Zbounce closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Zbounce has closed at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Signage has been removed from their space next to Hallmark. The children's moon bounce and play center first opened at the mall in the fall of 2016, so this could be a ten-year lease ending. Or an unannounced move within the mall, but Zbounce has not posted any message to customers regarding such plans.

The Food Market restaurant opens in Bethesda

The Food Market is now open at 4720 Hampden Lane, in the ground floor of the Hampden House apartment tower in downtown Bethesda. Serving American cuisine, The Food Market is one of the most anticipated restaurants openings of the year in Bethesda. This is the third Food Market to open in Maryland. The other two are in Baltimore and Columbia.

What's on the menu? That's a surprise when you enter the restaurant, as the menu has not yet been posted on the website. But here is a sneak peek at the decor:

Kenwood Club fireworks 2026

Expectations have been set super-high for the official July 4 fireworks in Washington, D.C. this year, which are expected to set records for length of display and number of fireworks deployed. We shall see. But the best fireworks in the DMV have historically been those of the Kenwood Golf and Country Club at 5601 River Road in Bethesda (Chevy Chase, officially). The club and its property are private, so don't trespass on their property. But the fireworks can be seen from nearby church and retail parking lots such as the Fourth Presbyterian Church, which has been the most-popular viewing spot in past years, as it is directly across the street. If you are lucky enough to have a backyard in line-of-sight to the club, or an apartment or condo facing the club's direction, it's also a chance to play Jay Gatsby and have a spectacular fireworks display to cap off your Independence Day party.

This year's Kenwood fireworks are scheduled for tomorrow night, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Expect the show to start around 9:30 PM. The fireworks will be very loud, so you may want to consider having hearing protection like earplugs on hand. If you are in the vicinity and have a dog, make sure the animal is indoors before the show starts. Should inclement weather occur, Kenwood has scheduled a rain date for July 1, 2026.

WMATA restores Bethesda Metro station pylon

WMATA has restored the Bethesda Metro station pylon sign on the Woodmont Avenue side of the Bethesda Metro Center. The iconic monolith was stripped down to its skeletal inner framework about a week ago. What's different about the restored pylon? You'll notice the red stripe that was missing from the pylon installed in August 2025 has been added back below the "M" and above "Bethesda Station." It has retained the new circular "RD" badge from last year's version.

El Pike Diamante reopens in Bethesda

El Pike Diamante reopened Friday night after a brief closure, in which the restaurant was locked out of the premises by the landlord. Whatever the dispute was appears to have been resolved, and the no-trespassing and warnings-to-locksmiths signs have been removed from the windows. The listing advertising the space as available for "immediate" lease remains active, however. This is the first time since I started this blog that I've seen a business reopen after being locked out, so this is one for the record books in Bethesda. El Pike Diamante is located at 4906 St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda.

Pike El Diamante, Smoke BBQ buildings marketed for lease in Bethesda [UPDATED]

UPDATE - 7:39 PM: The CEO of Pike El Diamante provided the following statement:

"Pike El Diamante is not closed and will be operating as usual. We value the support we have received throughout these two years and look forward to continue serving the community.

If you're looking for a great way to spend your evening, join us tonight 06/26/2026 starting at 6:00 PM for our $7 Margaritas special. We'd be delighted to welcome you in for great food, drinks, and hospitality.

Mario Terrazas

CEO

Pike El Diamante"

Original story:

One restaurant has closed in downtown Bethesda, and the future of a second is undetermined. Pike El Diamante has shut down at 4906 St. Elmo Avenue. The property owner has posted signs warning the business ownership or other parties not to attempt to gain entry to the building, in which the contents of the restaurant remain under lock and key. An online listing indicates the space is available for lease immediately.

Also being marketed as available for "immediate" lease is the building at 4858 Cordell Avenue. That is currently home to Smoke BBQ, which is still open for business at last check. Both properties have not had much difficulty attracting tenants, as both are highly visible storefronts in the Woodmont Triangle with lots of lunch and after-work foot traffic.

