Crumbl Cookies opened its first MoCo location about a year and a half ago at Federal Plaza in Rockville. Tonight we learned of a third Montgomery County location coming to the Kentlands neighborhood in Gaithersburg.
The bakery, known for its long box of cookies, signed on for its second location back in November– near Wegmans at The Shops at Seneca Meadows shopping center in Germantown. The shop will be located at 20650 Seneca Meadows Pkwy, in what used to be home to Sprint, next to Sally Beauty. An opening date for that location has not yet been provided.
The Kentlands location will be at 277 Kentlands Blvd, next to Panera, in the space that was formerly home to TD Ameritrade.
The location was initially found to be listed on DoorDash, by reader Ashleigh Cain Lazo, who found it as a listing under “request a restaurant.” It was confirmed as a tenant on the Saul Centers website. An opening date is not yet available.
Crumbl Cookies is a nationwide bakery franchise that offers different freshly baked cookies each week. They sell chocolate chip and sugar cookies every day, but the rest of their offerings rotate. Their flavors range from experimental (watermelon chilled sugar cookie), to cookie twists on classic desserts (peach cobbler cookie), to more traditional cookies (peanut butter brownie cookie, pictured here).
A “first look” at the Rockville location, soon after it opened, can be seen here.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were called to the scene of a collision that occurred in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg just before 9am this morning.
Upon arriving, they encountered two people trapped inside a vehicle that was driven through the brick Kentlands Square signage outside of Panera.
MCFRS was able to extricate both people. They were transported to the hospital with Priority 3 injuries that were non-life threatening.
No word yet on the cause of the crash. Photos courtesy of Pete Piringer.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were called to the Kentlands neighborhood in Gaithersburg to respond to a vehicle fire adjust before 10am this morning.
The vehicle, which is described as a “trash truck”, was found on fire and it was quickly extinguished by firefighters.
The fire occurred in Kentlands Square in the area of Lowe’s , according to MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer. There were no injuries and it’s unknown why the fire started at the moment.
Shake Shack has fenced off site of its upcoming Kentlands location as it prepares to break ground for its third location in Montgomery County.
On July 8, 2021, Shake Shack was granted approval for the construction of a 4,700 square foot building with outdoor seating as the second of three commercial infill sites totaling 16,000 square feet along Kentlands Square Place. The burger chain was granted its license to sell beer and wine on the premises during its Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) hearing on January 6th.
The approval was for the first of three infill sites was granted for the construction of a 2,100 square foot Starbucks building with drive through and outdoor seating. Starbucks opened in January of 2021, a little over a year ago.
The Mayor and City Council approved Schematic Development Plan SDP-7712-2017 on July 16, 2018. The approval was for three additional commercial infill sites totaling 16,000 square feet along Kentlands Square Place. The Planning Commission approved final Site Plan SP-8277-2019 on October 16, 2019. The approval was for the first of three infill sites and approved the construction of a 2,100 square foot Starbucks building with drive through and outdoor seating. The Planning Commission approved final Site Plan AFP-8883-2021 on July 8, 2021. The approval was for the construction of a 4,700 square foot Shake Shack building and outdoor seating.
Included in the site plan were renderings (shown below) of what Shake Shack will look like when it’s built as a standalone restaurant between the new Starbucks and the existing Chipotle across the parking lot from Lowe’s. Plans were approved this past summer.
There have been major changes in the Kentlands in recent years and they’ll continue as new tenants come to town. Below is an update of some of the recent and upcoming changes.
Making Changes:
- My Big Finds– My Big Finds, which offers unique gifts, one-of-a-kind decorative accents, vintage and reclaimed furniture and more, has signed a lease to move into 129 Commerce Square Place in the recently built paseo in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg. It is currently located in a smaller space right next to its previous location on Market Street West
- Tutti Frutti– Tutti Frutti is in the process of transitioning its Kentlands location at 200 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg to Kung Fu Tea. The California-based chain frozen yogurt chain started in 2008 and has stores across the United States and in over 25 countries worldwide, and opened its Kentlands location in August 2020. The store is connected to neighboring restaurant, Bonchon. It has been offering both Tutti Frutti and Kung Fu Tea products, but today we were told that will be transitioning to be only a Kung Fu Tea in the coming weeks.
