Charley’s Cheesesteaks is coming to the vacant space next to FloorMax (which is next to Wing Stop) in the Aspen Hill shopping center. Construction is ongoing and an opening date is not yet available. This was previously reported as Charley’s Steakhouse, a restaurant that’s part of Florida-based Talk of the Town restaurant group, based on information we received from representatives at the store during the early construction phase. This will not be a steak house, but rather the popular chain– Charley’s Cheesesteaks.
Charley’s now has over 600 stores nationwide. Newer locations have adopted a new menu concept, offering chicken wings and ice cream in addition to its Philly cheesesteaks. “Tossed-to-order, the wings are made with 10 chef-inspired flavors ranging from Angry Ghost and Nashville Hot to milder options like Zesty Lemon-Lime Rub and Sweet Teriyaki.”
The restaurant opened its first location across the campus of Ohio State University in 1986. While studying real estate at the school, Charley Shin worked in his mother’s Japanese/Korean restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. A wrong turn on a family trip to New York City resulted in Charley’s discovery of the Philly cheesesteak. Charley convinced his mother to sell her restaurant, and invest her life savings of $48,000 into Charley’s, a 450-square-foot restaurant across the street from Ohio State’s campus.
From the Office of Jamie Raskin (9.8.23): Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) wrote letters to social media companies Meta and TikTok and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) about a dangerous social media trend, known as “subway surfing,” which recently claimed the life of a young person in his district. “Subway surfers,” who are often teenagers influenced by coaxing and sinister validation from an online community, film themselves climbing and then riding outside or on top of a moving subway car.
“This online trend has deadly consequences,” wrote Rep. Raskin to Meta and TikTok. “This summer, my constituent, Jay Thirunarayanapuram, lost his life five days after his fifteenth birthday while subway surfing. His loving parents and friends are devastated, and our world is poorer for our loss of a bright young artist, animal lover and extraordinary young man.”
Although Meta and TikTok policies restrict content containing “anything unlawful” or “promoting dangerous activities and challenges…that may lead to significant physical harm,” respectively, and should thus both prohibit subway surfing videos, some content persists. Diligent content monitoring and strong, ongoing enforcement of platform guidelines can prevent the proliferation of subway surfing videos and deter impressionable young people from this dangerous activity. Rep. Raskin also wrote to WMATA to convey his alarm about this social media trend and to request that WMATA share any further steps the authority is considering to reduce and deter this practice.
Though the subway surfing trend appears to be less pronounced in the National Capital region, recent media reports have documented an alarming rise in these dangerous incidents on the East Coast, with New York City recording 928 incidents in 2023 and four deaths in the first six months of this year.
Children’s clothing chain Carter’s is returning to its previous Gaithersburg Square location at 520 N. Frederick Ave. The store closed in July 2021 and was replaced by Charik African Fashion in March 2022. Charik was a family-owned African fashion store that sold shoes, clothing, and accessories and previously had a location inside of Lakeforest Mall. According to signage on the building, Carter’s is expected to open this fall.
Recently, Kogi Asian Grill and Boston Market have closed in Gaithersburg Square. Replacements for those locations have not yet been announced. In June, Montgomery County run Oak, Barrel, and Vine opened at 512 N. Frederick Ave, next to Lil’ Cakes & Creamery and Five Below.
About: “Carter’s is the leading brand of baby & kids clothing in the United States. Our designs are based on a heritage of quality and innovation that has earned us the trust of generations. Little Baby Basics, the original bodysuit and America’s Favorite Jammies are just a few of the iconic products parents count on to make their lives easier. And with sizes and styles to fit babies, toddlers and kids – thanks to our newly expanded Carter’s KID™collection – Carter’s delivers quality clothing to handle everything from that first night at home to first days at school.”
The 3rd District Investigative Section is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Arminda Williams, a missing 57-year-old female. Williams was last seen on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at approximately 7:15 p.m., in the 8500 block of Fenton St in Silver Spring. She is 5’3″ tall, 120 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a white collard shirt, black jeans and gold slippers.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Arminda Williams is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).
Concern for Missing Adult Womanhttps://t.co/07mBfsTzHy#mcpnews #MissingPerson pic.twitter.com/OXvjNFV35s
— Montgomery County Department of Police (@mcpnews) September 10, 2023
Sale of ninth largest private dealership group in the US includes 29 franchises, six collision centers, 20 dealerships in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and one of the U.S.’ highest volume Toyota dealerships.