Ullico relocates HQ from Silver Spring to Bethesda

Ullico has relocated its corporate headquarters from Silver Spring to downtown Bethesda. Its offices have officially relocated to Avocet Tower at 7373 Wisconsin Avenue. The insurance firm has leased 30,333-square-feet of space at the tower, and their logo signage has just been affixed to the building facade (although I like to see these at the top of the building and lit up at night). 

The move continues two trends: Where Montgomery County has failed to attract a single new major corporate headquarters in over 25 years, some companies remain committed to the County, and relocate within its borders. Marriott International and Choice Hotels are other examples; both are progressive liberal corporations (though the former didn't start off that way!), and align politically with the County Council even if it costs their firms significant revenue at the bottom line. 

A second trend is the in-county poaching phenomenon we've seen with new Class A office space. While big names like Intelsat famously passed on a brand-new trophy office building at 4500 East-West Highway, new buildings in downtown Bethesda and at Pike & Rose have lured away companies already in Montgomery County in significant numbers. In fact, Ullico joins Arlington Capital Partners and DiamondRock Hospitality Company in moving to Avocet Tower from buildings within sight of it, a remarkable 78,864 SF coup by Beacon Capital Partners and their leasing representative, Transwestern.

Tower crane erected at Westbard Square in Bethesda

A tower crane has been assembled at the Westbard Square development in Bethesda. It will assist with construction of a new 200-unit apartment building, which is the final phase of redevelopment on the former Westwood Shopping Center site at 5400 Westbard Avenue. The stack-and-pack style building will have ground floor retail space, and above-ground structured parking. Greystar is the developer, and the building was designed by MV+A Architects. A mid-2027 delivery is expected for the project.

Police respond to assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this past Saturday night, June 20, 2026. The assault was reported at the mall at 8:21 PM Saturday. This was the fifth assault recorded at the popular retail center so far this year. Last year saw a total of 12 assaults reported at the property. County police officers were visibly on patrol inside the mall this past weekend.

Truck driver ignores clearance warning at Bethesda apartment tower

There's a whole genre of video online that consists of trucks driven by overconfident or distracted operators crashing into overpasses despite signage warning them in advance. It's too bad one of those omnipresent camerapersons wasn't on hand to document what Roscoe P. Coltrane would surely have described as "a horrendous crash" at Triangle Towers at 4835 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda last week. Despite the large sign warning of an 8' clearance on the porte-cochère ahead, well, the driver apparently just decided to go for it. Doh! In addition to the masonry damage, the driveway had to be sealed off with warning tape. What would Damian Einstein say?

The One Cake bakery opening in Bethesda

The One Cake bakery is coming soon to the Shoppes of Bethesda. It will be located at 4914 Hampden Lane, where the former Tako Grill space is now being subdivided into two, with the other half soon to occupied by Sushi Masato. This appears to be a local small business as opposed to a chain.

Update on Gorjana at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Here's a sneak peek at the construction progress inside the future Gorjana boutique at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Laguna Beach-inspired jewelry retailer is appropriately expected to open this summer at the mall. A look inside the construction wall door that was hanging open reveals flooring, walls, and lighting fixtures in place. Now shelving and other displays are being installed, which means merchandise can't be far behind. When it opens, look for Gorjana on Level 1 of the mall, across from Lily Pulitzer in the Nordstrom wing.

Taco Bamba opening in Bethesda

Taco Bamba is expanding to downtown Bethesda. Chef-owner Victor Albisu has signed a lease for the space most recently occupied by Casa Oaxaca at 4905 Fairmont Avenue. Albisu said he will retain the popular outdoor patio from the previous tenant, but plans to strip the interior down to the studs. Expect Taco Bamba to open sometime this fall. Taco Bamba's Bethesda expansion was first reported by Bethesda Magazine.

Metro pylon stripped at Bethesda Metro station

I guess this is the transit equivalent of coming out to find your car up on blocks. The new version of the iconic Metro station pylon at the Bethesda Metro station installed last August has been totally stripped. All that's left is the interior frame that supports the familiar brown monolith. Well, if you always wondered what was inside the pylon, now you know. 

