Bed Bath & Beyond at 12940 Middlebrook in the Germantown Commons shopping center has confirmed that the store will be closing permanently on Sunday, April 23. “Store Closing” signage was placed on the store windows back in February. A representative from the Germantown location tells us that the nearby Rockville and Frederick stores will remain open.

The Gaithersburg location closed a couple years back in Gaithersburg Square and has been replaced by Marshalls. The Wall Street Journal reports that the company is expected to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the coming days.

HalfSmoke has closed it’s Westfield Montgomery Mall location. HalfSmoke was located in a kiosk in the mall’s food court/terrace (previously occupied by Coldstone Creamery and Gelato Galaxy) and was the first restaurant/bar to serve alcohol in the food court (nearby restaurants off of the food court served alcohol, ex: Slade’s). The menu consisted of the best selling sausages and sides from its DC location (651 Florida Ave, NW), as well as boozy milkshakes and a funnel cake bar. Earlier today we reported that HalfSmoke’s sister restaurant Butter Me Up had also closed its Montgomery Mall location.

HalfSmoke announced plans to open a Rockville Town Square location at 36A Maryland Ave back in August 2020 but there has been little movement at the site. We were told recently by an employee of HalfSmoke that the Rockville restaurant is still under construction and that there is no timeframe for opening. HalfSmoke DC was the first restaurant of its kind to serve gourmet sausages via an assembly line format and its sausages and toppings can be fully customized to create over 50,000 variations. HalfSmoke has an additional location at 2400 Boston St in Baltimore.

Butter Me Up has closed its location in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The breakfast restaurant opened in the former Aroma Espresso Bar location on the mall’s lower level in May of last year. Butter Me Up is the sister restaurant of popular DC gourmet sausage restaurant HalfSmoke (651 Florida Ave NW). HalfSmoke opened a location in the Montgomery Mall food terrace back in July 2022 which has also closed.

Butter Me Up featured “instagrammable” decor, offered a menu that consisted of a variety of breakfast sandwiches, toasts, sides, bowls, smoothies, and juices. A Yelp article named Butter Me Up DC’s best breakfast sandwich, as the restaurant’s first location can be found within HalfSmoke in Florida Ave NW.

After nine years, Quincy’s South at 11401 Woodglen Dr in Rockville will be closing this Friday, March 31.  The current location is scheduled to be redeveloped into an apartment complex with a retail pad and the restaurant is actively looking for a new location. Drew Gardner, who was recently in the running for Maryland bartender of the year, will be the new General Manager and managing partner when the restaurant reopens. After 3/31, Gardner will be at Quincy’s Potomac (1093 Seven Locks Rd) until a new location is found for Quincy’s South.

Quincy’s released the following press release last month:
“It’s the end of a 9-year run for Quincy’s South Bar and Grille in North Bethesda, the popular sports bar from restaurateur Marty Magill and partners Jeff Greenberg, John Sahakian and Chris McCasland. The restaurant and sports bar will officially close for good on Friday, March 31st. A sign on the door reads, “It’s been a great 9 years! We have made so many friends that have become family to us for life. It’s with sadness the time has come for the landlord to redevelop the building.”

“We had a great run here,” said owner Marty Magill. “We never could have imagined how the neighborhood would support us over the years. We are so very grateful for everyone who visited and can’t wait to find our new home nearby soon.”

Nine years was plenty of time for Quincy’s South to establish its brand in the rapidly redeveloped North Bethesda area. Magill’s goal was to create an intimate neighborhood sports bar with live music and casual dining; one where patrons will state “meet me at the Q.” And that is just what “South”, as it is affectionately known, did. The story to be told here is what happened between the walls for the last nine years. An unheard of high retention rate of staff, a complete pivot during the pandemic to carry-out and delivery, and 1000s of meals donated to hospital staff, “South” truly became the “Cheers” of North Bethesda, the place you could go where everyone would know your name.

