Bethesda

Chaia Vegetarian Tacos Closes Bethesda Pop-Up Shop After Almost Two Years

By MCS Staff

Chaia, a vegetarian taco shop, has closed its pop-up shop on Bethesda after almost two years. The restaurant was located at 7237 Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda, the former site of Häagen-Dazs. Though the pop-up shop in Bethesda has closed, Chaia owners have “plans to soon bring its insanely delicious tacos further into the DMV area and beyond.”

On social media, Chaia wrote, “When we opened our pop up shop in Bethesda, we thought we’d have a great time – and boy did you prove us right! Thank you so much for welcoming us with open arms, big hearts, and hungry bellies. Come stop by during our pop up’s LAST FEW DAYS to get your fill of our fresh, seasonal veggie tacos. We’re open through Wednesday! After that, come visit us in one of our two shops in Georgetown and Chinatown.”

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Restaurants

Red Ribbon Bakeshop Moves Closer Toward Opening Wheaton Location

By MCS Staff

In December we let you know that Red Ribbon Bakeshop, a Filipino bakery chain, is coming to Wheaton. The bakery will be located at 2501 University Blvd W right next to the Anchor Inn sign that still stands. Currently, Red Ribbon Bakeshop has over 200 locations across the Philippines and 39 in the United States. In 2005 it was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation, which opened its first D.C. area Jollibee location at Wheaton Mall in 2021. ‘Coming Soon’ signage came and went, but the bakery now appears to be very close to opening based on interior construction looking to be nearly complete (photo below). We still don’t have an opening date, but fans may be enjoying sweet treats by the end of the summer. Google lists a September opening.

More about Red Ribbon: In 1979, Amalia Hizon Mercado, husband Renato Mercado together with their five children, Consuelo Tiutan, Teresita Moran, Renato Mercado, Ricky Mercado and Romy Mercado established Red Ribbon as a small cake shop along Timog Avenue in Quezon City. The cakes developed by daughter Teresita Moran are what gave Red Ribbon its prominence in the dessert market of the Philippines. In 1984, it opened its first overseas outlet in West Covina, California. The company began franchising in 1999. Today, there are more than 200 branches all over the Philippines and 39 in the United States as it continues to expand.

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Sponsored

Check out the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival or the Annapolis Irish Festival!

By Sponsor
Image from Check out the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival or the Annapolis Irish Festival!

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)

Arts

Metro Will Offer Extended Service for Beyoncé fans Sunday Night

By MCS Staff

Metro will “Hold Up” the final train departing from Morgan Boulevard Station on Sunday night to give the #BeyHive a “Flawless” ride to and from FedEx Field. 

The last Silver Line train toward Ashburn on Sunday night will now depart Morgan Boulevard at 12:04 a.m. instead of 11:34 p.m., allowing concertgoers enough time to walk from the stadium to the station. Metro will make late trains available at transfer stations so customers aboard the final Silver Line train can rely on Metro to get them to their destinations on all lines. All customers in line at Morgan Boulevard at 12:04 a.m. will be accommodated.

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MoCo Recreation

Montgomery County Rec Department Mourns the Loss of Former Director, Gregory Bayor

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Rec mourns the loss of former director, Gregory Bayor. In a career spanning 39 years, Greg provided thousands upon thousands of children and adults with quality programs and special events as Director of Recreation & Parks for the Cities of Rockville, MD; Elgin, IL; Baltimore, MD and Montgomery County, MD, culminating with his retirement in late 2017 from the City of Tampa after restructuring the Department, beginning with the redesign of the department logo.

He successfully guided the construction of the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Some other projects included the renovation of the Roy Jenkins Pool; the creation of Water Works Park & the innovative Perry Harvey Park. He brought the Cal Ripken,Sr Foundation to Tampa to create two parks for At Risk Youth – Baseball at Sulphur Springs & a Multi-Purpose Field at the Glazer Family Field at NFL Y.E.T. Center.