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), one of the U.S.’ largest automotive retail and service companies, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Jim Koons Automotive Companies, the ninth largest privately-owned dealership group in the U.S. The sale of the Mid-Atlantic Region company is one of the most sizable in auto retail history, representing over $3 billion in revenue in 2022 and includes 20 dealerships, 29 franchises, six collision centers and one of the highest volume Toyota and Stellantis dealerships in the US. Asbury currently operates 138 dealerships, representing 31 domestic and foreign brands, as well as 32 collision repair centers. Kerrigan Advisors was the exclusive sell-side advisor on the transaction, representing Koons. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 or early in the first quarter of 2024. Asbury plans to fund the purchase price with its existing liquidity, credit facility and cash on hand.
Fifty years ago, Jim Koons took over the operation of his father’s dealership, Koons Ford in Falls Church, which had been founded in 1964. He achieved steady growth over the years due to a deep work ethic and a constant focus on his employees, customers, and the community. “My parents, John and Eleanor Koons, instilled these values from our company’s beginning. I am grateful to every one of our customers and employees for their contribution to our success,” said Jim Koons, Chairman of Jim Koons Automotive Companies. “At Koons, it has always been all about people, and we deeply appreciate Asbury’s commitment to continuing this tradition. Our work with David Hult, and the Asbury team, gives us confidence that not only are our customers in excellent hands, but so are our employees, with opportunities for future growth being a part of Asbury.”
Founded in 1973, Jim Koons Automotive Companies was one of only 13 private groups with over $3 billion in revenue in 2022. The group, comprised of top volume franchises including Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Stellantis and General Motors, is the dominant retailer in the thriving Washington-Baltimore market, the 4th largest CSA in the US by population per 2020 census data. Revenue per dealership for Koons ranked 10th overall in 2022, and 5thin the US for groups with greater than $2 billion in revenue.
“This acquisition is transformative for our company, enabling Asbury to further expand into one of the country’s top economies in one of its fastest growing regions, with some of the U.S.’ best performing dealerships,” said David Hult, Asbury’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Koons has an impressive history of achievement in sales, CSI and revenue across its 20 dealerships, and is legendary for its emphasis on people – employees and community – and for giving back. These are values that we at Asbury share, along with the disciplined work ethic that has enabled Koons to achieve so much success. We are proud to continue what Jim Koons and his exceptional management team expanded upon: an unwavering dedication to excellence in automotive retailing. We expect the Koons dealerships’ profitability to be generally in line with the profitability of Asbury’s dealerships.”
Among its many accolades, Koons is the only dealership group in the region to be recognized multiple times by the Washington Post and Washington Business Journalas a top place to work. Koons dealerships are well-regarded by automakers, consistently earning high customer satisfaction scores and sales volumes and earning multiple awards, including Toyota President’s Cabinets Award, Elite of Lexus, Ford’s President’s Award, Toyota’s Board of Governors, Ford’s Triple Crown Award, and Mercedes’ Best of the Best. Jim Koons is in the Ford Hall of Fame and received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Northwood University. Jim Koons and his wife, Cece are longtime philanthropists, having donated to Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia, Northwood University, Catholic Charities and The Talbot Hospice Foundation.
“We were truly honored to represent Jim Koons Automotive Companies, one of the most respected private dealership groups in the US, and to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Koons on the sale,” said Erin Kerrigan, Founder and Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors. “This milestone transaction, the largest since 2021, reflects the strength of the US auto retail market in 2023, as well as the importance of family legacy and reputation to acquiring groups. In Koons, Asbury is adding a 59-year-old business and the top auto retail brand in the Washington-Baltimore market – one of the most economically vibrant regions in our country.”
Kerrigan noted the dynamism of the Washington-Baltimore area: it is the 4th largest market in US with nearly 10 million residents, holds five of the top eight highest income earning counties based on U.S. census surveys from 2017-2021, and is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies, the federal government and a flourishing tech sector.
Stephen Dietrich and Brooke Sizer of Holland & Knight served as legal counsel and Baker Tilly served as the transaction accounting firm to Koons. Jones Day and Hill Ward Henderson served as legal counsel and FORVIS served as the transaction advisory firm to Asbury.
For additional information about this transaction, please see the Form 8-K that will be filed in connection with this transaction.
About Jim Koons Automotive Group
Founded in 1973, Koons is one of the U.S.’ largest private auto dealership groups and the #1 automotive retailer in the Washington-Baltimore region for over 25 years. In 2022, the group retailed more than 61,000 units (26,000 new and 35,000 used) and had over $3 billion in revenue. Koons employs more than 2,500 people in 20 locations throughout the Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia region. Koons is the only automotive dealer to be named a Washington Business Journal’s”Best Place to Work” 11 times and a Washington Post’s “Top Workplace” three times.