Magill said some of the employees who work at the South location will work at the Quincy’s Potomac Bar and Grille, which opened in January 2021 during the pandemic and is located in the Potomac Woods Plaza shopping center at 1093 Seven Locks Road. Drew Gardner, head bartender at Quincy’s South and finalist for “Bartender of the Year” by the Maryland Restaurant Association will be a Managing Partner at Quincy’s Potomac.

The closure moves the Minkoff Group with their NOBEII project one step closer to completion, which will include an apartment complex with a retail pad.
You can continue to support the locally-owned Quincy’s brand at their locations in Potomac, Gaithersburg and Damascus. Stay connected to Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille at www.quincyspotomac.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @QuincysPotomac for updates.”

We’ve also received many questions about Quincy’s opening a location at the space that was home to China Gourmet in Kensington, but have been told that the sports bar/restaurant opening there is not associated with Quincy’s. China Gourmet closed back in December after 35 years in business.

Tastee Diner at 8601 Cameron St. in Silver Spring permanently closed today, March 22, at 2pm. According to a report from the Washington Business Journal, the diner was sold on March 21 to D.C. based Roadside Development for an undisclosed price.  Roadside Development, which purchased the adjacent Capital One bank lot back in August, plans on creating a “multifamily mixed-use” redevelopment at the two sites. According to a press release, the original dining car from the diner will be incorporated into the future project.

“As a Silver Spring native myself, I have a deep appreciation for the history and culture of this vibrant community. It is a true privilege to be able to showcase Roadside’s passion for the community by incorporating Tastee Diner’s original dining car into the project,” said Jeff Edelstein, Partner at Roadside Development. “It has been a pleasure to get to know Gene over the last year. He has entrusted us with this opportunity and Roadside is honored to be able to breathe new life into the block and continue to grow this dynamic part of Silver Spring’s ever-evolving downtown.”

“Due to personal medical reasons, I’ve decided to sell the property to Roadside. I have truly enjoyed getting to know their team, and I take comfort in knowing that the site will be in the hands of people who build spectacular projects, understand the community, and respect everything I have put into Tastee Diner,” said Gene Wilkes, owner of Tastee Diner. “I need to spend more time focusing on my personal life and could no longer operate in this location, but I am elated that the original dining car will be incorporated into the new design. I have full faith in Roadside, and I am confident they will find a creative way to incorporate or repurpose the original dining car.”

Tastee Diner opened its Silver Spring location on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Georgia Avenue in 1946. After 65 years, the diner faced being closed and destroyed to make room for Silver Spring’s Discovery Building but local residents rallied to save and move the diner to its current location.  The original Tastee Diner opened on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda in 1935 before moving to its current location at 7731 Woodmont Ave. There is an additional Tastee Diner location at 118 Washington Blvd in Laurel. We will post an update when additional information is available. Featured image courtesy of Tastee Diner on Facebook.

Update: Tastee Diner at 8601 Cameron St. in Silver Spring permanently closed today, March 22, at 2pm. According to a report from the Washington Business Journal, the diner was sold on March 21 to D.C. based Roadside Development for an undisclosed price.  Roadside Development, which purchased the adjacent Capital One bank lot back in August, plans on creating a “multifamily mixed-use” redevelopment at the two sites. According to a press release, the original dining car from the diner will be incorporated into the future project. Source of the Spring first reported the news of Tastee Diner’s closing.

Tastee Diner opened its Silver Spring location on the corner of Wayne Avenue and Georgia Avenue in 1946. After 65 years, the diner faced being closed and destroyed to make room for Silver Spring’s Discovery Building but local residents rallied to save and move the diner to its current location.  The original Tastee Diner opened on Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda in 1935 before moving to its current location at 7731 Woodmont Ave. There is an additional Tastee Diner location at 118 Washington Blvd in Laurel.

Featured image courtesy of Tastee Diner on Facebook.