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Gaithersburg

Update on Ross’s ‘dd’s DISCOUNTS’ in Montgomery Village Plaza

By Patrick Herron

Permanent signage is up at dd’s DISCOUNTS (18236 Contour Rd) in the Montgomery Village Plaza shopping center in Gaithersburg. The store will be located in the former space of Marshall’s, which relocated to Gaithersburg Square in 2021.  dd’s is owned and operated by Ross Stores, Inc and items for sale at its locations are similar to those found in other discount retailers. This will be the first dd’s location in Montgomery County.  While no opening date has been announced, the store is now hiring and construction on interior appears to be complete.

About: dd’s DISCOUNTS opened its first store in 2004 as the place to shop and save in your neighborhood. We’re part of the Ross Family, so our buyers know all about delivering great deals every day on clothing shoes home decor fashions toys and much, much more. We have the looks and brands you love at prices well below other retailers.

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Restaurants

Sarku Japan to Return to Wheaton Mall

By MCS Staff

Sarku Japan will be returning to Wheaton Mall, opening in a location just outside of Costco, near the relatively new Sydney’s Burger. Sarku Japan is often found inside of malls and has a mall location in Bethesda’s Montgomery Mall. It’s other MoCo location can be found a standalone store (located within a strip mall rather than in a food court) in the White Oak shopping center. The chain offers made-to-order teppanyaki-style Japanese dishes cooked on sizzling grills as well as a limited amount of sushi rolls.

History of Sarku: “In Japan, lunches are often taken quickly from small stalls where freshness and quality are key. Shops value their reputations very highly. This was the same dedication of our founders when they opened the first Sarku Japan in 1987.

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Beyond MoCo

Man Arrested and Charged With Second Degree Rape That Occurred at Shady Grove Metro Station Last Week

By MCS Staff

Metro Transit Police has announced the arrest of Adrian Barnes, 29, by MTPD July 29 at Fort Totten Station. Barnes was charged with ‘Attempted Second Degree Rape’ that occurred at the Shady Grove metro station last week. According to police, he will also be charged with ‘Assault’ and ‘Fugitive from Justice.’

Prior to his arrest, Metro Transit Police provided the following information: “Victim reported the suspect, identified as Adrian Barnes, approached her from behind as she was getting in her car. The suspect forced her to the ground, then attempted to rape her. The victim fought off the suspect and ran from the garage to get help.”

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Gaithersburg

First Watch Granted Waiver For New Sign in Gaithersburg; Currently in the Process of $100K in Upgrades

By MCS Staff

First Watch, a tenant of the Muddy Branch Square Shopping Center, located at 802 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, was granted a major sign waiver by the City of Gaithersburg to accommodate a second principal sign. The major waiver is needed to allow the replacement of the secondary signage that First Watch has utilized since they opened their location. Current code only allows one sign per business.

The proposed second principal sign consists of internally illuminated channel letters mounted to a finished backer panel, installed on existing roof brackets. First Watch is in the process of investing more than $100 thousand in the renovation of their Muddy Branch location in an effort to drive business to their restaurant. The renovation includes new signage, replacement awnings, and an updated interior for diners to enjoy.

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Maryland

Governor Wes Moore Announces $6.3 Million to Protect Against Hate Crimes and Enhance Local Police Recruitment and Retention Efforts

By Patrick Herron

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced $6.3 million in funding to protect against hate crimes and to enhance local police recruitment and retention efforts through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services.

“Every Marylander has a role to play in combating racism, bias and hate and in keeping our communities safe,” said Gov. Moore. “Through this funding, we will help support both our community partners and our law enforcement partners as we work together to build a stronger, safer Maryland.”

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Health

Montgomery County Health Officials to Host Free Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics Throughout August

By Patrick Herron

Maryland law requires students to be vaccinated against a variety of diseases. Students who do not have proof of the required vaccinations on the first day of school must show proof of a vaccination appointment scheduled within 20 calendar days. The back-to-school vaccine offerings include:

County-operated vaccination clinics are scheduled:

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