Toys R Us Plans to Have Stores Again
Back in 2018, Toys R Us closed the doors to all of their stores. The toy store, which had its first ever location in MoCo, had experienced declining sales for years and filed for bankruptcy in the year prior.
It was announced this morning that a different company (WHP Global) gained controlling interest in the parent company of Toys R Us; that company shared that they have plans to open physical locations for patrons to buy toys again.
There are many possible formats that Toys R Us might make a comeback with– the company is considering standalone stores, mini stores inside other retailers, pop ups, and even locations inside of airports.
Will Toys R Us return to its original MoCo home? As of this moment, no specific locations have been announced. However, the company shared that their goal is to have several locations open before 2021’s holiday season.
In 2019, two pop up locations (one in New Jersey and one in Houston) were attempted, but closed recently due to lack of patrons at the malls where the pop ups were housed. A change of foot traffic due to COVID is blamed. However, there still is a possibility of future mall pop ups and stores– the vice chair of the Toys R Us parent company remains optimistic about how the toy store would fare in other mall locations.
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
Hershey’s Restaurant (Washington Grove) to Reopen Tomorrow, March 4th
For over half a century, Hershey’s has been serving what many believe is the best friend chicken in the area.
The Restaurant closed back in December 15th, when indoor dining was restricted in Montgomery County.
In a Facebook post today, they announced that they’ll be reopening tomorrow, Thursday, March 4th with modified hours and menu.
“Guess what? Hershey’s is opening back up this Thursday, March 4th…..so come on over and get some of our legendary fried chicken or other delicious menu items (dine in or take it to go). Hours of operation (subject to change) are:
Monday: Closed (deep cleaning day)
Tuesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
*** Breakfast will be offered Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM ***
No live music scheduled as of yet – stay tuned.
It will be great to see you again. Thank you for your support!“
Breaking: Historic White’s Ferry Sold
A deal was made official yesterday for the purchase of White’s Ferry, the adjacent store, and the portion of Maryland shoreline used for operations, to Chuck and Stacy Kuhn, owners of JK Moving Services.
The Kuhns are working with the owners of Rockland Farm to restore service to and from Virginia. They hope to either buy the Virginia landing site or come to an agreement with Rockland Farm to ensure that future ferry service is not disrupted.
White’s Ferry had ceased operations back on December 28th over a legal dispute with Rockland Farms.
Chuck Kuhn, owner JK Moving Services
In a statement released this evening, Chuck Kuhn said “The previous owners of White’s Ferry have done a remarkable job serving the community.”
“They have sold the ferry with the hopes that we would have a better chance of opening the ferry than he did. We look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the ferry, enhancing the experience for riders and making a number of upgrades to the store.”
White’s Ferry Grill, the locally owned restaurant at White’s Ferry, will continue to operate.
Read the full press release below:
STERLING, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Chuck Kuhn, founder and CEO of JK Moving Services, and his wife Stacy Kuhn, have come to terms on a purchase of White’s Ferry in Leesburg, Virginia, helping protect an important Potomac River crossing with a long history. Established in 1786, the Ferry ceased operation in December 2020. Kuhn will be working with Peter Brown, the majority owner of Rockland Farm, in an effort to get the ferry reopened to the nearly 800 daily users.
“White’s Ferry represents a piece of our region’s past as an early commerce route that built and sustained local economies and remains so today. This fits with my family’s interest in conserving land and history as well as supporting business and the local communities. White’s Ferry has provided an important and scenic transportation alternative to the swelling demands on our local roads,” explained Kuhn. “We look forward to working with nearby landowners and local jurisdictions to make this viable for the region.”
Kuhn finalized the purchase terms on February 11, 2021, which includes the ferry, the store, and the Maryland shoreline that supports the ferry operation. Necessary repairs to the ferry and property are taking place immediately and replacement cables are on site to fix the ferry following December storm damage and are ready for install as soon as reasonable terms are negotiated with Peter Brown and Rockland Farm on the Virginia side. The goal is to purchase the Virginia land site or negotiate a permanent easement with Rockland Farm so that the ferry never ceases operating again. The ferry can be operational within seven days of being granted Virginia shore rights.
