MOD Pizza closes at Montrose Crossing

MOD Pizza has closed at 12027 Rockville Pike at the Montrose Crossing shopping center. The pizzeria opened here in August of 2019. This is probably not a total shock, as the chain closed 26 of its locations in Q1 of 2024. At the time of those closures, MOD described those stores as "underperformers," so we can't rule out the anti-business policies or moribund economy of Montgomery County as contributing factors. 

The "fast-fired" pizza chains as a whole seem to have struggled in MoCo while enjoying longevity elsewhere. Blaze Pizza didn't even last two years at Montgomery Mall, closing in 2016, but its multiple outposts right next door in Gorgeous Prince George's County are still serving pies in under 180 seconds today. Yet &pizza seems to continue to thrive at its many Montgomery County locations, including one about a block away from this MOD at Pike & Rose, so they must be doing something right that some of the other chains weren't.

Strong-arm robbery at Bethesda Row Giant

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at the Giant grocery store at 7142 Arlington Road at Bethesda Row late Tuesday morning, June 25, 2024. The robbery was reported at the store at 11:45 AM. At least one individual was also accused of 2nd-degree assault and theft in the same incident.

Montgomery County Council stonewalls Black cemetery advocates

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition recently contacted all members of the Montgomery County Council, asking each elected official to denounce the desecration of Moses African Cemetery in Bethesda, and the desecration of African-American cemeteries in general. None of them agreed to do so, and only one even replied to the inquiries. "Thank you for your email regarding Moses African Cemetery," Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe's chief of staff wrote in an email response to BACC. "This is a very complex issue which has a long history. It is not within the purview of the Council to advocate while there is both past and ongoing litigation."

"BACC rejects the logic of any and all councilmembers who remain silent," the organization said in a statement Wednesday. "First, we do not understand what the issue is regarding commenting on issues involving litigation. Through Amicus Briefs and other means, public and private entities weigh in all the time on lawsuits. Secondly, the Moses African Cemetery covers several parcels including ones not involved in litigation, allowing any Councilmember concerned about intervening in a court case to comment about the fate of portions of the cemetery not involved in litigation. In particular, the developer, 1784 Holdings, is erecting a light storage facility next to McDonalds on River Road despite the absence of a full archaeological and forensic survey investigating whether additional bones and funerary objects remain. 1784 Holdings had previously removed several possible funerary objects and is storing them in a warehouse in Gainesville, Virginia. A proper investigation of these objects has not been conducted, The Council could call of a third party, impartial investigation now."

"BACC believes the Council must reverse course and take a strong stand against desecration. No other local official at any level has spoken out. The council has an opportunity to lead if it can shake off its bureaucratic mindset."

Dumpling for Life opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Dumpling for Life has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The menu includes five kinds of dumplings, with fillings such as pork, beef, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. Pork-filled pan fried buns and three noodle dishes are also available. Round out your meal with a bean jelly or water chestnut jelly dessert. Look for Dumpling for Life next to McDonald's in the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2 of the mall.

Bethesda McDonald's now offering $5 meal deal

McDonald's restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area began a new promotion for these inflationary times yesterday. A $5 Meal Deal is now being offered for the summer season. The meal includes your choice of a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, a small fries, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink of your choice. According to the McDonald's app, you can also choose a Hot n Spicy McChicken, as well. In addition to Montgomery County and the D.C. suburbs, the deal will also be available at participating McDonald's restaurants in the Baltimore region and on the Eastern Shore.

“We heard our fans loud and clear – they’re looking for even more great value from us, and this summer that’s exactly what they’ll get,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said in a statement Tuesday. “Value has always been part of our DNA. We’re focused on living up to that legacy and offering delicious, affordable options customers can enjoy any time they walk through our doors, go through our drive thru or place an order through our app.”

Armed robbery at Potomac mansion

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Potomac early Sunday morning, June 23, 2024. The robbery was reported in the driveway of a home in the 9100 block of Persimmon Tree Road at 2:26 AM Sunday. That is a two-lane residential road lined with mansions near the TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm country club.

Underwraps closing in Bethesda

Underwraps is closing at 4928 Hampden Lane at the Shoppes of Bethesda. A closing sale is in progress at the lingerie boutique. Savings are up to 50%-off. Hurry, because their last day is tomorrow, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, according to a sign in the window. 

