Buzz has been building across Montgomery County’s dining scene, with several upcoming restaurants generating strong interest from readers and across social media in recent months. Based on views, likes, and shares, five spots in particular have stood out as the most talked-about projects, each at a different stage on the path to opening in our April edition. Listed in alphabetical order, here’s a look at the places creating the most anticipation right now.
Montgomery Parks is inviting the community to come together this weekend for a free, inclusive event celebrating Autism Acceptance Month at Wheaton Regional Park. “Shine Brighter Together” will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 11am to 2pm at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. The family-friendly event is designed to bring together individuals of all abilities for an afternoon of sensory-friendly activities, performances, and hands-on experiences.
Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed legislation authorizing up to $420 million in tax increment financing bonds to help finance Viva White Oak, a $2.7 billion investment featuring more than 3 million square feet of lab space, office/medical office, retail, and over 4,400 quality residences. The 280-acre site, which is located adjacent to the FDA headquarters and near Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, is expected to begin construction this fall.
“This is a project that has been discussed and planned for a long time, and now we are getting to the point where people will actually begin seeing it take shape,” said County Executive Elrich. “VIVA White Oak will bring thousands of homes, good jobs, restaurants, stores, and other amenities to an area of the County that has needed this level of investment for decades. We found a financing approach that allows us to build the infrastructure needed to make this development possible while using the new tax revenue generated by the project to repay the bonds. I appreciate the Council, our State partners, MCB, and especially the East County residents who kept pushing to get us to this point.”
Anchored by Costco and with a focus on innovation and research and development, Viva White Oak represents one of the largest development opportunities in Montgomery County in recent years. Once completed, the development is expected to generate $4.9 billion in annual economic output and give the County $21 million year in new revenue. Additionally, the new development is projected to generate 19,000 construction jobs and 9,000 permanent jobs.
“Viva White Oak demonstrates the County’s continued commitment to supporting growth and investment in Montgomery County,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). “The County’s first TIF gives us another important tool to compete for investment, attract businesses, and create jobs. Montgomery County has tremendous assets and opportunities, and using tools like this strategically will help us translate those strengths into long-term economic growth.”
Viva White Oak is expected to take place in two phases. In phase one, which is expected to be completed by 2031, it will deliver over 960 townhomes, 1,000 apartments, 470,000 square feet of retail space, a 175-room hotel with meeting space, up to 1,279 permanent on-site jobs, and 92,000 square feet of medical office space. Phase two, which will take place between 2033 and 2044, will deliver 1.3 million square feet of life sciences office and lab space, 400,000 square feet of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) life sciences manufacturing, almost 2,500 additional housing units delivered, a 150-room hotel dedicated to supporting innovation, and over 3,800 permanent on-site jobs.
Viva White Oak represents the County’s first use of a TIF and follows a push by Montgomery County to remove barriers and create new opportunities for businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs. In July, the Montgomery County Council approved the Job Creation Project zoning initiative, which is expected to cut permitting time in half for development projects that are in Montgomery County’s key industries—including life sciences and technology— or are expected to create at least 200 local jobs, further showcasing the County’s commitment to powering economic growth in target industries.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) responded early Wednesday morning to a fatal house fire in the 9100 block of Charred Oak Drive in Bethesda. (more…)
Montgomery County is among the areas that will benefit from a new partnership between Uber and the Maryland Diaper Bank aimed at improving access to essential supplies and healthcare for families with young children.
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“Coming soon” signage is now up at the future Arby’s location in Derwood, marking the latest step in the restaurant’s return to Montgomery County.
Montgomery County police released their daily crime summary for April 14, 2026, highlighting several incidents reported across multiple districts.
In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Judge J. Bradford McCullough sentenced Edward Maurice Bryant, 52, of Columbia, to 108 years in prison, suspending all but 15 years to serve, followed by five years of supervised probation upon release.
Montgomery County police have arrested three juveniles in connection with a pair of robberies targeting teenage victims in Germantown earlier this spring.
The Montgomery County Department of Police has arrested a 16-year-old Bethesda male in connection with vandalism and an arson incident at Bradley Hills Elementary School.
A freshman at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney is being recognized for going above and beyond to help local students feel confident and prepared for prom.
Today is the deadline for Marylanders to file their state and federal income tax returns, with officials reminding taxpayers that while extensions are available, any taxes owed must still be paid to avoid penalties and interest.