Zayre, a once-popular discount department store chain that operated along the East Coast from 1956 until 1990, holds a unique place in Montgomery County’s retail history. Though long gone, two former MoCo locations help tell the story of a brand that eventually helped give rise to today’s TJX Companies, the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods.
Silver and Sons, located at 5400 Westbard Ave. in Bethesda, has earned a spot as the only Maryland restaurant on Eater DC’s latest list of “The Hottest New Brunches to Try in DC.” The recognition comes just as the restaurant launches its new weekend brunch service, running Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
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.
Results of second round of Maryland high school football playoff games (MCPS games) can be seen below. Scores will be updated as we receive them (an F will signify the score is final):
MCPS report cards are now available in ParentVUE, and Montgomery County’s only Krispy Kreme, located at 14919 Shady Grove Road in Rockville’s Fallsgrove Village Center is celebrating student success by offering one free Original Glazed doughnut for each “A,” up to six doughnuts per student. The store has confirmed it is participating in Krispy Kreme’s nationwide report card promotion.
Blackbird Health has expanded into Maryland with a new pediatric mental health clinic in Gaithersburg, bringing additional behavioral health resources to children, teens, young adults, and families throughout Montgomery County.
Located at 555 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 250, the clinic offers comprehensive pediatric mental health services, including ADHD and autism evaluations, neuropsychological testing, therapy, psychiatry, and medication management.
The Ultimate Showdown of Illusion & Hilarity: THE MAGIC DUEL
WITNESS THE SPECTACULAR COLLISION OF MIND-BLOWING MAGIC AND SIDE-SPLITTING COMEDY!
Pinstripes, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September and operates one Montgomery County location at 11920 Grand Park Avenue in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose, has now been acquired by Punch Bowl Social in partnership with Silverview Credit Partners and existing investors. (more…)
Clemson Athletics is putting a spotlight on Montgomery County native Ryan Linthicum, as highlighted last week in a feature by Clemson staff writer Ashby Mixon, recognizing the Damascus alum’s emergence as a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive line. Linthicum, a 6’3, 305-pound center, entered the 2025 season with more than 1,085 career snaps over 23 games (14 starts), and Clemson’s website describes him as a “breakout contributor in 2024.”
A federal grand jury indicted David Turner, 35, of Miami, Florida, charging him with interstate travel to commit domestic violence resulting in death and use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death in connection with two murders that occurred in Frederick County.
Below is a list of restaurants and businesses that will be coming soon to Gaithersburg, MD. (more…)
Andy’s Pizza is set to officially open its new Kentlands location at 145 Commerce Pl. in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, November 19. The restaurant is taking over the space that was previously home to MOD Pizza, located next to Chopt.
On Monday, Nov. 17, three Montgomery County Council committees will meet: the Public Safety Committee to receive a briefing on the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation’s Pre-Release Center, the Transportation and Environment Committee to review Bill 24-25 on repealing the Transportation Demand Management program, and the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee to hear a presentation on the Glenmont Corridors Opportunity Study. (more…)
The Washington Spirit will host a semifinal match in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs when it meets Portland Thorns FC this weekend. With a win, the Spirit would advance to its […]