“The previous owners of White’s Ferry have done a remarkable job serving the community,” commented Kuhn. “They have sold the ferry with the hopes that we would have a better chance of opening the ferry than he did. We look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the ferry, enhancing the experience for riders and making a number of upgrades to the store.”
The Kuhns will begin working with the Coast Guard, Loudoun County, Montgomery County and the owner Rockland Farm to open the ferry. The Kuhns plan to make a number of upgrades to the ferry over the next few years, bringing more operational and environmental efficiencies to improve services and preserve a piece of history.
Other ways that Kuhn, his family and his company have protected local landmarks and supported the community include:
- Purchasing Westpark with the intention of placing 135 of those acres into a conservation easement for a park and to protect the open space from future development.
- Partnering with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy to buy and place into conservation easement an 87-acre parcel of land in northern Loudoun County called Stumptown Woods that has more native species of plants and wildlife indigenous to Loudoun and Virginia than is typical.
- Starting the JK Community Farm, a charitable effort designed to alleviate hunger by growing and harvesting crops and livestock and donating them to local foodbanks, on 150 acres of conserved land in Purcellville.
- Buying the historic Middleburg Training Center, which was placed into conservation easement and is now fully renovated.
- Purchasing and placing several thousand acres near Loudoun’s historic villages into easement, including Egypt Farm–which had been previously owned by developers, the historic Wolver Hill farm in Middleburg, and recently three farms outside the town of Waterford.
As the founder of JK Moving Services–the largest independently owned and operated moving company in North America, Kuhn employs nearly 1,100 people—a majority of which live in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. The company and Kuhn have won numerous awards, including being recognized by the Washington Business Journal as a Best Place to Work and Top Corporate Philanthropist, Loudoun Chamber as a Community Leader, and Old Dominion Land Conservancy for its conservation efforts.
Hank Dietle’s Tavern Receives Approval For Its Original Liquor License, #001
Back in February of 2018, Hank Dietle’s Tavern suffered damage after a fire, forcing it to close. Since then, a dedicated crew has been working hard to rebuild the tavern.
Earlier today, Hank Dietle’s Tavern shared this update on facebook: “Just had our ABS hearing.. approved! We’re getting license #001 back!”
Hank Dietle’s had MoCo’s very first liquor license– after the fire, there was a lot of speculation about whether they would be allowed to have that original license number again. Luckily, they learned today that they are able to keep that piece of their MoCo history!
Hank Dietle’s Tavern in Rockville was built in 1916 and first served as a general store until named “Offutt’s” until Hank Dietle took over in the 1950s. Before the fire, you’d also find a pool table, arcade games, and vintage bar furniture. As their sign outside says, they were known for serving cold beer, but the only food they served were chips and peanuts inside (though there was usually a food truck outside).
A recent update to their gofundme page shared that they finished rebuilding the drywall and plan to open up “at some point in the not too distant future” for some “live bands or at least spilling beer with the jukebox cranking.”
If you’re curious about who has liquor license #002, check out a previous post of ours where we walk you through this unique spot.
Photo of Hank Dietle’s courtesy of the “Hank Dietle’s Tavern Rides Again” facebook page. Photo is from December 2019.
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
1/28 MCPS BOE Meeting Updates: “Very Real Hope and Expectation” of Return on March 15, Small Groups and Individual Students May Return as Early as the End of February
Today (1/28), the Board of Education met virtually; one major item of discussion was the Opening Schools in Recovery of Education.
Superintendent Smith opened by announcing that the board is continuing to make all the final plans (per the board’s resolution on January 12) to move forward with a phased in opening [for all interested students] on March 15.
