Firepan Korean BBQ is Coming to Downtown Silver Spring

Firepan KBBQ has started construction at the old Pete’s New Haven Style  Pizza location at 962 Wayne Avenue Suite L-B in Downtown Silver Spring.

Per their website, Firepan KBBQ offers a varied KBBQ menu, including both unmarinated and marinated meats, seafood, vegetarian selections like kimchi pancakes, and more adventurous options like beef intestines.

The restaurant opened its first location at 6793 Wilson Blvd #c in Falls Church, VA in the first half of 2019. They offer appetizers, meat & grill options, combos, lunch specials, and all-you-can-eat options that range from $24.99 per person to special options for up to $69.99 for 2 people.

Featured photo courtesy of Firepan KBBQ

4/15 Update: An employee of the Arlington location has told us that the Downtown Silver Spring reopening has been delayed approximately two weeks.

Kaldi’s Social House to Reopen Tomorrow (Thursday, 4/15/21)

Kaldi’s Social House in Downtown Silver Spring has been closed for remodeling, but will reopen tomorrow, according to a post on its social media.

The remodeling will include “the roof raised and enclosed, replacing the louvered roof that was in place, with soundproofing and insulation partly due to Thayer and Spring apartment residents being unhappy with the noise coming from the rooftop,” according to Source of the Spring.

Kaldi’s, which is located on 918 Silver Spring Ave., is a popular coffee house that also serves food and alcohol in its two locations (second location in Arlington).

Below you’ll see a couple rendering of the new enclosed roof, courtesy of Kaldi’s website. In addition to the remodeling, the restaurant will also be returning with a brand new menu.

Flip’d by IHOP is Coming to Downtown Silver Spring

IHOP’s new concept, Flip’d by IHOP, will be taking over the old Asian Bistro Cafe location at 8537 Georgia Avenue between Panera and Red Lobster, according to the PetersonCos website.

Asian Bistro Cafe closed just over 5 years ago and the space has remained vacant ever since.

Back in December of 2019, IHOP® Restaurants announced plans to launch Flip’d by IHOP™, a new fast-casual concept in the U.S.– the new brand would aim to fill a gap in the restaurant space by focusing on freshly-made breakfast foods and beverages with speed and convenience in mind, directly addressing a growing consumer demand in densely populated city centers.

Popular lunch and dinner items, including the brand’s Ultimate Steakburgers and Buttermilk Crispy Chicken will also be available.

“In looking at what exists today in terms of fresh, fast menu options —  particularly at breakfast — there’s still tremendous opportunity for growth,” said Jay Johns, President of IHOP. “After talking extensively with consumers in large cities across the country, we designed Flip’d by IHOP to deliver on what folks told us they want and need from a trusted brand like IHOP in a fast-casual setting, putting an emphasis on quality ingredients, speed, to-go and delivery.”

“Today, millions of Americans are settling for sub-par breakfast foods that are either microwaved or have been sitting under a heat lamp because they’re forced to grab something while at their usual coffee spot,” continued Johns. “With Flip’d by IHOP, guests don’t have to compromise –  now they can get freshly-made, all-day menu items like Pancake Bowls and Egg Sandwiches along with a hand-crafted espresso beverage for a good price and in a matter of minutes.”

Other items on the Flip’d by IHOP menu include:

• A Build Your Own Pancake Bar with a choice of made-in-house pancakes or oatmeal as a base and a variety of mix-ins and toppings from the Top It Off bar, such as fresh blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple; fruit compotes; chocolate chips; caramel sauce and more
• Egg combos with choice of breakfast meats and an assortment of Egg Sandwiches made with two scrambled eggs and premium toppings on a toasted Brioche bun
• A variety of made-to-order breakfast burritos and bowls with options like the Bacon Temptation with two eggs, hickory-smoked bacon, roasted tomatoes and queso over crispy breakfast potatoes, or The Garden with baby arugula, sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and avocado cream sauce over crispy breakfast potatoes.
• Ultimate Sandwiches with choice of an all-natural Black Angus Steakburger, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken from all-natural breast meat, or grilled chicken breast.
• Freshly-squeezed orange juice, Signature Coffee Brews, including Nitro and specialty espresso beverages
• Grab-and-go salads and wraps, freshly-baked goods and more

Flip’d by IHOP is different than the sit-down experience guests have come to expect and enjoy at IHOP for more than 60 years. Upon entering Flip’d, visitors can order from a digital kiosk or directly at the counter. Guests will also be able to order their food online in advance and pick-up their items from a designated to-go area or have it delivered. Catering will also be available with guests choosing large servings of Build Your Own Pancake Bowls, breakfast sandwiches, a Burger Bar and more.

New restaurant development is one of three key strategic initiatives in IHOP’s aggressive growth plan, which also includes to-go and lunch/dinner expansion as major areas of focus. Currently there are more than 1,700 IHOP restaurants in the U.S. and another 100+ IHOP restaurants globally. Flip’d by IHOP will be a stand-alone brand within the IHOP portfolio.

The Eleanor Reopens Today in Downtown Silver Spring

The Eleanor, located at 931 Ellsworth Ave in Downtown Silver Spring will be reopening today, Thursday, April 1st at 3pm.

The Eleanor is bar/bowling lounge that features casual dining, happy hour, mini bowling and skee ball. It first opened in late February of 2020, less than a month before Covid restrictions were put in place in the county.

Per The Eleanor:

“Our doors re-open at 3pm today!!! 🎉🎉

Come see us for food, drinks, arcade games & bowling 🍔🍸🎮🎳

Details:
➖ Open 3-10pm Wednesday-Sunday
➖ Happy hour is 4-7pm daily
➖ Dine-in, patio service, takeout & delivery available
➖ Brunch coming soon!

Reservations aren’t required but they are encouraged! CALL US AT (240) 641-4955 TO BOOK A TABLE!”

The restaurant/bowling lounge has been closed for “winter break” since December 20th.

Another water main break in Montgomery County, this one in Downtown Silver Spring.

Cordell Pugh (@CordellTraffic) reports that a water main break has occurred on Colesville Road & East-West Hwy.

Police were on scene awaiting WSSC at around 12:30 am. Likely water outage in that area this AM during repairs.

Photo courtesy of Mike Di Natale

Sweeteria, a coffee/tea and dessert spot from the owners of Kao Thai Restaurant, opened last month at 8646 Colesville Road. We stopped in to check about a specific dish that many have been raving about and were not disappointed. The Thai Tea Toast with Coconut Ice Cream, fresh fruit, and other goodies was as good as advertised. Already relatively popular in the short time it has been there, as evident by the multiple carry-out orders that were picked up in the short time we were there, Sweeteria is a charming cafe with a friendly staff and a tasty product.

We look forward to picking up some sweet treats again soon.