A viral video of a student attacking another student at Quince Orchard High School was all over social media earlier this week, sparking outrage amongst the community. The father of the student who was attacked in the video spoke out in an interview with FOX5’s Shomari Stone. The victim’s father told FOX 5 that he believes his son was targeted. He says his son is on the autism spectrum. “I’m obviously distraught, especially after seeing the video, or videos that have been, I guess leaked or put on social media. It hurts to see your child hit numerous times by a bully.” he said.
Gaithersburg mayor Jud Ashman was tagged in a post sharing the video and in turn tagged Quince Orchard High School Principal Beth Thomas for a response. Thomas replied, “We responded swiftly yesterday to this unacceptable behavior and incident. This is not tolerated and a violation of our Code of Conduct. It undermines our values and everything we are committed to creating at QO. EVERY child deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and valued.”
According to FOX5, MCPS says they’re aware of the video, and they are currently investigating. MCPS stated the following, “These matters are always taken very seriously as safety is paramount in every school. The MCPS Student Code of Conduct identifies fighting as prohibited and following an investigation, discipline may be applied. Student privacy law does not allow the district to identify any specific disciplinary action.”
The Montgomery County Department of Police is mourning the loss of Sergeant Gregory Jordan. Per Montgomery County Police:
Sergeant Jordan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Sergeant Jordan proudly served the department and the citizens of Montgomery County for thirty years and was currently assigned to the 3rd District station, where he worked in the White Oak neighborhood.
His career with the department began in 1992, and he was assigned to the Major Crimes Division before his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in 2013. “This is an incredible loss for our department, the Montgomery County community, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Sergeant Jordan,” said Chief Marcus Jones. “Please keep his family, friends and colleagues in your hearts as they navigate this sudden loss. In the days to come, we will provide additional details regarding funeral arrangements so that we can come together as a department and a community to pay our respects and honor the memory of Sergeant Gregory Jordan.”
“Today we lost a true public servant, Sergeant Gregory Jordan, who dedicated thirty years of his life to serving and protecting the people of Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “He will be greatly missed, and I extend my sincere sympathy to his colleagues in the 3rdDistrict, and MCPD, as well as his family.” His legacy of service and his impact on the department will be remembered and honored.
Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonie Ketrell Calloway, 36, of Takoma Park, Maryland, for 1st-degree burglary.
According to Takoma Park Police, “On September 8, 2023, at approximately 8:05 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 7800 block of Chicago Avenue for a report of a suspicious individual entering one of the residences in the area. A concerned neighbor confronted the individual, later identified as Calloway, regarding his presence inside the residence. Calloway’s explanations to the neighbor were inconsistent and raised suspicions.
Upon police arrival, Calloway claimed to have been invited into the residence, though he was unable to provide any verifiable information about the homeowner. It was determined that Calloway entered the residence through the rear deck door. Officers conducted a search of the residence but were unable to ascertain whether anything had been stolen from the property. Subsequently, an effort was made to contact the homeowner.
Calloway was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.”
Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) received a call for wires down at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Jones Bridge Rd. According to MCFRS Assistant Chief David Pazos, units on scene report several wires and a tree that has fallen and is blocking all traffic at the intersection. MCPD and Pepco are en route and delays are expected.
Alert Montgomery provided the following: “Severe Traffic Alert: All lanes are blocked on southbound Rockville Pike (MD-355) between Cedar Lane and Jones Bridge Road due to a tree and wires down. Expect significant delays. Seek alternate route.”
Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of beech leaf disease and the associated nematode, Litylenchus crenatae maccannii in Maryland. Beech leaf disease is a new disease affecting all beech species including American beech (Fagus grandifolia). The disease has been found in surrounding states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Beech Leaf Disease causes a dark banding or striping between the leaf veins. Trees with severe symptoms are heavily banded with yellowing, shrunken, and thickened leaves. The disease can kill understory trees in two years and mature trees in six to ten years. Treatments for are currently being researched. “I applaud the department’s Forest Pest team for their quick action on identifying this disease,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “The team will continue to monitor and report the spread of Beech Leaf disease as it occurs. Homeowners are encouraged to do the same.”
To report symptoms of Beech Leaf Disease data can be entered on the Tree Health Survey app (https://treehealthapp) or reported by email to [email protected]. For additional information visit the UMD Extension Website at: https://bit.ly/3Eny7eO. Additional Counties are being tested for presence of the BLD and the nematode. Permanent survey plots have been set up across Maryland since 2019.