He acknowledged the governor’s directive and shared the following:
We’re continuing to work on that to see what is possible as we move and try to balance all the different issues around this topic…
While we are adjusting plans to begin instruction on March 1, we are still very much focusing on how we would make plans appropriate on how we plan to return in a healthy and safe environment- that’s the most important and that’s what we’re going to focus on.
It was announced at this meeting that some individuals and very small groups (ranging from 1-3 students) may be brought back into buildings as early as the end of February.
Smith mentioned that MCPS has made “lots of turns in the right direction to help with that” and mentioned that vaccinations have become available to some staff members at this time.
Per the board meeting slides:
Mr. Turner provided an update about current health metrics; per the MCPS Covid dashboard, the 14 day average case rate per 100k people is 35.1. At the prior meeting, it was around 40.
A safety operations update outlined precautions that schools will take when students return. An example of these precautions include:
- Separate entrances for different grade levels
- Prohibiting locker visits (not possible to be physically distant)
- Using signage to promote one way traffic in hallways
- Using colored signs to let students know where they may and may not sit in the event that furniture cannot be moved (such as in a computer lab or auto tech facility)
More information will be shared at the February 9 board meeting. Some expected items of discussion:
- Hybrid learning model variants
- An updated timeline for when students will return
- Updated school schedules
- The possibility of allowing in-person learning to begin at the end of February for some individuals and very small groups in special education and career/tech
At the February 23 meeting, the BOE expects to have a recommendation about the March 15 phase in of a larger population of students.
Overall, the key message that was shared: “We move towards March 15 with the very real hope and expectation that we will be able to bring students back in.”
By: Michelle Katz @pike.and.rozay
Popular Wheaton Thai restaurant, Nava Thai, will reopen on December 3rd, according to a Facebook post from late last night. The Thai restaurant closed back in January for plumbing maintenance and was supposed to reopen in early March. In February, they addressed rumors of a permanent closure by assuring customers the restaurant would be returning, but that was the last message posted for over 9 months.
In July, the building was listed on LoopNet as being available for lease or rent, which further fueled speculation that the beloved restaurant would not be returning. All of those rumors were put to rest when the restaurant announced it would be returning with a limited menu for “takeout, limited dine-in, and delivery.”
Dog Park and Futsal/Street Hockey Facility Included in Dewey Park Reopening
Dewey Local Park reopened in Kensington after major renovations.
The renovations include a 22,000 square-foot lighted dog park with a separate area for small dogs and a street hockey/futsal facility which was developed in partnership with the Washington Capitals. The rink at Dewey Local Park is the second one of its kind; another one is available at Ridge Road Local Park.
Full Press release and pictures below:
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has just completed a major renovation at Dewey Local Park. The 14.5-acre park located in Kensington, MD has been updated to include many new amenities such as a dog park, street hockey/futsal court, and new playground. The park was last updated in 1990.
“This much-anticipated park renovation delivers new amenities the community has been requesting,” said Mike Riley, director of Montgomery Parks. “An outdoor gym, dog park, and public art among other new features are certain to be a big hit with park users.”
New Park Amenities:
The renovated park features:
- A 22,000 square-foot, lighted dog park with separate areas for small dogs
- A new multi-age themed playground with a perimeter trike track
- A 2,400 square-foot outdoor gym
- Renovation of 1,400 linear feet of the Rock Creek trail
- Public art murals
- Stormwater management and beautiful landscaping
An important addition to the park is the new street hockey/futsal facility which was developed in partnership with the Washington Capitals. The rink at Dewey Local Park is the second one of its kind; another one is available at Ridge Road Local Park.
“The Washington Capitals are excited to partner with Montgomery Parks to help include a street hockey (and futsal court) as part of this renovation. The new outdoor facility is part of our commitment to provide access to the sport to everyone in our market, and it will offer so many residents an opportunity to play hockey,” said Peter Robinson, Director, Youth Hockey Development for the Washington Capitals.
Both street hockey / futsal rinks are available to permit for practices only beginning October 10th through the end of the month, when permit season ends. From November 1, 2020 – March 31, 2020, the rinks are available on a first come, first serve use.