Kenwood Sunoco reopens in Bethesda

Kenwood Sunoco has reopened at 5201 River Road in Bethesda. The gas station has been closed for fuel customers since April for maintenance work on the gas pumps and undergound fuel tank. During that time, the business remained open for auto repairs and convenience store customers.

Dunkin' Donuts colors appear at Chevy Chase Lake gas station

The familiar color scheme of Dunkin' Donuts has appeared on parts of the Giant gas station at 8500 Connecticut Avenue at Chevy Chase Lake. According to major area Dunkin' Donuts franchisee Luis Group Management, a Dunkin' store is being added to the gas station building. The gas station itself will continue to operate as usual when the Dunkin' Donuts opens. So keep saving those Giant gas points!

Express, Express Men to close at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Express and Express Men are closing at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The brand announced it would close nearly 100 stores after it declared bankruptcy this spring. But Bethesda wasn't on that April list. Alas, just as Express was acquired by a new owner, the axe has fallen. Everything must go!

Uncle Julio's reopens at Bethesda Row

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe has reopened for business at 4870 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row. Plumbing issues caused the restaurant to close all day Saturday. Plumbers worked through the night to make emergency repairs. A few brave souls are even dining on the patio, with temperatures in the mid-90s this afternoon. Hope they ordered Swirls from the bar!

SEV Med Spa, RTR Pilates opening at Chevy Chase Lake

Two new lifestyle tenants are opening soon at the Chevy Chase Land Co.'s new Chevy Chase Lake development. SEV Med Spa and RTR Pilates will both be in the ground floor of The Claude apartments at 3820 Chaplin Place. "Coming soon" signage has been installed in both storefronts. SEV and RTR are expected to open this summer.

SEV Med Spa was founded in 2010 by Sevana Petrosian in Glendale, California, and specializes in laser hair removal. As word of mouth spread, Petrosian began to gain a following among celebrities from nearby Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Her first celebrity clients were the Kardashians, who have since been joined by Rita Ora, Sofia Richie, and Eva Longoria.

Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers used by SEV are safe for all skin tones, and a cooling feature minimizes discomfort. SEV is medically-accredited and employs specialized nurses. Prices range from $25 to permanently get rid of your mustache, to a $600 full body hair removal.

RTR Pilates is a local chain of fitness studios founded by Reina Offut in 2006. Over the last two decades, it has grown to what will be six locations when Chevy Chase Lake opens this summer. There are classes at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. All classes utilize Allegro II reformer machines. Under Offut's leadership, Potomac Pilates donates more than $5000-worth of services to schools, charities and organizations each year. RTR's existing Shops at Wisconsin Place location in nearby Friendship Heights has earned a perfect 5-star rating on Google Reviews, with nearly 250 reviews submitted, suggesting clients are clearly satisfied with their results.

Uncle Julio's plumbers work through the night at Bethesda Row

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe at 4870 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row was closed yesterday due to plumbing problems, a sign in the window said. They weren't just making excuses; it appears the plumbing problems were indeed real. Last night, two vans were parked in front of the restaurant. Plumbers from Tech24 were working into the night to fix the problems as soon as possible. Uncle Julio's hopes to reopen today, June 23, 2024.

Pop 2000 Tour landing at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda June 23, 2024

Bring me up, Carson! Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda is once again allowing you to relive your - or your parents' - MTV TRL afterschool Y2K memories with the Pop 2000 Tour event tomorrow, Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Level 1 of the mall in the Nordstrom wing. Hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, the event will feature live performances by Kirkpatrick, O-Town, BBMAK, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO.

The standing-room-only concert will take place from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM near Nordstrom on Level 1. But the festivities will get underway at noon with spin-the-wheel prize giveaways, airbrush tattoos, rhinestone gem art, and a 2000 Photo Moments station. Create a 2024 photo moment by purchasing a selfie with your favorite boy band after the concert. Merchandise for the participating artists will also be on sale.

Look for Pop 2000 Tour activities on Level 1 near Kiehl's. HOT 99.5 will be broadcasting live from the event. The radio station will be hosting its own activities and giveaways. Pop 2000 is free to attend, but you need to RSVP online.

"The Pop 2000 Tour will bring the energy and excitement of 2000s pop music to Westfield Montgomery, giving our community the chance to relive that era in music," Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield SVP of Shopping Center Management Leah Heil said in a statement Friday. "We look forward to watching the audience transport back in time and sing along to hits they’ll never forget, while creating new memories with friends and family.”

