Bethesda Lidl construction update

Here's a sneak peek at the latest construction progress inside the future Lidl supermarket at 7625 Old Georgetown Road, at the Bethesda Place apartments. As you can see, most of the shelving is now in place. They are all still empty for the moment. Lidl will replace the departed Safeway grocery store as the anchor retail tenant at the property.

Signage activated at Beth's Cafe & Bar in Bethesda

The signage that was installed at Beth's Cafe & Bar at 4948 Fairmont Avenue in Bethesda last week has now been activated. Specializing in American cuisine, the restaurant will share the building with ala and - eventually - Fairmont Grill. Beth's Cafe & Bar is expected to open in the coming days. You can check out their website here.

Veterans Day 2024 at Veterans Park in Bethesda (Photos)

Veterans Day 2024 saw the annual placement of wreaths around the veterans' memorial at Veterans Park in downtown Bethesda. Each one was sponsored by a community organization or elected official. Individuals and groups represented in the park included the Bethesda Urban Partnership, the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce, the Bethesda Historical Society, and Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson. The memorial was erected in honor of Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents who perished in the major military conflicts between World War I and the Iraq War.

See's Candies opens for the holidays at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

See's Candies has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, and you know what means: the holidays are just around the corner. The candy brand is an annual fixture in malls across the country, with its seasonal pop-up gift shop. My recent experience in trying their candy is that they have not only maintained the quality they are known for, but may have even improved upon it. Sample a Whitman's Sampler assortment after a See's Candies box, and you'll see what I mean. Good God, Whitman's has gone downhill in recent times.

Like many great things in America, See's Candies comes from California. The company was founded in Los Angeles in 1921, and many of their candies still use Mary See's original recipes. They've found maybe their best spot in the mall yet this year, right next to GameStop on Level 1 in the Old Navy/The Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall. Talk about one-stop shopping! Fill the kids' wish list at GameStop, and then go right next door to load up on See's gift boxes for the adults and whole family.

Kokee Tea bubble tea kiosk opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall recently added a coffee kiosk, and now there's an option for tea lovers on the way. Kokee Tea is opening a kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, outside of Macy's. It has been under construction for the last few weeks, but now signage has been attached. 

"Kokee Tea is a cozy and modern bubble tea cafe that offers a variety of delicious and refreshing drinks," the company said in a statement. "Whether you’re looking for a classic milk tea, a fruity smoothie, or a creamy latte, we have something for you. You can also customize your drink with different toppings, such as tapioca pearls, jelly, pudding, or popping boba. Our drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and brewed fresh daily."

The bubble tea chain has added seven new locations this year, including Montgomery Mall. Ashburn, Baltimore, Centreville, Lorton, Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, and Urbana are the others.

The Food Market expanding to Bethesda

The tower crane at the Hampden House apartment tower construction site at 7316 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda was removed this past weekend. Delivery of the building is anticipated for late 2025.

In other Hampden House news, the Saul Centers development has signed its second tenant for the building's ground floor retail space. The Food Market is coming aboard. Chef Chad Gauss has two existing locations for this restaurant concept in Baltimore and Columbia. Its current special, The Viral Thanksgiving Cupcake, is a Thanksgiving dinner presented in the form of a cupcake. This leaves one 1,487-square-foot retail space available for lease.

Calendar kiosk opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

It's almost that time of year again: Time to replace your wall calendar. The seasonal calendar kiosk at Westfield Montgomery Mall is just what the doctor ordered. Popular calendar subjects this year include perennial favorites like Taylor Swift and Star Wars, as well as timely presidential candidates President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Not to be outdone are the retro Muhammad Ali, Rocky, and Rainbow Brite selections. I've already got my 2025 calendar; find yours at the calendar kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, by Forever 21.

Chase Bank nears opening on River Road in Bethesda (Photos)

The new Chase Bank branch at 5135 River Road in Bethesda is close to welcoming its first customers. Construction appears in the final phase, with furnishings and interior decoration being completed inside, and signage installed on the exterior. The former Bank of America/NationsBank/Maryland National Bank building has been being overhauled since this past spring. While most banks are shuttering branches, Chase is expanding rapidly in the Washington, D.C. region, with seven new locations about to open.

Koons Lincoln shows off Tesla Cybertruck in Bethesda

Koons Lincoln of Bethesda has a Tesla Cybertruck in stock. The electric truck was parked out in front of the auto dealership at 7315 Wisconsin Avenue this week. One of its own Lincoln SUV models joined it on the sidewalk. The dealership showroom has featured high-end vehicles from competing brands like Ferrari and Porsche since it opened in 2022.

Tory Burch opens at Montgomery Mall

Tory Burch is now open at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The boutique's operating hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. The preppy-bohemian women's fashion brand sells apparel, shoes, handbags, home decor, watches, and accessories. Look for Tory Burch on Level 2 of the mall, next to Lovesac.

Trendy Man Italia closing, Peter Mason opens at Montgomery Mall

Two menswear tenants at Westfield Montgomery Mall are headed in opposite directions. Trendy Man Italia is on the way out, and is holding a closing sale. Those signs seen across moribund Montgomery County so often in recent years - "Store Closing," "Everything Must Go!" - are on display at the entrance to the shop. But if you need to suit up for the holidays, don't panic: Peter Mason by Montgomery Custom Tailors is now open on Level 1 in the Old Navy wing of the mall, across from The Cheesecake Factory. 

Falafel Inc. opens at Montgomery Mall

Falafel Inc. has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Recently voted "#1 New Restaurant in D.C.," the local chain serves authentic vegetarian falafel, hummus, bowls, and sides that include Zaatar Fries and Tabouli Salad. Falafel Inc. also offers a variety of dipping sauces, including their must-try flagship Habibi Sauce. The chain's Georgetown location, and its founder's humanitarian and cultural-preservation efforts, have been featured on Al Jazeera. Look for Falafel Inc. in the Dining Terrace food court, next to Chick-Fil-A.

Maryland Attorney General encourages racist text recipients to report messages

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown issued a statement last night encouraging residents to report to law enforcement, and to civil rights and hate crime offices in the state, racist text messages that have allegedly been received by Black residents following Election Day. The general message of the texts, which have several versions, order the recipient to "board a bus" to be transported to a "plantation" for work "as a slave," Brown said. Students were among those who have reported receiving the message, Brown added. 

"The text messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people in the wake of the election," Brown's statement read. “These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking for you to please come forward and report it,” Brown said. “I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”

If you have received a text message like this, Brown advised informing your local law enforcement agency, and filing a report with the following two offices: The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General's office, and the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention.

 

Rails "coming soon" to Bethesda Row

Rails, a women's and men's apparel brand, will open a retail store at 4852 Bethesda Avenue at Bethesda Row. "Coming soon" signage has been installed in the storefront windows. Rails was founded in 2008 by Jeff Abrams, who took inspiration for the brand name from the train he was traveling across Europe in, and from California for the styling cues of his apparel. Rails will replace Allbirds, which just vacated the space about a week ago. 

Q opening soon at Montgomery Mall

Q is opening soon at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Merchandise is already on the racks, and signage is up inside and outside of the store. It appears to be a women's apparel boutique. Look for Q on Level 1 of the mall, right outside of Macy's.