Max Brenner closes at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Max Brenner has closed at Bethesda Row. This development is not a complete shock, as the business had been seeking a sublease tenant for well over a year. Bethesda-based real estate firm Streetsense had ultimately advertised the space as outright available for lease two months ago.

The shop was packing up yesterday, but store management says that you can send a farewell message to employees by emailing bethesda [at] maxbrenner [dot] com. Max Brenner opened in July 2013.

Max Brenner space for lease at Bethesda Row

How sweet it isn't. The popular Max Brenner chocolate shop space is for lease at Bethesda Row. According to the online listing by Bethesda real estate firm Streetsense, it is 2152 SF in size, and apparently available immediately.

There was talk in the past that a sub-lease was being sought for the space, despite the apparent success of the store. In fact, it had the longest lines at opening since Georgetown Cupcake, which still holds the record at Bethesda Row.

UPDATED: COLD STONE CREAMERY, MAX BRENNER TO OPEN AT WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL IN BETHESDA?

Update 12:00 AM Tuesday, August 26:

I was informed Monday evening that neither Cold Stone Creamery nor Max Brenner have signed leases at the retail center. A post on Westfield Montgomery's official Facebook page earlier Monday (pictured below), which listed both among incoming tenants - and was the source for my report - has been removed. At this point, Cold Stone or Max Brenner coming to the mall has to be classified as a rumor only. Although my article was based on an official post on the mall's Facebook page, I apologize to readers for the confusion.

Post on Westfield Montgomery Facebook page
listing Max Brenner, Cold Stone Creamery
as incoming tenants Monday; the post
was deleted later in the day

Original story (now updated above):

Two more dessert options have just signed on for the new Dining Terrace at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Cold Stone Creamery and Max Brenner will open locations at the mall, which has many other upscale and fast casual restaurants on board already, including CRAVE, Lobster ME, Cava Grill, and MET Bethesda.

Cold Stone Creamery is best known for its ice cream - and for enthusiastic singing and dancing employees. Max Brenner - already well known to Bethesdans from its Bethesda Row location - is pretty much the ultimate chocolate shop.

Two great new after-movie options once they - and the ArcLight Cinemas - open at the mall.

MAX BRENNER HAS BIGGEST OPENING AT BETHESDA ROW SINCE GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE (PHOTOS)

Lines outside of a Bethesda Row establishment? And one that isn't named Georgetown Cupcake?

People of all ages jammed the just-opened Max Brenner Chocolate Bar on Woodmont Avenue Friday night. A line stretched out the door.

Click the photos to enlarge:

MAX BRENNER MENU - BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

You've been hearing about the new Max Brenner Chocolate Bar that just opened this week at Bethesda Row.

But just what, exactly, do they serve?

Here's the Max Brenner menu (although there are some additional prepackaged gift items and fresh bakery goods that don't appear on this menu).

Click to enlarge:

MAX BRENNER CHOCOLATE BAR BETHESDA ROW OPENING DAY PHOTO GALLERY

Max Brenner Chocolate Bar had its Grand Opening at Bethesda Row yesterday, and plenty of folks came in to try a completely new concept for Bethesda and Montgomery County.

Here are some moments from opening day (click photos to enlarge for more detail):

MAX BRENNER CHOCOLATE BAR OPENS TODAY AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTOS)

Calling all chocoholics: After many unexpected delays, Max Brenner is finally opening today at Bethesda Row. The company promises it will have been worth the wait.

Last night, newly-hired employees were working hard to prepare for today's opening. Click on the photos below to enlarge them for "Max" detail.

As you will notice, many chocolate specialties are already on display atop the counter.

What toppings are you getting on your chocolate pizza?

MAX BRENNER BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here are the latest photos of the nearly-ready interior of the Max Brenner chocolate bar at Bethesda Row.

Max Brenner is expected to open this week.

MAX BRENNER BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Lots of progress on the interior at Max Brenner chocolate bar at Bethesda Row:

MAX BRENNER SIGN INSTALLED AT BETHESDA ROW (PHOTO)

The storefront sign has been installed above the entrance to the soon-to-open Max Brenner chocolate bar at Bethesda Row.

MAX BRENNER BETHESDA ROW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here's the latest construction progress at Max Brenner chocolate bar at Bethesda Row: