Over the weekend we reported that “coming soon” signage was up at the upcoming Germantown location at 12922 Middlebrook Road in Germantown, in the former location of DSW that closed earlier this year in the Germantown Commons shopping center next to Bed Bath & Beyond. Gold’s Gym closed its Layhill Center location in Silver Spring earlier this month, according to a representative from one of its Rockville locations. We were told the decision was made to not renew the lease at 14348 Layhill Rd.  Gold’s Gym has other Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, Olney, and two in Rockville (Rockville Town Square and Wintergreen Plaza).


Zaiqa BBQ & Karahi is now open at 12945 Wisteria Dr in Germantown, the former site of Eastern Kabobs. The owners took over the location in September and have since remodeled the dining room and created a new menu with a new head chef.  Zaiqa tells us they specialize in authentic Pakistani cuisine, which they say is not readily available in the area.  Menu items include the Chicken Shinwari Karahi, “a traditional Peshawari delicacy, chicken cooked with black pepper, tomatoes, and green chilies on a high flame, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and ginger” as well as a variety of Biryani and Kebab dishes.

“Zaiqa BBQ & karahi is a family-owned restaurant in Germantown Maryland, serving the tastiest Pakistani food in the DMV area. From delicious Karahi to sizzling BBQ, mouth-watering taste that reminds you of Pakistan. We strive to provide you a memorable dine-in experience and unforgettable authentic Pakistani taste. We offer lunch buffet every day and use an à la carte menu for dinner. “


Jones is described as approximately 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a light gray sweatsuit (sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt). Jones is driving a dark gray 2019 Mazda CX-9 crossover style vehicle with MD registration 8EW5288. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kaiti Brooke Jones is asked to call the 5th District Investigative Section at (240) 773-6237 or the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.


Signage is up for Sushi Legend Cajun Seafood & Bar at 19961 Century Blvd in Germantown, the former site of Greene Turtle.  According to a representative from the restaurant, Sushi Legend is hoping to open in two weeks. Earlier this year signage was installed on the building for “Four Seas Restaurant”, but that restaurant never opened. We received confirmation of the permanent closure of Greene turtle in Germantown back in the summer of 2020. Since then, the building was available for sale and ended up settling back on December 17th, 2021 for $3 million. Jim McGinnis, of Restaurant Brokers & Developers, represented the sale of the building (19961 Century Blvd in Germantown), the former home of the Greene Turtle.

Menu items at include the Queen Roll (spicy crunch crab meat, white fish, chili sauce) and the Sushi Legend Roll (deep fried kani, spicy tuna, eel, spicy mayo).   According to its website, Sushi Legend will feature “all you can eat” lunch and dinner options. Full menu below:


Coming soon signage is up at the upcoming Gold’s Gym location at 12922 Middlebrook Road in Germantown, in the former location of DSW that closed earlier this year in the Germantown Commons shopping center next to Bed Bath & Beyond. In September  we spoke with a representative from Gold’s Gym current Germantown location in the Fox Chapel shopping center, and we’re told that the existing location will close when the new one opens “sometime next year.” According to advertisements on social media, the new Gold’s Gym location is now expected to open in “Spring 2023” (photo below).


Back in May we let you know about ‘That Smoothie Place’ coming to Damascus, taking over the location that was formerly home to Sprint in the Damascus shopping center at 9815 Main Street, suite 106. The store is soft opening starting today, Friday, December 9th, and it’s not just about healthy snacks at That Smoothie Place, where an inclusive workplace is prioritized.

Per That Smoothie Place: “Our store started as a small dream, a small food truck with big ideas and a focus on inclusivity. Only a year into opening our tiny smoothie truck, it gained popularity as word spread that our employees were indeed the center of our positive vibes. That began our journey to search for a storefront to expand and spread love and smoothies.


Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 25-year-old woman from Damascus. Johnnai Antawojue Miracle Slater was last seen on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at approximately 2:15 a.m., in the area of Honeysuckle Ct.

Slater is described as approximately 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair, styled in braids. She was last seen wearing a black trench coat and red Jordan sneakers. She was also carrying a Dell laptop. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


Back in May we let you know about ‘That Smoothie Place’ coming to Damascus, taking over the location that was formerly home to Sprint in the Damascus shopping center at 9815 Main Street, suite 106. The store has recently announced that its soft opening is set for Friday, December 9th. Full announcement and more info below:

“The wait is over, folks! That Smoothie Place is finally ready to announce our opening date: our soft opening is set for Friday, December 9th! 🎊 During this soft opening phase, we will be open from 10am-9pm Mondays to Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am-7pm.  We can’t wait to share our delicious food & smoothies with you all 🤗”


The Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets take on the Oakdale Bears tonight at 7pm at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis for the 3A Maryland State Championship.

The Swarmin’ Hornets defeated River Hill 42-7 in the semifinals. RB Dillon Dunathan rushed for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. Oakdale, from Frederick County, defeated St. Charles 27-22. Damascus will be appearing in their 17th State Final and will be attempting to win their 12th State championship, which would tie the state record currently held by Seneca Valley.


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