The soccer field in the park, which is currently open for play, will be renovated at the end of the season in late fall and then re-open for play at the beginning of the spring 2021 season on March 15.
Photos courtesy of @MontgomeryParks.
With MD School Districts Divided on Return to In-Person Instruction, MCPS Begins Discussions at Board Meeting
On Tuesday’s Montgomery County Board of Education virtual business meeting, Montgomery County Public School’s (MCPS) Superintendent Jack Smith twice restated that a date for the resumption of in-person instruction had not been decided on.
There had previously been much speculation on impending return dates, with MCPS giving a formal minimum notice of 45 days that a return to in-person instruction for some students and staff was possible. According to MCPS’ recovery guide released earlier this year, the Board of Education will be presented with a reassessment in November.
Smith noted that a great deal of planning and logistical structuring needed to happen between now and the reopening of schools, but pointed to Tuesday’s meeting as the beginning of the formal conversation on the ongoing dialogue between MCPS and the Board of Education.
Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS) also decided to begin the year’s learning virtually, with a reassessment tied to key metrics in cooperation with county health departments and planning for students’ eventual return to in-person instruction.
Despite some MD school systems (Carroll, Baltimore, Calvert, and Anne Arundel counties) set to begin widescale in-person/online hybrid learning plans in the next two months, several MD counties are holding fast to their previous plans to remain in virtual learning through the end of the first semester.
HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano announced yesterday that HCPSS will remain in virtual learning for students until February at the earliest. Frederick, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties also have indicated that they will remain virtual through the end of 2020.
Martirano also announced that HCPSS would begin phasing in some in-person instruction for a select group of students who have been disproportionately impacted by virtual learning models, including some special education students and students receiving mental health and behavioral supports. These programs will be phased in over the next two months.
In their Tuesday work meeting, MCPS officials also discussed the possibility of a small group of students being brought back for in-person instruction. As with HCPSS’ plan, these students would likely be those from vulnerable communities that have struggled with the virtual learning model, such as students in special education programs or ESOL students. MCPS officials were quick to clarify that no date had been decided on for the implementation of these programs, and that these were more exploratory discussions.
MoCo’s initial recovery and return plan was predicated on a community-involved strategy that was focused on ensuring safety for all students and staff, providing a robust, dynamic, and equitable virtual learning experience for the first semester. According to the plan, MCPS shall reassess and bring a recommendation plan to the Board of Education no later than the second week of November (the end of quarter marking period) for consideration of the second semester plan.
If you would like to watch a recording of Tuesday’s Montgomery County Board of Education meeting, please visit https://mcpsmd.new.swagit.com/videos/86828. You also can read more about MCPS’ Fall 2020 Recovery Plan at https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/reopening/
By Daniel Garay
Ziki Japanese Steakhouse, a popular Hibachi spot in Gaithersburg, has been closed since March 16th.
The other Ziki location, in Annapolis Town Center, reopened for carry-out in early April and resumed dine-in service in June.
Back in July we spoke with Ziki Japanese Steakhouse, who told us that the Gaithersburg location was temporarily closed.
Today we spoke with Ziki again, after rumors of them closing permanently began to swirl again.
When we asked if the closure is permanent, we were once again told that it is temporary.
This news is better than “closed permanently,” but not what we were hoping for, as the restaurant is near and dear to many in the area.
Fleet Feet is Coming Back to the Kentlands
Back in July Fleet Feet Gaithersburg, then located at 255 Kentlands Boulevard, announced that it would be closing due to a 90% decline in revenue.
Now it looks like Fleet Feet will be returning to Gaithersburg just about a quarter mile away from its previous location in the Kentlands.
The official Fleet Feet website lists the Gaithersburg location as “coming soon” and Kimco, the company who recently redeveloped Kentlands Market Square, lists Fleet Feet as a tenant at 201 Market Street West, next to Michael’s.
We do not have an opening date at the moment.