Pepco tells Maryland customers, "It's not us"

The most recent two U.S. presidents have had to get used to having their likeness slapped onto gas pumps via "I did that!" stickers, when their policy decisions have led to rising gas prices. Less eager to take credit for exploding electricity bills is Pepco, which is once again taking pains to inform customers that government is indeed the problem. "Higher energy bills can be challenging, and we want you to understand what's driving those changes," the Exelon-owned utility explained in a message to ratepayers with this month's bill. And explain they do, but not as extensively as they should, requiring us to employ the Annapolis Anger Translator (AAT) for full disclosure.

First culprit on the list is the regional grid operator PJM. Pepco notes that PJM "is increasing electricity supply prices for our area. Pepco does not generate electricity or set these prices — we pass these charges through directly to customers with no markup. These increases are due to factors such as higher demand and tight energy supply."

Using the AAT, we can expand on this to learn that the actual electricity rates paid by consumers in Maryland are set by the Maryland Public Service Commission, a body appointed by...whoops!...the governor of Maryland, and approved by the Democratic-controlled Maryland State Senate. 

Why is there a "tight energy supply?" Perhaps because Maryland elected officials forced the closure of 8 power plants across the state. As a result, Maryland itself can no longer generate enough power to supply the demands of residents and businesses, and is now forced to import electricity from out-of-state at inflated boardwalk prices.

Pepco also highlights the EmPOWER MD surcharge that appears on your monthly bill. Like many other "sneak taxes," elected officials hope that you will assume these taxes, fees, and surcharges are being levied by the service provider, not your corrupt leaders. The reality is that this surcharge was levied by the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. It is a Karl Marxian Communist initiative of the highest order. Your hard-earned money goes into a slush fund used to pay for "green" upgrades to poor people's homes. From each according to his abilities...well, you get the idea.

Not mentioned is the latest hoax: data centers, the latest pass-the-buck punching bag for politicians trying to divert public attention from their direct role in the affordability crisis. No, data centers in Maryland are not the reason your Pepco bill keeps going up. It's a boogeyman far more familiar to you: your unfriendly neighborhood elected official. The call is indeed coming from inside the house.

Update on Call Your Mother Deli in downtown Bethesda

A painting crew is working on the exterior of the future Call Your Mother Deli at 4828 St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Gone is the drab gray of former tenant Hardwood Artisans, and in its place is the distinctive blue shade of the CYM branding colors. The windows are still covered, so we can't see the progress on the interior fit-out. Construction has been underway since April 16.

Maten's entertainment center opening in Bethesda

Maten's, an entertainment center featuring billiards, shuffleboard, and foosball, is coming soon to 7500 Old Georgetown Road at the Bethesda Metro Center. Founder Aaron Lippman calls the concept an "out of home entertainment" venue, and - as described on the signage posted at its future location, a "third place." Maten's, named after Lippman's great grandfather Al Maten, will also feature lounges and offer beverages for sale. Entry to the 4000-square-foot venue will come by a one-time fee of around $15, or via a monthly membership Lippman is currently pricing out in the $35-a-month range for unlimited access. 

Signature Cigars closes in Bethesda

Signature Cigars has closed at 4919 Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The shop's last day was Sunday, and there is already a for-lease sign in the window. Cigar aficionados seeking the traditional shopping experience still have the nearby Capitol Cigar & Tobacco at 4916 Del Ray Avenue. But the loss of another longtime Bethesda business still stings, as the moribund Montgomery County economy claims another victim. But, hell, let's go ahead and vote for the same people who did this to us again! "Smarter than the average bear!"

Just Salad opens in Friendship Heights

Just Salad is now open at 5300-D Wisconsin Avenue NW at what's left of Mazza Gallerie in Friendship Heights. The fast-casual salad restaurant is the latest addition to the ground-level retail spaces in what is now known as the Residences at Mazza. Reusable bowls and a large number of plant-based alternatives to meat (the real thing is also still available at Just Salad, though) are part of what the chain calls "Earth-friendly" dining. 

