Galito’s Flame-Grilled Chicken is now open in the spot that was formerly home to Nirvana Reflexology Spa at 15918 Shady Grove Road in the Shady Grove Center (shopping center that is home to The Melting Pot). The restaurant offers chicken with “bold African flavors” and has been compared to international fast-casual restaurant Nando’s Peri Peri.

Galito’s currently operates in over 16 countries, with more than 150 stores– across Africa into Malaysia, Pakistan, the UAE, India and Canada. This is the South African chain’s first restaurant in the United States.


In December we let you know that the founder of Sweet Frog, Derek Cha, will be bringing his take on the Nashville-style hot chicken sandwich to MoCo with Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken. The restaurant will be located in the Travilah Square Shopping Center (the shopping center is anchored by Trader Joe’s) in Rockville, between Pholuscious and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, in the 1,600 sf location that was home to El Mexicano at 10050 Darnestown Road, per H&R Retail.

Construction has started, but there is plenty of work left to do. A late spring or summer opening is expected. A location is also coming soon to 2533 Ennals Ave in Wheaton, in the spot that was formerly home to El Pollo Kiki Riki. That location is expected to open later this Spring.


After 33 years, Hakky Shoe Repair in Lakeforest Mall has closed. In addition to professional shoe repair, the location also repaired handbags and leather goods, as well as provided on-site key copying services.

We’re told the owners are retiring and moving back to Korea to enjoy living with family and friends.


Hello Betty announced in February via Instagram that it was planning to open a Pike & Rose location in April. Today the restaurant announced that it will be open on Friday, April 8th and is accepting reservations for its grand opening. The seafood-focused restaurant aims to bring California beach, surf, and skate ambiance to their establishment.

A few months ago, a mysterious boat was seen in Pike & Rose being lifted by crane into Canopy. Hello Betty confirmed that this boat will be part of their restaurant’s decor. Hello Betty will open inside of Canopy by Hilton in Pike & Rose, replacing the Canopy Central Cafe– the restaurant that was there previously.


Visit Montgomery is launching the 2nd annual MoCo Eats Week from April 22 – 30.

This county-wide restaurant week is focused on supporting food and beverage businesses of all sizes and is a great opportunity for residents to take the week to explore the diverse culinary scene in Montgomery County.


True Food Kitchen at 221 Rio Blvd Ste 0221 in Gaithersburg (former Joe’s Crab Shack location) has announced it will be opening on April 25. The restaurant posted the news on Facebook:

The wait is almost over. True Food Kitchen is bringing healthy and delicious to Rio Lakefront on April 25 for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. We can’t wait for you to experience the delicious seasonally-inspired dishes, handcrafted beverages, and warm hospitality.


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