After spending years as a mostly empty parking lot, Burtonsville Crossing has undergone one of the most dramatic commercial transformations in Montgomery County. What was once a largely vacant property just a few years ago is now a thriving retail and dining destination, thanks to a wave of new openings and ongoing redevelopment.
Starvin Marvin’s Pizzeria & Grille has announced that it will close after 38 years in business, bringing a close to a well-known local brand with deep roots in Gaithersburg and Frederick. The owners shared the news in an emotional social media message titled “The End of Our Era,” saying they are ready to step away from the pizza business after nearly four decades.
Takoma Beverage Company has earned a major regional nod, making Eater DC’s newest list of “The 16 Best Coffee Shops Around DC.” The Takoma Park café, located at 6917 Laurel Avenue, was the only Maryland coffee shop to appear on the list.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is moving forward with its second Montgomery County location, this time in Gaithersburg’s upcoming North Pointe at Flower Hill development. According to Maryland Newsletters, the company has secured a permit valued at $200,000 for construction to begin, with the shop expected to open in early 2026.
Cheesesteak & Co. in Elkridge (Howard County) remains one of Maryland’s hottest food destinations, with long lines continuing more than a year and a half after the shop first went viral. Located at 6500 Washington Blvd., the carry-out spot has built a devoted following by serving overflowing cheesesteaks made with 100 percent ribeye and melty cheese on soft rolls. More recently, the addition of seeded rolls has boosted popularity even further, becoming a preferred choice among many regulars.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maman Joon, the fast-casual Persian restaurant known for its home-style kabobs and family recipes, is preparing to open a new location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda within the next week. Preview photos, courtesy of Maman Joon, available below.