McDonald's reopens at Cabin John Mall (Photos)

A dapper Ronald McDonald is greeting customers at the remodeled McDonald's at 11301 Seven Locks Road inside Cabin John Mall in Potomac. The renovated restaurant has reopened for business with a new look, and a new interior configuration. Everything is geared toward the new normal of takeout and delivery orders being the main driver of business after the pandemic. But the updated interior design is also a welcome reward for loyal customers who fought to keep this location open when it was in danger of closing a few years ago.

McDonald's gutted in surprise renovation at Cabin John Mall (Photos)

The venerable McDonald's at 11301 Seven Locks Road inside the Cabin John Mall in Potomac has been gutted inside. According to signage posted at the restaurant, it is temporarily closed for renovations. No reopening date has been posted, but one of the signs says that the remodeling will take a few weeks to complete. A second, more optimistic sign says "a few days," but that's a bit too optimistic from what you can see here. But overall, the renovation sends a very positive message to customers that the ownership wants to provide a brand new dining room experience for them.

This McDonald's almost closed a couple of years ago, but agreed to stay at the mall after outcry from its many loyal customers. It looks like they are now updating the store for the long haul, with a sneak peek at the new interior visible in the photo above. Customers are being directed to the Montgomery Mall McDonald's while the renovations take place. Yes, Cabin John Village has Shake Shack - but Shake Shack doesn't have the Big Mac! Or America's favorite fries.

Kema by Kenaki soft opening today at Cabin John Village in Potomac

Kema by Kenaki, the new Japanese restaurant and sushi bar at 11325 Seven Locks Road in the Cabin John Mall will hold soft opening hours today, Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. A sign outside the restaurant notes that the menu, and seating, will be limited. Kema is the latest concept from the owners of Kenaki Sushi Counter in Gaithersburg.

Kema by Kenaki sushi bar "coming soon" at Cabin John Village in Potomac (Photos)

Kema by Kenaki, a new sushi bar concept from the owners of Kenaki Sushi Counter in Gaithersburg, has run into many delays over the last couple of years. But opening day for the new establishment, located at 11325 Seven Locks Road at Cabin John Village in Potomac, may finally be coming into view. The interior is nearing completion, and dining tables are already stacked inside the space. They are currently hiring staff. Stay tuned for an opening date!

Toy Castle to close at Cabin John Mall in Potomac

One of the few remaining toy stores in Montgomery County will end its 41-year run at Cabin John Mall in Potomac soon. The owners of Toy Castle announced late Monday night that the store will close. They blamed the coronavirus lockdown, "mounting bills," heavy construction at the retail property, and their "advanced age" for the closure, while thanking customers and staff.

A 50%-off sale is now underway at the store. All sales will be final with no returns or exchanges, and no gift wrapping. Their hours during the final days will be Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sundays 12:00-4:00 PM. Note that they are not offering curbside service, so you will have to be comfortable shopping indoors.

Potomac construction update: Playa Bowls (Photos)

Slowly but surely, work continues inside the future Playa Bowls at the Cabin John Village shopping center in Potomac. The healthy superfood restaurant comes to us from New Jersey, at the Jersey Shore. Here are some on-location photos of the progress inside the brightly-colored interior.

Cabin John Mall construction update (Photos)

Construction of new retail buildings at Cabin John Village, a.k.a. Cabin John Center, a.k.a. Cabin John Shopping Center and Cabin John Mall, is now well underway. Future tenants will include new restaurants, the most-anticipated of which is Montgomery County's first Shake Shack location. I like how the banners around the property are emblazoned with a phrase that strikes terror in our corrupt Montgomery County elected officials: "Plenty of free parking." Now, if we could just get a drive-thru for that Shake Shack...

More closures at Cabin John Mall

Momo Taro Sushi Express has closed at Cabin John Mall. Fashion Flair Cleaners will be next, when it closes its doors at the end of this month.

China Gourmet Bistro to reopen Tuesday at Cabin John Mall

China Gourmet Bistro, which was damaged by fire last month, will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, January 24. The popular restaurant, open since early 2015, is located in Cabin John Mall at 7945 Tuckerman Lane in Potomac.