Tara Thai has permanently closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda). The Thai chain closed its Gaithersburg location at 9811 Washington Blvd in Rio back in April 2022.  No word yet on what could be replacing the Montgomery Mall location. Charley Prime Foods, the new restaurant from Jackie Greenbaum & Gordon Banks (Little Coco’s, El Chucho, Bar Charley, Quarry House Tavern) is scheduled open in the former Rio space later this year. The Tara Thai location at 12071 Rockville in Montrose Crossing remains open.
Store reporter was first to report Tara Thai’s closure.

About Tara Thai: “Walking into Tara Thai is like walking into the soothing serenity of the deep blue sea, with indoor waterfalls and seaside colors sparking from the ceilings and walls. This is a place worth indulging in courses. We proudly bring you to experience fine dining with the most successful Thai restaurant on the east coast. Serving delicious Thai cuisine, along with an enjoyable atmosphere. Our unique decoration reflects quality of our dishes with finest ingredients, in preparing our gourmet-quality dishes. All ingredients are carefully selected by our experience head chef.”

Live Crawfish & Seafood at 765 Rockville Pike Ste. FG in Rockville has permanently closed. Menu items included crawfish, blue crabs, king crab legs, lobster, mussels, and shrimp.  Live Crawfish & Seafood was located in the Ritchie Center, which is also home to Ding Tea, Kiin Imm Thai, and El Mariachi. According to its website, the restaurant has additional locations at 6168 Arlington Blvd in Falls Church, Virginia and in Smithfield, North Carolina.

About: “Live Crawfish and Seafood restaurant is a great place for real and fresh seafood with New Orleans style. Just come and pick what you like – the amount you like – and the taste you preferred. We will make it for you! Casual style but exclusive taste!!!”

Quincy’s South at 11401 Woodglen Dr in Rockville, which will be closing its door on March 31, has released additional information on its closing due to redevelopment, as well as an update on the restaurant’s future and its staff. Quincy’s has additional locations at 9813 Main St in Damascus, 616 Quince Orchard Rd in Gaithersburg, and 1093 Seven Locks Rd in Potomac. Per Quincy’s:

“It’s the end of a 9-year run for Quincy’s South Bar and Grille in North Bethesda, the popular sports bar from restaurateur Marty Magill and partners Jeff Greenberg, John Sahakian and Chris McCasland.

The restaurant and sports bar will officially close for good on Friday, March 31st. A sign on the door reads, “It’s been a great 9 years! We have made so many friends that have become family to us for life. It’s with sadness the time has come for the landlord to redevelop the building.”

“We had a great run here,” said owner Marty Magill. “We never could have imagined how the neighborhood would support us over the years. We are so very grateful for everyone who visited and can’t wait to find our new home nearby soon.”

Nine years was plenty of time for Quincy’s South to establish its brand in the rapidly redeveloped North Bethesda area. Magill’s goal was to create an intimate neighborhood sports bar with live music and casual dining; one where patrons will state “meet me at the Q.” And that is just what “South”, as it is affectionately known, did. The story to be told here is what happened between the walls for the last nine years. An unheard of high retention rate of staff, a complete pivot during the pandemic to carry-out and delivery, and 1000s of meals donated to hospital staff, “South” truly became the “Cheers” of North Bethesda, the place you could go where everyone would know your name.

Magill said some of the employees who work at the South location will work at the Quincy’s Potomac Bar and Grille, which opened in January 2021 during the pandemic and is located in the Potomac Woods Plaza shopping center at 1093 Seven Locks Road. Drew Gardner, head bartender at Quincy’s South and finalist for “Bartender of the Year” by the Maryland Restaurant Association will be a Managing Partner at Quincy’s Potomac.

The closure moves the Minkoff Group with their NOBEII project one step closer to completion, which will include an apartment complex with a retail pad.

You can continue to support the locally-owned Quincy’s brand at their locations in Potomac, Gaithersburg and Damascus. Stay connected to Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille at www.quincyspotomac.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @QuincysPotomac for updates.”

