What started in 1998 with Chef Ramsay’s first-owned restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, the Gordon Ramsay brand has evolved into restaurants in three continents, six countries, and dozens of cities.  The Michelin-starred Chef is now bringing his Hell’s Kitchen concept to The Wharf in nearby Washington, DC, according to a recent report by BizJournals. Per the report, “representatives for Gordon Ramsay North America recently submitted plans to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts for what would be a two-story Hell’s Kitchen at 652 Wharf St. SW.”

Most of Chef Ramsay’s North American presence has been in partnerships with Caesar’s Entertainment. His two existing Hell’s Kitchens locations can be found in Caeser’s at Las Vegas (2018) and Lake Tahoe (2020), ads well as a Hell’s Kitchen at Caeser’s in Dubai, with the upcoming DC location being the only non-casino affiliated Hell’s Kitchen restaurant.The high-energy restaurant and bar takes its cue directly from the primetime television hit seen worldwide by millions of viewers, which is slated to premier seasons 19 and 20 in the near future. The restaurant shines the spotlight on many of Hell’s Kitchen cast/chef recipes and dishes featured on the show, including many of Chef Ramsay’s signature dishes like the Pan Seared Scallops, Lobster Risotto, Beef Wellington, Crispy Skin Salmon and Sticky Toffee Pudding.


Crown Fried Chicken Homemade Waffle & Breakfast at 9120 Rothbury Dr. in Montgomery Village (next to Athens Grill) has closed. Signage on the front door reads, “This Store is Permanently Close, Sorry?” Additional signage lists contact information for the building. The restaurant opened in March 2021 and sold a wide variety of items, including waffles, cheesesteaks, fried chicken, omelettes, and subs.

Last year Crown told us they would be opening a second MoCo location in the 1900 block of Seminary Rd in Silver Spring, but we have not heard any updates on that restaurant’s status. The chain is known for using Halal chicken and has locations across the east coast. The closest franchise locations are in Hyattsville, Waldorf, and Washington, DC.


Back in January we told you that Planta, an upscale plant-based restaurant featuring a menu by Chef David Lee, would be coming to 4910 Elm St at Bethesda Row, in the location formerly occupied by Cafe Deluxe (Cafe Deluxe closed permanently back in March of last year). We spoke with a representative from Planta two weeks back, who told us that the restaurant planned to open in February.

An official opening date has been set, as Planta will be open for business son Saturday, February 12th, according to the restaurant’s social media. Reservations can be made via Resy.com


Edith’s is the upcoming restaurant from Breads Unlimited, located just a few doors down at 6914 Arlington Rd.  Edith’s will be releasing information on their opening date in the next few days.

The restaurant says they wanted to create a couple of days for the community to come and visit the anticipated pizza shop, and “to try our pizza, and to give us feedback on what they would like.  At the bakery, we always adapt to what the community wants and needs are. We will continue that tradition with the pizza shop and create a menu that is representative of the community and what they enjoy to eat!”


We first reported back in November 2019 that the Olney Crab House was coming to the location that used to be home to The Olney Tavern (18200 Georgia Avenue) in the Hillcrest Center in Olney.  Renovations on the building began in the summer of 2020 but since then, the building has largely remained dormant and “For Lease” signs were placed back on the building in late 2020.

Today we were informed by the property management of center that the original owners had pulled out of the location and new owners have just recently taken over the lease. The new owners are still planning to open the restaurant as a crab house.  No timeframe for opening was provided.


Back in August 2021 we let you know Èkó House would be coming to the space formerly occupied by Bar Louie at 150 Gibbs St. in Rockville Town Square. The restaurant has announced its soft opening for this upcoming week.

Eko House is asking all interested parties to make reservations via its website or resy.com


The Dunkin Donuts that’s located in the recently renovated Rock Grove Center on the corner of 355 and Shady Grove will be relocating, according to Chris Wilkinson of JBG Smith. It will be moving to the back side of the shopping center, taking over the old United Bank location at 16268 Frederick Rd. The bank had a drive-thru, which will be used by Dunkin’.

Due to the design and location of the drive-thru, traffic should not see any major impacts on Shady Grove Rd or 355. Qdoba will be opening soon in Rock Grove and the shopping center is in talks to bring on additional retailers in the near future.


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