Now Open:
- Vine Alley– Located at 114 Market. St in Gaithersburg, the former home of the Kentlands Wine Harvest, opened on February 7 at 11:30am. Vine Alley is owned and operated by the restaurant group that owns Brew & Barrels (also located in Kentlands), Royal Tandoor (820 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg), and Taco Daddy (Frederick and formerly at 555 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg.) The Gaithersburg Wine Harvest closed in June of 2019 after 23 years. The Park Potomac Wine Harvest closed back in November 2020.
- Stretch Zone– The nation’s first and largest practitioner-assisted stretching company, continues expanding throughout the United States with its first Maryland location now open in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg. Stretch Zone takes over the former GNC location at 251 Kentlands Blvd, the former home of GNC.
- Chopt– The customizable salad spot opened last month. The new restaurant is located next to MOD pizza on Commerce Square.
- Kentlands Photography Cafe– The Kentlands Photography Café at 309 Main St in Gaithersburg began food and beverage service beginning on Friday, February 4. According to the café, they will serve coffee and fresh baked goods in the morning, salads and sandwiches for lunch, and wine and charcuterie in the evening. The cafe will feature Lavazza coffee, wine, baked goods by Fresh Baguette, and food items from Vasili’s Kitchen and Gemelli’s Italian Market. The location has been open for retail business since December 14. This new venue serves as a photography gallery, cafe, photography bookstore, wine bar, as well as a space for classes and lectures.
Coming Soon:
- Neal’s Bagels– Neal’s Bagels has signed on for a new Kentlands location, according to the Kimco website. It will be located between two upcoming restaurants, Brio’s Chicken and Burton’s. The move from the previous location is not expected to occur until February of 2023.
- Skin Spirit– a medical spa, is coming soon to 215 Market St. W in the Kentlands. It will be taking over the location that was formerly home to My Big Finds, which is moving into the paseo area of Kentlands.
- Java Nation– Last January we let you know that Java Nation would be moving in to 121 Market Strert in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg, which was formerly a Starbucks. Starbucks opened a new Kentlands location at 160 Kentlands Blvd at the beginning 2021 that features a drive-thru. Java Nation is best known for their house-roasted coffees, diverse food menu, and their wide variety of local craft beers, wines and artisan cocktails. Java Nation hopes to open by the end of March.
- Lapu Lapu– Construction has started at Lapu Lapu, the sister restaurant of popular Rockville/North Bethesda/Kensington restaurant Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly. Lapu Lapu will be taking over the 325 square foot storefront that was formerly home to Tex-Mex restaurant Peppers, located next to Vasili’s. It will specialize in breakfast sandwiches. Per the restaurant’s Instagram account, Lapu Lapu is currently hiring and anticipates to open prior to spring.
- CVS– A new CVS building is under construction in the location that was once home to O’Donnell’s, Tommy Joe’s, Boulevard Tavern, and Brasserie Beck. Ht told building was demolished back in December. No expected opening date has been provided.
- Brio’s Chicken– Back in October of 2020, we let you know that Brio’s Chicken would be coming to the Kentlands neighborhood. The Peruvian chicken restaurant is taking one of the newly constructed storefronts found in the paseo in the Kentlands. It will be located right behind the old Wine Harvest location. Brio’s Chicken had a location in Aspen Hill in the Aspen Manor shopping center, where Outback is located, but that location is under new ownership and is now known as Gio’s Chicken. No projected opening date yet, but it’s still coming.
- Burton’s Grill and Bar– Construction is ongoing, as we stopped by yesterday to check on the progress. Burton’s was planning to open a Kentlands location in 2020 but the pandemic put everything on hold. This would be the first Burton’s restaurant in Montgomery County’s. They have nearby locations in Alexandria, Sterling, and Riverdale Park.
- Shake Shack– Included in the site plan from this past summer were renderings (shown below) of what Shake Shack will look like when it’s built as a standalone restaurant between the new Starbucks and the existing Chipotle across the parking lot from Lowe’s. The restaurant will not have a drive-thru, but will have a carry-out pick up window and ample outdoor seating. It is expected to open by the end of 2022.