After nine years, Quincy’s South at 11401 Woodglen Dr in Rockville will be closing on March 31. The restaurant is currently looking for a new location as the current building is going to be redeveloped by its landlords. Drew Gardner, who is in the running for Maryland bartender of the year, will be the new General Manager and managing partner when the restaurant reopens. After 3/31, Gardner will be at Quincy’s Potomac (1093 Seven Locks Rd) until a new location is found for Quincy’s South.

We’ve also received many questions about Quincy’s opening a location at the space that was home to China Gourmet in Kensington, but have been told that the sports bar/restaurant opening there is not associated with Quincy’s. China Gourmet closed back in December after 35 years in business. Signage at Quincy’s South reads:

“THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
It’s been a great 9 years! We have made so many friends that have become family to us for life. It’s with sadness the time has come for the landlord to redevelop the building. Our last day will be 3/31.
Please come out and support the BEST staff that has taken care of you the last 9 years as we continue to search for our new home. Please visit our sister restaurant, Quincy’s Potomac, a short 3 miles down the road which has all your favorite events like Bingo. Trivia, Family Feud, Karaoke, and 35 TVS.”

Moco Nights first reported that Quincy’s South would be closing by 3/31.

Pet store Loyal Companion announced this week that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be closing the majority of its locations nationwide, including local stores at 6900 Arlington Rd. in Bethesda, 235 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg, 16822 Georgia Avenue in Olney, 1306 East Gude Drive and 1643 Rockville Pike in Rockville, and 10737 Columbia Pike
in Silver Spring.  The chain is currently holding liquidation sales and all stores will be closing by February 28. Additional information below:

“To our Loyal Companion community,

With a heavy heart, we want to inform you that we’ve made the tough decision to close our Loyal Companion stores.  We have loved serving the community and supporting you on your pet wellness journey. ​

Our stores will be open through the end of February.  We will be offering liquidation discounts and we encourage you to take advantage of these great offers to get all the supplies you need.  

While it’s hard to say goodbye, it’s easy to say thank you. Thank you for being part of our family. Thank you for caring about pet wellness. And thank you for supporting your local community. ​

We’ve enjoyed all the hugs and belly rubs along the way. ​

~ Your Loyal Companion Team

Independent Pet Partners Files Voluntary Chapter 11 Petitions in U.S. to Facilitate a Balance-Sheet and Operational Restructuring      

Independent Pet Partners (“IPP”) announced on February 6, 2023 that the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries have voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. IPP intends to use these proceedings to facilitate an orderly restructuring of all of its Chuck & Don’s®, Loyal Companion®, Kriser’s® and Natural Pawz® store locations and operations. 

It is our intent to use these proceedings to reorganize operations and focus on our core markets where we have the strongest foothold. To that end, we will close all stores outside of Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and going-forward, will operate under our Chuck & Don’s and Kriser’s banners. We are confident we can use the chapter 11 process to emerge as a stronger, more focused business, and better able to serve our customers.  For those stores that are closing, and for markets we will no longer serve, we will do everything possible to try to find buyers for these locations so our pet parents can continue to be served. Closing stores will start inventory liquidation as early as February 3 continuing into late February.  

IPP has filed a number of customary motions with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking authorization to support its operations during the restructuring process, including authority to continue payment of employee wages and certain other relief customary in these circumstances. The companyr equested that the Bankruptcy Court authorize more than $9M in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing from its existing lenders to help fund and protect its operations during the Chapter 11 process. This incremental liquidity will ensure that suppliers and other business partners/vendors will be paid in a timely manner for authorized goods and services provided during the Chapter 11 process, in accordance with customary terms. The Company has sought authorization from the Court to continue to honor customer gift cards and loyalty member reward vouchers at store locations through February 28, 2023.  

Additional information regarding IPP’s Chapter 11 filing as well as court filings and information about the claims process are available at https://omniagentsolutions.com/IPP or by calling the Company’s claims agent, Omni, at 888-729-5581 (toll free, US & Canada) or 747-263-0134 (International calls), or by sending an email to [email protected].