Below is a list of restaurants and businesses that will be coming soon to Gaithersburg, MD, as well as an update on the future plans for Lakeforest Mall (updated November 26, 2022).

The restaurant is part of Jeffeary Miskiri’s Miskiri Hospitality Group, which describes itself as a unique collective of Black, family and woman-owned products and restaurants in the DC area. Miss Toya’s will serve southern-influenced dishes such as red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese and a southern fried chicken sandwich. It will be joining the recently announced Sportrock Climbing Centers and Charley Prime as well as the recently opened Donutchew, as locally-based businesses opening in Gaithersburg’s Rio. No opening date has been provided.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a report of a fire in the basement of a home on the 14000 block of Saddle River Drive near Paramus Drive off of Dufief Mill Rd in North Potomac on Saturday morning, according to MCFRS Public Information Officer Pete Piringer.

Units arrived to find a malfunctioning washing machine, but not a fire, that was caused by a broken water pipe and minor flooding conditions, according to an update by Piringer. There were no injuries. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


The annual Montgomery Village Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Wednesday, November 30, from 6-7pm next to the CVS parking lot at 19100 Montgomery Village Ave. The event includes a free holiday concert, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. 

Per Montgomery Village: “Free fun for the entire family! Join Santa and the Montgomery Village Community Band to kick off the holidays. The tree is located adjacent to the Village Center on Montgomery Village Avenue, between the parking lot and CVS. Bring the family to enjoy festive music, an opportunity to sing along with classic carols and complimentary hot chocolate and treats to help celebrate.”


Coming soon signage is up at Isaac’s Poultry Market at 12167 Darnestown Rd in Gaithersburg, the former site of Pizza Hut. The restaurant is being opened by Rob Gresham, a lifelong MoCo resident and the former Director of Operations at CAVA. The restaurant will feature American roasted chicken, wings, sandwiches, and salads. Issac’s is currently targeting a February opening.

Gresham tells us that everything they sell will be made from scratch and that the menu will feature plenty of healthy options. Isaac’s will also feature frozen custards and a variety of baked goods and desserts. Featured photo by Todd Apna.


Making Homes Possible (MHP) is still collecting donations after approximately 50 people, including 10 children, from 25 families displaced (most of whom lost everything) one week ago after a fire & explosion on Quince Orchard Blvd, in Gaithersburg.

Per Making Homes Possible (MHP): November 16 explosion and fire injured multiple residents, including several children, at the Potomac Oaks condominium complex at 826 Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg. Two buildings sustained significant damage and partially collapsed in the blast. Two other buildings were also evacuated because they may have structural damage. Many people were evacuated with little or nothing and now are in temporary shelter. At the request of Montgomery County, MHP is collecting financial donations to help affected families.


Executive Leader of DC-Area Govtech Company Appointed to Tech Trade Association Board

AINS, LLC, a leading provider of low-code, adaptive case management software for government, that’s headquartered at 806 W. Diamond Ave. in Gaithersburg, has announced the appointment of its CEO, Howard Langsam, to the Northern Virginia Technology Council Board of Directors. NVTC is the trade association representing the National Capital Region’s technology community. Howard joins the current NVTC Board charged with guiding the organization’s strategy and providing insight to advance its mission: to create a thriving technology ecosystem in the national capital region.


It is a rare privilege to still be playing high school football on Thanksgiving. Damascus & Quince Orchard Alumni gathered this morning to support the players & coaches of their respective schools as they prepared for Friday nights semifinal state playoff games. This will be Damascus’ 19th semifinal appearance and Quince Orchard’s 8th.


Offutt is approximately 4-feet tall and weighs 85 pounds. He has hazel eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing a black and red Nike hoodie, blue jeans and gray Crocs. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Aiden Niko Offutt is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400. Callers may remain anonymous.


The City of Gaithersburg’s Winter Lights Festival is getting ready to welcome visitors for another spectacular season. The wondrous display of lights at Seneca Creek State Park will be open nightly November 25 through December 31. The festival is closed on December 25 and last entry for December 24 & 31 is 8:30 p.m. The 3.5 mile drive through the enchanted setting of Seneca Creek State Park takes you past more than 450 illuminated displays and beautifully lit trees that light up the night. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road, conveniently accessible from I-270.

Advanced purchase of tickets is required and one ticket is required per vehicle and pricing/additional information can be seen below:


On December 1, 2022, the site plan for ‘Shops at Travilah’ will be reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Board. Planning Board staff recommends “approval with conditions” heading into the meeting. The Application proposes to construct a 5,681 SF retail/service establishment and 12,927 SF daycare center (over 30 persons).

Per Montgomery Planning: The application is for the construction of two buildings off of Travilah Rd near the intersection of Travilah Rd and Piney Meetinghouse Rd. Building A is a 5,681 square-foot building with approximately four units/bays to be erected on the northern half of the Property and contains a mix of neighborhood serving retail uses and/or a restaurant. Building B is a 12,927 square foot day care building to be located on the southern half of the Subject Property. Approximately 10,318 square feet of outdoor amenity space is provided on site, including an outdoor seating area abutting the retail/restaurant building on three sides and pedestrian connection throughout the site that connect the daycare, and retail buildings to the proposed sidewalk on Travilah Road. Approximately 9,468 square feet of outdoor space behind the daycare will be fenced to provide a safe, enclosed playground/recreation area.


Tobacco Hut, a store that offers tobacco, vape, CBD, and other products, is coming to 872 Muddy Branch Rd in Muddy Branch Square. It’ll be moving in to the vacant space between Avis and Subway.

Tobacco Hut joins the recently opened Jazzercise, and the coming soon Lum Thai and Milan Laser Hair Removal as businesses coming soon to the shopping center. Additional businesses (restaurants, retail, and more) coming soon to Gaithersburg can be seen here. Featured photo courtesy of Tod Fishman.


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