Papa John’s International announced a major refranchising deal that shifts control of 85 restaurants across the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore regions to Pie Investments, led by franchise operator Chris Patel. The move instantly positions Pie Investments as one of the largest Papa Johns franchise groups in the country, now operating more than 150 locations nationwide.
Five Guys is now open inside of Westfield Wheaton Mall. The restaurant is located in the Costco wing, near the recently opened Oak, Barrel, and Vine liquor store.
Ledo Pizza has officially reopened its Barracks Row location, bringing the iconic regional chain back to one of Capitol Hill’s most visited dining corridors. The restaurant, located at 415 8th St SE, is now operating under new ownership.
Value City Furniture’s parent company, American Signature, Inc. (ASI), has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the company announced this week. As part of the restructuring, the Value City Furniture location at 12055 Rockville Pike, located in the Montrose Crossing Shopping Center, is slated to close, according to USA Today.
Authentic African Restaurant, which first opened in June 2024 at 13075 Wisteria Drive in Germantown Plaza, has completed a full renovation and rebranding and is now operating as DONO Authentic Restaurant and Lounge. (more…)
Plaza Mexico is aiming for a Spring 2026 opening at the upcoming North Pointe at Flower Hill development in Gaithersburg, following the recent approval of a building permit for its planned rooftop restaurant and bar. The permit, valued at $425,486 according to Maryland Newsletters, marks a major step forward for the project.
New renderings have been released for the planned redevelopment of the former Lakeforest Mall property in Gaithersburg, offering the most detailed look yet at the future mixed-use community set to replace the long-closed shopping center. Images below courtesy WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments.
Insomnia Cookies at 8455 Fenton Street, Suite 5B in Silver Spring will hold its grand opening on Saturday, November 29, offering a free classic cookie to anyone who signs up for Insomnia Rewards during the event from 12 PM to 3 AM. The store will also offer free delivery with the code SILVERSPRING through December 15 (more…)
Mark Pappas, the beloved founder of Pappas Restaurants and a fixture of Maryland’s dining community for more than half a century, has passed away at the age of 93. The restaurant’s social media page announced that he died peacefully over the weekend, surrounded by loved ones.
Wetzel’s Pretzels has officially begun construction on its upcoming location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. In May, we shared that the pretzel chain was on the way, with signage posted at the site indicating a fall opening. The timeline has shifted slightly, but progress is now underway after Wetzel’s Pretzels recently received its permit to begin building out the space.
Update: Toys “R” Us will open on Wednesday, November 26th. More info here.
A new Toys“R”Us flagship store is expected to open at Arundel Mills mall in Hanover by the end of the month, according to a mall employee who spoke with us on Sunday. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the store is described as opening “very soon,” placing Maryland among the first states to receive one of the brand’s new full-scale locations.