Update on Sephora at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Window coverings at the future Sephora store at 7271 Woodmont Avenue at Bethesda Row have come down. But we can't get a look at the progress on the slow interior fit-out of the cosmetics boutique because the contractor has just as quickly erected a new set of construction barriers around the exterior. The store's status is still "coming soon" on the corporate website. Sephora replaces Spanish Diner at the Federal Realty development, and is expected to open in 2026.

Hot Shoppes memorabilia at Marriott HQ in Bethesda - but no Hot Shoppes food! (Photos)

The current leadership of Marriott International may not recognize or appreciate the centrality of its former Hot Shoppes brand and iconic menu items to the company's identity, but it is keeping the faint spirit of them alive at its downtown Bethesda headquarters. A collection of Marriott memorabilia is on display in the publicly-accessible area on the ground floor, which also includes the MI Cafe, a coffee shop that is also open to the public. The display is light on famous Hot Shoppes menu items like the Mighty Mo burger, Orange Freeze beverage, and Teen Twist sandwich. But it features a number of Hot Shoppes (or, "Hot Shoppe," the early singular branding) items, including cups, plates, a list of locations, and even a Hot Shoppes annual report. 

There are also Marriott-branded items in the collection, such as "Do Not Disturb" door hangers from around the world, and a photograph of the original root beer stand that grew into a global hospitality giant. But the Hot Shoppes content remains underwhelming. MI Cafe is joined on the corporate campus by the Seventh State restaurant and Hip Flask rooftop bar in the hotel next door. Yet none of these three restaurants open to the public feature Hot Shoppes menu items, much less a fully-functional Hot Shoppes restaurant.

To update you on my Mighty Mo Quest: Since my last report in July 2023, the Mighty Mo burger is still not available at any of the three restaurants at the Bethesda headquarters. One inch of progress made is the addition of Mighty Mo sauce, which is served on the side with the Cheddar Burger at Seventh State. The Cheddar Burger is a fine hamburger, but it is nothing like a Mighty Mo in appearance, ingredients, or construction. 

Over at the Pooks Hill Marriott, another trademark burger, the eponymous Marriott Burger, is available, but no Mighty Mo. We continue to face the absurd situation of being able to order a Mighty Mo in Sri Lanka, but not in Marriott's corporate town of Bethesda. Perhaps Marriott is taking cues from McDonald's, which today only features special burgers overseas, but not in the country where the Golden Arches were born. Talk about America Last!

Bartaco Pike & Rose update (Photos)

Construction walls around the future Bartaco at 11886 Grand Park Avenue at Pike & Rose have been removed, providing our first look at the progress inside. It appears the interior fit-out is ahead of schedule, and that is reflected in the fact that Bartaco is now hiring for all positions at this location. You can see the facade now features large roll-up doors. Still to come inside: the Southern California and Latin American-inspired decor.

Bethesda Metro station closed today; free shuttles to Friendship Heights, Medical Center

The Bethesda Metro station is closed today, Sunday, November 16, 2025. Red Line trains will bypass the station platform. Free Metrobus shuttles are operating between Friendship Heights and Medical Center during the shutdown. The closure was demanded by the Maryland Department of Transportation for work related to the future Purple Line light rail, the opening of which was just postponed yet another year to 2028. However, transit agency WMATA decided to make lemonade out of Maryland's sour lemons, by using the downtime to complete open joint elimination, replace 175 rail fasteners, address track defects, and replace any defective rail sections at the station.

Citibank Wisconsin Avenue construction update (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress of construction on the new Citibank branch at 8101 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda. A large signage unit has been erected on the property, but it is blank for the moment. The exterior of the building appears to be nearing completion. This was previously a TD Bank.

Indoor Artisan Market this Sunday, November 16, in Chevy Chase

The highly anticipated Indoor Artisan Market 2025 is returning to The Woman's Club of Chevy Chase (WCCC) for a one-day only event. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and craftsmanship this Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Woman's Club of Chevy Chase at 7931 Connecticut Avenue. Forget the big box stores and shop local for the holidays in your own community. This year's market features over 45 talented local artists showcasing their incredible work. You'll find a wide array of unique treasures, including handmade crafts, stunning jewelry, and original artworks. 

With a range of prices, it's the perfect opportunity to find that special something—whether it's a treat for yourself, a thoughtful gift for a colleague, or a heartfelt present for a loved one. What better way start your holiday shopping than by supporting local artisans?

Admission to Sunday's event is free, and the parking is free, as well. Park in the lot behind the clubhouse, which can be accessed from Connecticut Avenue using Dunlop Street.

Your attendance does more than just support local artists. The market will also feature a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting two wonderful organizations: the Bare Necessities Foundation, and The Betty Ann Krahnke Center (JSSA). Enjoy a festive atmosphere, discover beautiful, one-of-a-kind items, and contribute to a great cause, all at the same time. Come celebrate local talent and find your next favorite piece at the Indoor Artisan Market 2025.

Hollister opening today at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Hollister will make its triumphant return to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda today, Friday, November 14, 2025, according to the staff at Abercrombie & Fitch. It's unknown if John Hollister, Jr. himself will make an appearance. But it is known that the new Hollister store will be found on Level 1 next to American Eagle, in the Cheesecake Factory/Old Navy wing of the mall. It warms the heart of mall lovers everywhere to see Hollister opening its doors in time for Black Friday.

Montgomery Mall decorates for the holidays in Bethesda (Photos)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Holiday decor has been set up for the 2025 holiday shopping season. A few additions have been made since last year. The menorah lighting has been scheduled for December 15 at 4:00 PM, in the Nordstrom wing near Zara.

Signage installed at The Charles apartment tower in Bethesda

The logo signage for The Charles apartment tower at 7342 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda has been installed. Last night, it was already lit up after dark. The property's official website is accepting submissions for an "interest list" of prospective tenants. Developer Greystar anticipates the first residents moving in during Q4 of 2025.

Assault at supermarket in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were called to a grocery store in Bethesda Monday night, November 10, 2025, after someone was allegedly assaulted there. The 2nd-degree assault was reported at a supermarket in the 10400 block of Old Georgetown Road at 7:03 PM Monday. Giant is located on that block.

Woodmont Grill rapid scheduled disassembly continues in Bethesda (Photos)

The rapid scheduled disassembly of Woodmont Grill continues at 7715 Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Woodmont Grill closed after the close of business on October 29, 2025. What parent company Hillstone Restaurant Group tells anyone who asks is that the closure was due to a lack of parking. This is rather farcical, given that there is a huge parking garage directly across the street from the restaurant. Tastee Diner and Black's Bar & Kitchen somehow remain in business with this non-existent parking dilemma.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, more pieces of the Woodmont Grill are being hauled away. Signage has been removed, and the words "Proper Attire Requested" have been scraped off the door. Packing boxes are visible inside the building.

Assault at Westland MS in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westland Middle School this past Thursday evening, November 6, 2025. The assault was reported at the school property at 9:02 PM Thursday. Westland MS is located at 5511 Massachusetts Avenue in Bethesda.