Neal’s Bagels has signed on for a new Kentlands location, according to the Kimco website. It will be located between two upcoming restaurants, Brio’s Chicken and Burton’s, both of which are currently under construction without an expected opening date.
We spoke with owner Neil Bressler, who bought Neal’s Bagels about 10 years back (the name just happened to be the same with a different spelling), and he told us that the bagel shop will remain in its existing location for about another year. Neal’s Bagels is currently located about a mile and a half away at the Potomac Valley shopping center in Gaithersburg. The shop has been there for about 30 years, previously operating under the name Bagels Deluxe.
The plans for the Kentlands location include indoor seating, which is something Neal’s Bagels hasn’t been able to provide yet, as well as an outdoor patio where customers can enjoy their breakfast.
Additions will include a grill that will allow the breakfast spot to add fresh-made eggs to breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, and waffles.
The goal is currently a February 2023 opening in the Kentlands neighborhood.
Photos below, courtesy of Neal’s Bagels:
ALDI at 5110 Nicholson Lane in White Flint Plaza is having its grand opening today, February 24. The store is located in the space formerly occupied by Shoppers, which closed in January of 2020.
ALDI is a German discount grocery chain that currently has Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Montgomery Village, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.
The store will be open from 8am-9pm daily.
Last month ALDI announced plans to open approximately 150 new stores and is on track to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of this year.
About ALDI U.S.
ALDI is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. With more than 2,100 stores across 38 states, ALDI is on track to become the third-largest grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022. When it comes to value, ALDI won’t be beat on price. For 10 years running, ALDI has held the esteemed title of Value Leader among U.S. grocery stores according to the latest Market Force Information® U.S. Grocery Competitive Study.* ALDI has also been No. 1 for price according to the Dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index Report for five years running. Since 1976, ALDI has offered a unique shopping experience where customers never have to compromise on quality, selection or value. In fact, 1 in 3 ALDI-brand products are award-winning.** Customers can save time and money by conveniently shopping in-store or online at shop.aldi.us. ALDI also proudly serves as a Feeding America Leadership Partner, donating 30 million pounds of food each year in an effort to end hunger in America. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.
SkinSpirit, a medical spa, is coming soon to 215 Market St. W in the Kentlands. It will be taking over the location that was formerly home to My Big Finds, which is moving into the paseo area of Kentlands.
SkinSpirit provides guests with skin care, body contouring and Botox, among other spa treatments and is supervised by Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dean Vistnes. SkinSpirit, which was founded in 2003, promises that it will bring cutting-edge technology and a luxurious spa-like setting to the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg.
A Georgetown location is coming in nearby DC. It will be located at 1855 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite A Georgetown, DC 20007
Additional information on Skin Spirit, per the company website:
It was 2003 when Dr. M Dean Vistnes, MD, a Stanford-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon, and Lynn Heublein created SkinSpirit – the first of its kind to offer comprehensive aesthetic services. They’ve since built the business to become the ultimate destination for all things skin and body, with a growing national presence.
Today, our clinics provide all the luxuries of a spa experience with expert backed services designed to provide real, natural-looking results. From award-winning facials to injectables and lasers, we set the bar high in all that we do. With an extensive menu of treatments aimed specifically at helping our clients achieve exactly the look they want, every experience leaves people feeling confident and looking it.
Beauty may only be skin deep, but science is at the heart of everything we do. From our expert staff of medical professionals, to the services we offer, we always keep your best interests in mind. We use only the latest technology, create custom-tailored treatment plans, and take the time to listen to your individual needs, no exception.
Whatever your goals, we provide you with the tools and guidance you need to confidently take the brave step toward achieving them. Our only objective is that you leave feeling like it was worth it – every time – and we deliver on that promise.
Additional information about the shop below:
My name is Jodi Rapaport, owner of My Big Finds which just celebrated our 6th anniversary in December 2021. I had been set up at various locations such as Lucketts, VA, but felt it was time to bring a fun hip idea to the Kentlands! After working in the brokerage industry for more than twenty years, I left the corporate world behind to start this journey. The name for my business came to me while sitting in traffic day in and day out dreaming of the chance to do what I love vs. what was safe and familiar. The name comes from my children’s initials and the shop represents the unique finds we offer.
