What’s New and What’s Coming Soon to Montgomery Mall (September 2022 Edition)

Below is a list of businesses that have recently opened at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, as well as others that are coming soon.

Now Open: Malia’s Kitchen 
Malia’s Kitchen held the grand opening of its new Montgomery Mall food terrace location on Thursday, September 1. Malia’s is in the space that was previously occupied by Lazzaro’s Authentic Italian Deli and Big Al’s Sub Shop. Malia’s Kitchen serves soul food and seafood, which they describe as the best “homemade” down home cooking in the DMV. Items on their menu includes crab cakes, fried chicken, fried fish, and BBQ.

Now Open: MacGuffins Bar
MacGuffins Bar opened earlier this month inside of AMC Theaters at Montgomery Mall. MacGuffins is AMC’s in-house bar that offers beer, wine, and mixed drinks to moviegoers. According to AMC, “the term “macguffin,” coined by Alfred Hitchcock, refers to a plot device that propels a movie forward. Our specialty cocktails, craft beers and premium wines will be just the thing to turn this movie experience into a story worth remembering.” AMC theater opened in Montgomery Mall on March 2nd, 2022, replacing ArcLight, but MacGuffins Bar had remained dark.  ArcLight announced back in April of 2021 that due to losses during the pandemic, it would not be reopening any of its locations, including the one at Montgomery Mall.

Now Open: Toys “R” Us Store-in-Store (Macy’s)
Toys “R” Us store-in-store shops are now open inside the Macy’s location at both Lakeforest and Montgomery Malls. The Macy’s at Wheaton Mall is expected to begin the buildout of its Toys “R” Us soon. Macy’s is adding the Toys “R” Us store-in-store shops to all of its U.S. locations over the next few months. The shops will range from 1,000-10,000 sq. feet, depending on the size of the Macy’s and will expand during the holiday season to offer a wider assortment of products.  Photo courtesy of Toys “R” Us on Facebook.

Coming Soon: Flip Circus (September 30 – October 17)
Flip Circus is coming to Montgomery Mall for 2.5 weeks starting September 30th and going until October 17th. The show will be located under a large white and red tent that will be set up in the parking lot area near the Old Navy entrance to the mall. Flip Circus is “a brand new show with national an international acts. Inside its big top, people can enjoy all the talents of acrobats, jugglers, dancers, clowns, trapeze, and much more. This talented team put all their passion and heart into offering us a show to fall in love with.  A place where reality becomes magic!” Shows will take place at 7:30pm Monday-Friday, at 12pm, 3pm, and 6pm on Saturdays, and at 12pm, 3pm, and 7pm on Sundays. Tickets are currently available through the FlipCircus website at a $10 discounted rate.

Coming Soon: Greek Aroma Grill
Greek Aroma Grill is coming to the Montgomery Mall food terrace. Greek Aroma currently has a location at 177 D Thomas Johnson Dr. in Frederick, MD.  Menu items include gyros, kababs, salads, and souvlaki. No opening date has been announced and the restaurant is currently hiring. According to their website, “At Greek Aroma, every dish is created using only the freshest and finest ingredients. We serve only the finest meats, freshest vegetables, and desserts that are baked fresh daily. Our authentic menu and atmosphere create a truly enjoyable dining experience. Every dish is made to order.”

Coming Soon: Yolly Jolly Kids
Coming soon signage is up at Jolly Yolly Kids. The indoor playground will be located next to The Cheesecake Factory on the mall’s lower level and is hoping to open by the end of September, according to staff members at Jolly Yolly’s Fairfax, VA location.  The 8,000+ square ft. indoor play space will have playgrounds, party rental space, and an art studio. Per Jolly Yolly:
“Jolly Yolly Kids is an indoor play and learning center for children aged 13 and under. The center has a play area of approximately 8,500 square feet, equipped with a multilevel premium indoor play structure for children aged 13 and under, tot lots for children from 2 to 7 years old, baby area for children aged 2 and under, and party rooms. The primary services offered will be children open-play and birthday parties. And our mission is to create an unmatchable experience in a Bright, Safe, Clean, Fun and Friendly environment.”

Coming Soon: Psycho Bunny
New York men’s based fashion store Psycho Bunny, which specializes in polo shirts, will be opening on the bottom level of the mall this fall. From their website: “We could have done what everybody else was doing. But we didn’t. Instead we set out to make the perfect polo and the most luxurious tee you’d ever wear. And that’s exactly what we’ve done. Our Pima cotton is woven from longer, smoother fibres. This has a number of benefits, most important of which is that it gives the fabric an incredibly soft on-body feel. The longer fibres are more durable, too—less prone to warping and tearing, while retaining their colored dye considerably longer than traditional cotton.”

Coming Soon: Culture Pop
Westfield Montgomery Mall has announced the first annual Culture Pop, a three-week celebration of the cultures and artistry of the local community that will run from September 16-October 9. The event will feature a live-art exhibition curated by No Kings Collective will include a series of free events, installations, performances, and specials. Per Westfield Montgomery:
“Westfield Montgomery prides itself as not just an excellent place to shop, but also as a community-focused meeting space, where members from all around the region come together” stated Zeina Davis, Marketing Director, Westfield Montgomery. “Through Culture Pop, we will enliven and activate the center for three weeks with celebrations centered around the cultures and artistry in our community. We will celebrate the rich artistic diversity in our region, both locally and internationally, as well as engage community members through classes, performances, and other opportunities to express and celebrate their own story!”  Click here for more details.