Top two images courtesy Westfield
Bottom image: AI

Assault in Spring Hill neighborhood of Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in the Spring Hill community of Bethesda on the morning of June 19, 2024. The assault was reported along the street in the 5200 block of Falmouth Road at 10:15 AM. An individual was also accused of stealing property from a vehicle in the same incident. 

Rooftop rock concert tonight in Bethesda

A rare rooftop live rock concert event will be held tonight at a somewhat unexpected venue. Song-oriented progressive rock band HüsBand will perform live on the rooftop at 7550 Wisconsin Avenue tonight, June 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM. Check in on the lobby level at 7:00; the concert and rooftop party will begin at 8:00 PM. Kitchen and bathroom showroom KONSTUnion is hosting the special KONST Summer Starter rooftop event. KONSTUnion and CARNEMARK design + build President Jonas Carnemark is a member of the band. Check out their music to see if tonight's concert is your cup of tea.

Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant "opening soon" in Bethesda

Preparations for opening continue at Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant at 4862 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda. The restaurant's existing location has always touted its status as the first Ukrainian restaurant in Washington, D.C. Letters applied to the glass now make a similar claim for Maryland. Another sign in the window promises the restaurant is "opening soon." Operating hours have been posted for lunch, brunch, and dinner.

Washington Gas works overnight on Arlington Road in Bethesda

Washington Gas worked overnight on its utilities beneath Arlington Road in Bethesda. The work zone was in the vicinity of the Hampden Lane intersection, closing lanes on both streets. Two weeks ago, a major gas leak on Norfolk Avenue required a multi-day response from the utility.

Could a Netflix House be coming to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda?

Is Montgomery County ready for Netflix IRL? The leading streaming service announced the planned opening of two Netflix House "experiential entertainment venues" at malls in Dallas and King of Prussia, with potential plans for more in cities yet to be identified. Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda seems like a logical choice to join the list. Netflix Houses are described as being "over 100,000-square-feet" in size. Montgomery Mall's vacant former Sears store is 150,000-square-feet, is currently mothballed, and is generating zero revenue for Westfield beyond whatever tax break can be claimed for the vacancy.

Westfield holds an approval from Montgomery County for an urban-style, mixed-use expansion of the mall, including a demolition of the empty Sears building, but has not taken any visible steps to immediately proceed with that development. A Netflix House would be a good short-term use to generate revenue until Westfield is ready to move forward with the expansion.

"Imagine waltzing with your partner to an orchestral cover of a Taylor Swift song on a replica of the Bridgerton set –– and then walking around the corner to compete in the Glass Bridge challenge from Squid Game," Netflix said in its Netflix House announcement Tuesday. "After pretending to fight for your life, you’ve worked up an appetite and want to get a bite. You see a nearby restaurant with food inspired by Netflix shows from around the world; the meal is memorable, but you still want to buy some Stranger Things merch. Luckily, there’s a shop that sells that Hellfire Club T-shirt you’ve always wanted." 

There are other malls in the region, but Montgomery Mall has the ideal vacant building space that Netflix requires for a Netflix House immediately available. Its loss of Sears as an anchor would be its gain in this case. A Netflix House would generate significant additional foot traffic for other tenants of the mall.

On the other hand, the timeline for opening of the first two Netflix Houses suggests significant construction is required. The Galleria Dallas and King of Prussia Mall Netflix Houses are expected to open in 2025. By the time a Netflix House would open in 2026 or later, who knows if Netflix will still be the entertainment giant it is today? Two years is an eternity in Hollywood, and Westfield might want to proceed with its redevelopment of the Sears building and adjacent parking lot before, or by, that time.

Rendering courtesy Netflix
Photos by Robert Dyer

Westbard Square unveils EV charging spaces in Bethesda

Regency Centers has uncovered the electric vehicle charging stations on Level 1 of the parking garage at its new Westbard Square development at 5400 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. The charging equipment is from EVgo, continuing that company's partnership with Regency Centers across many of their properties. These stations offer fast charging, and are located in the area of Montgomery County with the largest ownership of electric vehicles. 

“Regency Centers is happy to provide EVgo fast chargers as an amenity to our tenants and their customers,” said Mark Peternell, VP of Sustainability at Regency Centers VP of Sustainability Mark Peternell said in an EVgo announcement about the partnership in 2021. “Regency Centers believes in being a good steward and leader in sustainability, and helping accelerate EV adoption through this partnership is another way for us to put words into practice.”