My Big Finds is a mix of vintage and new pieces; we are an escape from reality which strives to find a new life for older items, allowing newer generations to enjoy and appreciate timeless finds. We believe in upcycling and focus on sourcing locally. Supporting small businesses nearby and around the country is a key goal of our purchasing. That’s why our tagline is Hip | Vintage | Local!
My Big Finds is a community-focused business which strives to give back in numerous ways. At the store we empower nearby high school students with their first jobs, providing opportunities to learn marketing, business and entrepreneurial skills which will last a lifetime. Many college-age employees return to work at My Big Finds on their breaks. I feel like we all remember our first job and the confidence and skills we learned and took with us on our personal paths. My Big Finds is also a sponsor or organizer of numerous Kentlands events such as the Kentlands/Lakelands Tree Lighting, the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K, Kentlands Under the Lights, Oktoberfest, and more.
I have lived in the Kentlands for over 15 years and love it, which is why I serve on the board of the Kentlands Community Foundation and am a member of the Kentlands Downtown Working Group. Both roles provide me the opportunity to continue giving back to our amazing community and the surrounding area!
Stretch Zone, the nation’s first and largest practitioner-assisted stretching company, continues expanding throughout the United States with its first Maryland location now open in the Kentlands neighborhood of Gaithersburg. Stretch Zone takes over the former GNC location at 251 Kentlands Blvd, the former home of GNC.
Stretch Zone, the company that brought practitioner-assisted stretching to the public and introduced a new vertical in the health and wellness industry, closed out 2021 with a record-breaking year of milestones, from its fastest growth of studio openings to its highest-revenue year.
The company, founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Jorden Gold, is the largest franchisor for practitioner-assisted stretching in the United States. Since its founding, Stretch Zone has opened more than 150 locations and has established a partnership with NFL legend Drew Brees, who is a multi-unit franchisee with the company.
“Stretch Zone’s swift expansion is driven by consumer demand for high quality and effective health and wellness initiatives that support aging, mobility and performance,” says founder Jorden Gold. “In 2021 alone, the company expanded into 10 states, and we have an abundance of studio openings in key and unique markets planned for this year in an effort to continue growing our brand’s footprint nationwide and beyond.”
Stretch Zone’s growing list of studio locations included many new markets in addition to the new Kentlands location, including Anchorage, AK; Aspen, CO; Gainesville, FL; Zionsville, IN; New Orleans, LA; Chesterfield, MO; and Manhasset, NY.
This rapid expansion drove Stretch Zone’s highest revenue year. The company also received recognition by Entrepreneur Magazine (2022 Franchise 500), FranchiseBusinessREVIEW (Top Multi-Unit Franchisee, Top Franchises for Veterans, and Top Franchise for 2022), and South Florida Business & Wealth (Apogee Awards).
“Stretch Zone represents a transformative health and wellness company for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities,” says Tony Zaccario, President of Stretch Zone. “Our model and proprietary system deliver success for our franchise partners, which are supported by a network of reliable, adaptable and results-driven professionals. Stretch Zone is a resilient business that has continued to flourish during these unusual times.”
In response to the increased demand for scientifically backed wellness programs, Stretch Zone continues its rapid expansion and anticipates growing to 250 studio locations by the end of 2022, including Boston, MA; New York City, NY; and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; as well as international entry into Canada.
The Kentlands Photography Café at 309 Main St in Gaithersburg will he begin food and beverage service beginning this Friday, February 4.
According to the café, they will serve coffee and fresh baked goods in the morning, salads and sandwiches for lunch, and wine and charcuterie in the evening.
The cafe will feature Lavazza coffee, wine, baked goods by Fresh Baguette, and food items from Vasili’s Kitchen and Gemelli’s Italian Market.
The location has been open for retail business since December 14. This new venue serves as a photography gallery, cafe, photography bookstore, wine bar, as well as a space for classes and lectures.
Per their website, the gallery will be the focal point of the space. They will display a permanent collection of work, plus new photography exhibitions every 6-8 weeks with art from local, national, and international photographers. They plan to host events including opportunities to meet the artists, workshops, book signings, and more.