To celebrate the Chevy Chase opening, Just Salad is offering 50% off your first digital order. Use the code MG50 through June 30, 2026. That's a good deal in tough financial times like this in Montgomery County.

Elite Estate Antiques opens in Bethesda

Elite Estate Antiques is now open at 8121 Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Founded in 1985, the business buys, sells, and appraises antiques, fine art, furniture, home decor, military collectibles and memorabilia, and estate purchases. Hours of operation are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays.

Austrian life sciences firm chooses Virginia over Maryland for U.S. headquarters

Austrian life sciences firm Ringana has made the United States the target of its next international expansion push, but first it needed a U.S. corporate headquarters to operate from. It has found the perfect location, and you won't be surprised to hear it is not in Montgomery County, or even within the state of Maryland. You also won't be surprised to learn that Virginia is once again the winner in this latest corporate HQ sweepstakes. That's right: 435 jobs are on the way from the Österreich to 2797 Frontage Road NW in Roanoke, Virginia. The former Johnson & Johnson site will not only house corporate offices, but also a manufacturing facility and a distribution center.

The deal was apparently secured when Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger invited Ringana corporate leadership to meet with her personally this past February. In contrast, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has failed to turn his supposedly-massive Rolodex of Wall Street, Hamptons, and Martha's Vineyard business contacts into a single major corporate headquarters win. After an awkward few months dominated by divisive partisan politics, Spanberger seems to have found the blueprint left behind by her Democratic predecessors, who have typically been as successful in attracting corporate headquarters as their Republican counterparts.

“RINGANA’s decision to establish its first U.S. facility in Virginia underscores the Commonwealth’s reputation as a welcoming, premier destination for international investment,” Spanberger said in a statement. “With our world-class workforce, strong apprenticeship and career training programs, and unwavering commitment to supporting global companies in a global marketplace, Virginia offers the ideal environment for businesses to grow and succeed in the United States. We are excited to welcome RINGANA to Roanoke and look forward to the hundreds of career opportunities this partnership will create for Virginians.”

We should take note of the site chosen by Ringana. Look how close it is to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, which has connecting flights to Dulles International Airport. Also nearby is Interstate 81, a major freight trucking route connecting Tennessee and Canada. Once again, Virginia tax advantages join with infrastructure to hand Maryland and Montgomery County yet another economic development loss. MoCo and Maryland elected officials will tell you with clownish pride that "we don't do highways," and that they will never allow construction of the long-delayed new Potomac River crossing to the Dulles area.

Now before we get too carried away, I don't want to overhype Ringana. We should be focused on major corporations, especially on aerospace, biotech, defense, and technology firms. Ringana is not a Fortune 500 company. But it has enjoyed $245 million in annual revenue, and 30% year-over-year revenue growth. It will be investing $85 million in Virginia and its people and communities. The Roanoke Regional Partnership is already working to connect local businesses that can provide services to Ringana with the company's leadership.

Beggars can't be choosers. Montgomery County and Maryland once again are left holding their nearly-empty begging cups.

The Velvet Room opening June 17 in Bethesda

The Velvet Room will open at 8020 Norfolk Avenue in downtown Bethesda this Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Reservations for an opening week table at the speakeasy are now being accepted online. You can also view the cocktail menu for opening night, which includes many drinks with hyperlocal names. Operating hours will be 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 4:00 PM to midnight Friday through Sunday, and closed on Mondays.

Miniso returning to Montgomery Mall for cage match with Pop Mart

Miniso operated a store at Westfield Montgomery Mall from 2021 to 2025. But the company appears to have realized it might have made a hasty decision to exit, now that Pop Mart is preparing to open a store at the Bethesda mall. And it looks like they're reclaiming their old haunt on Level 1 near Macy's. Of course, Miniso sells a much wider variety of products than toy retailer Pop Mart, such as kitchenware, home goods, and health and fitness items. But a significant portion of its Japanese-inspired (don't tell Chairman Xi!) Chinese merchandise is dedicated to blind bag and oversized plush toys, making this a high-stakes faceoff for the toy collector's dollar at Montgomery Mall.