Firehouse Subs will open its third Montgomery County location when the new restaurant opens in the Wheaton Mall food court. An exact date is not available, but the space is now closed off with Firehouse Subs signage posted while construction begins behind the wall. Firehouse Subs has current MoCo locations in Germantown (19851 Century Blvd) and Rockville (28 Upper Rock Circle).

Firehouse Subs was founded by two former firefighting brothers in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994. Firehouse Subs is all about hearty portions, premium ingredients, and delicious recipes, with a commitment to saving lives through raising funds to support local public safety organizations. To date, more than $80 million has been awarded to first responders and public safety organizations in the U.S. and Canada.


Kantutas Restaurant Bar & Grill, a Wheaton staple serving Bolivian, other South American, and Latin American cuisine, has moved from its previous location at 2462 Ennalls Ave to its new, much larger location at 2400 University Blvd W (video below). The new location was previously home to New Kam Fong, which moved from DC to Wheaton and became Eastern Gourmet before closing last year.

Kantutas’ new space comes with a more modern look and a lot more seating than the previous location. The new restaurant also has a new bar and the same menu that those who are familiar with the restaurant are used to. A video preview of the new location can be seen below:


Nick’s Diner at 11199 Veirs Mill Rd in Wheaton remains closed after a heavy storms knocked out power in the immediate area on Saturday afternoon.  The restaurant posted the following update Monday morning: “Attention valued customers, We regret to inform you that Nick’s Diner is still closed due to the ongoing power outage. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. Updates on our reopening will be provided as soon as electricity is restored. Thank you for your patience and continued support. -Nick’s Diner”

Nick’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and serves diner classics like pancakes, French toast, omelets, hot & cold sandwiches, chili, souvlaki, and gyros. Featured photo courtesy of Nick’s Diner on Instagram.


Per Montgomery County: A community mosaic mural that was created by families living in Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) apartments in Wheaton working with artists from the Wheaton Arts Parade organization was formally dedicated on Thursday, July 27. The mosaic panels were created in 2019, but installation was delayed due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The Wheaton Arts Parade “Community Mosaic” was supported in part by a grant from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

The mosaic mural is installed on the wall of the Pembridge Square Apartments at 2319 Blueridge Ave. and is visible from the side facing Elkin St. in Wheaton. Residents from nearby Amherst Gardens also participated in its creation. Among those at the dedication were Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González, MHP representatives and mosaic artists Edwin Salmeron and Ge’Vonna Keyes. Dan Thompson of Wheaton Arts Parade led the ceremonies.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call on the 12200 block of Charles Rd, off of Veirs Mill Rd (near the Korean Korner) at approximately 4:45pm on Saturday, for a tree that fell onto a house and trapped at least some of the occupants.

MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer provided an update stating that there were no injuries and that all 10 occupants are accounted for. The affected families, which include five adults and five children, have been displaced. The Red Cross is assisting. Severe damage was caused across the county due to Saturday’s storm.


The concert was scheduled to be held outside at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station. The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District will try to reschedule The Nighthawks for a concert later this summer. For updated information on the concert series, go to https://www.wheatonmd.org/.


Per MCPD: 4th District officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police have arrested and charged a juvenile male as an adult with theft related charges and illegal possession of a privately manufactured firearm, also known as a “ghost gun.”

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at approximately 12:57 p.m., officers responded to the Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the 11100 block of Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton for the report of a shoplifting.  When officers arrived at the location, they observed the suspects leaving the store with the stolen merchandise. Officers followed the suspects who ran to the Safeway store in the 11200 block of Georgia Ave. Officers entered the Safeway and observed the suspects in possession of the stolen items from the previous store.


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s process for reviewing and approving development projects during the Development Review Process Workgroup listening sessions will provide one more opportunity for residents to provide input. Residents can sign up to provide feedback during the workgroup’s third and final listening session that will be held virtually from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2. The second listening session was held at the Wheaton Headquarters of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) on July 18.

The Maryland General Assembly’s Montgomery County delegation created the workgroup, which is chaired by State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-District 39). It is examining the County’s development review process, with a special focus on finding opportunities to improve the County’s economic competitiveness. The workgroup’s July 18 listening session followed a June 22 listening session and three livestreamed workgroup work sessions June 9June 27 and July 12.


Per the Maryland Attorney General’s Office: The Independent Investigations Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General has identified the decedent and involved officer in the fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2023, in Montgomery County. The decedent has been identified as 19-year-old Franklin Castro Ordonez of Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The involved Montgomery County Police Officer has been identified as Officer Justin Lee. Officer Lee has been with the department for one-and-a-half years and is assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. Per MCPD:


Per MCPD: A male suspected of stabbing four people was shot and killed by a Montgomery County Police officer late Saturday morning.

At approximately 10:36 a.m., on Saturday, July 22, 2023, Montgomery County Department of Police 4th District officers were dispatched to the Unique Thrift Store, located in the 12200 block of Veirs Mill Road, after receiving multiple calls for a stabbing that just occurred. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female suffering from apparent stab wounds.


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