo below). Though progress continues to be made, construction on the actual Wegmans grocery store isn’t expected to begin for at least another year, according to a representative from the Germantown location.

PetWellClinic
PetWellClinic, which recently opened at 11802 Rockville Pike Suite D in Pike & Rose, will be having its grand opening party and pet costume contest on Saturday, October 29th from 3pm-5pm. The pet costume contest will involve prizes from PetWellClinic, Bark Social, Dogtopia of Bethesda, OrangeTheory, and more.
Per PetWellClinic: “Join us at our Grand Opening Party on Saturday, October 29th from 3PM to 5PM! Hang out with other pets, meet our staff, make homemade dog treats, participate in our agility course, enter costume contest, take pictures in our photo booth, and hang out with our friends from @rescuepetconnect . Prizes include daily passes to @bark_social_bethesda , ONE MONTH FREE @orangetheory, Spa service @dogtopiaofbethesda , YETI cooler, Complete dog or cat package from @petwellclinic_md and MORE! RSVP using QR code (below) and receive $25 off visit!”