Capsule Galaxy opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Capsule Galaxy has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The store isn't exactly just a store, but an arcade of Japanese gachapon vending machines. First popularized in Japan during the 1960s, these aren't exactly a new idea in America. Vending machines filled with candy and bubbles containing cheap plastic toys were once ubiquitous near checkouts in supermarkets and drugstores across the United States. Here, they're called capsules, and random surprises, slightly-higher product quality, significantly-higher prices, and licensed characters are all part of the gachapon experience. 

To play the game, purchase tokens at the register. Insert the required number of tokens into the machine of your choice, crank the the handle clockwise, and receive your surprise. Look for Capsule Galaxy on Level 1 of the mall, across from Forever 21.

New Starbucks parking at Hyatt Regency Bethesda

A new parking spot has been created for delivery drivers and takeout customers at the Starbucks inside the Hyatt Regency Bethesda hotel at 7400 Wisconsin Avenue. The sign that was just installed allows 5 minutes of parking for Starbucks. Of course, a five minute limit assumes that the delivery is ready to go and that the driver doesn't have to get in line with customers to receive the parcel. 

When the hotel added the Starbucks in 2018, the pandemic and ensuing delivery craze were still two years away, and not forseen by many. The chain's decision to intentionally reject its role as a comfortable "third place" where customers would linger while sipping beverages, after a 2018 bathroom-use racism scandal, only increased the customer switchover to takeout and delivery in the following years. Starbucks has recently indicated that this move was a mistake, and that it will refocus on the in-store experience in the coming months.

Baruch Cafe Express opens in downtown Bethesda

Baruch Cafe Express has opened at 4841 Del Ray Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The coffee shop, bakery, and mini-mart is located in the ground floor of the Gallery Bethesda apartment tower. On the menu are croissant sandwiches, salteñas (a Bolivian specialty similar to an empanada), "crookies," and even pizza. Beer and wine are for sale, and there is comfortable seating inside. Operating hours are 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends.

A Beautiful Closet returns to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

A Beautiful Closet has returned to Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The fashion boutique closed last fall on Level 2. Its new location is on Level 1, across from the Tesla store. A Beautiful Closet features sustainable apparel and accessories sourced from around the world, including Italy and Turkey. There is currently a holiday sale for those seeking last-minute gifts.

Virginia named State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine

Our neighbor across the Potomac is ending 2024 on another economic development high note. Business Facilities magazine has just named Virginia "State of the Year." This is the third time the Old Dominion has taken home the prize since the magazine introduced the honor in 2007. Of course, it's little surprise that Virginia was named the winner, as it is one of the primary destinations of corporate headquarters relocations in America. Maryland? Dead last. Montgomery County hasn't attracted a single major corporate headquarters in over a quarter century, and the statewide record looks just as bad.

"Virginia is a prime location for businesses of all varieties, and this honor from Business Facilities underscores the work we’ve been doing since day one to make Virginia the best place for business investment and job creation," Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. "The Commonwealth has experienced record job growth from companies that are drawn by our best-in-class talent, infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. I am thrilled that Virginia has earned this recognition from a leading source for site selection experts."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin wraps up
another year of the Old Dominion cleaning
Maryland's clock at economic development

"From advanced manufacturing to data centers to professional services, Virginia is attracting companies across industries with its business-friendly environment and programs to support the distinct needs of those businesses," Business Facilities Editorial Director Anne Cosgrove said. Earlier this year, CNBC named Virginia America's top state for business. Maryland came in 31st out of 50 on that list. Ouch.

Youngkin has proposed a number of tax cuts for Virginia residents in 2025. Maryland residents are facing yet more tax hikes, as its moribund economy has depressed revenues, while legislators in Annapolis have continued to spend wildly. 

"Let's take a victory lap on
Montgomery County's bike lanes!"

With no good news to share, and the potential loss of the Washington Commanders and future FBI headquarters looming, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been reduced to creating distractions by endorsing the legalization of beer and wine sales in grocery stores. Residents have been demanding that for decades, and have been stiff-armed by their representatives in Annapolis every step of the way over those years. While desperation and embarrassment have led to the topic suddenly being revived by their governor and party leader, a number of powerful Democrats in Annapolis went on the record last week to suggest they will block such a move in the upcoming legislative session.

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Elena James opens at Chevy Chase Lake

Elena James has opened at 8551 Connecticut Avenue at Chevy Chase Lake. The American restaurant, also known as Elena James All Day, is the latest dining concept from the founders of Nina May and Opal in Washington, D.C. While the menu is advertised as American, there is a pork schnitzel alongside five Italian pastas and five pizzas.

To start, the restaurant will be serving a dinner menu, with the breakfast and lunch service being added in the coming days. So, for now, operating hours are 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Sundays, and closed on Mondays. 

Maryland to open new I-95 Express Toll Lanes ahead of holiday travel

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that it will open a new stretch of Express Toll Lanes on northbound I-95 tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. A variable toll charged to drivers who use the lanes will provide a way around traffic congestion, which is expected to be heavy around next week's Christmas and Chanukah holidays. The new Express Toll Lanes run for 6.5 miles along the northbound side of the interstate between White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) and Mountain Road (MD 152).

Completed Express Toll Lanes all the way to MD 24 (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway), along with new ramps connecting I-695 to the northbound ETL, are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2027. The first section of ETL opened in 2014. MDTA recommends obtaining an E-ZPass, to save up to 77% over toll charges you might otherwise receive via Pay-by-Plate or video tolling.

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a statement. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

The Cashmere Sale pop-up closes in Bethesda

If you didn't grab that new sweater for the long, cold winter, it's too late. The Cashmere Sale pop-up shop has closed at 7766 Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Inside, the space has been totally cleared out. The Connecticut-based seasonal business could return next holiday shopping season, if they were financially successful this year.

New Balance opening store at Bethesda Row

New Balance will open a store at Bethesda Row in 2025. It will be located between Uncle Julio's and Custom Ink on Arlington Road. Some New Balance products have been available from existing retailers at the Federal Realty property, but this 2,142-square-foot store will now offer a full line of shoes and active wear. It will also give some competition to the neighboring Nike store.

Burglary/auto theft spree in Massachusetts Avenue corridor of Bethesda

Burglars and auto thieves started December off with a bang in the Massachusetts Avenue corridor of Bethesda. Four homes were burglarized, three others were the target of attempted burglaries, and at least four vehicles were stolen in that area between December 1 and December 4, 2024. Homes were burglarized in the 5700 block of Harwick Road, the 5300 block of Iroqouis Road, the 6000 block of Ramsgate Road, and the 5900 block of Massachusetts Avenue. Burglars attempted to break into homes in the 6100 block of Cromwell Drive, the 5900 block of Welborn Drive, and the 6300 block of Kenhowe Drive. Cars were stolen from the 5700 block of Harwick Road, the 5700 block of Ridgefield Road, the 6000 block of Ramsgate Road, and the 5900 block of Massachusetts Avenue.

One arrest was made in the last stolen car incident. An 18-year-old Bethesda man has been charged with felony 1st-degree burglary, felony theft, felony unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and rogue and vagabond. He has posted a $1500 bond, and has been released to await trial. Montgomery County police report that they have recovered all four stolen vehicles. Suspects in the other cases remain at large.

Renovated Dunkin' Donuts reopens in Bethesda

The Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins at 4905 Cordell Avenue has reopened for business. It had been closed for about a month for renovations. This is the second downtown Bethesda Dunkin' Donuts store to be renovated this year. Yesterday, the Dunkin' Donuts portion of the shop was operational, but it looked like the Baskin Robbins area wasn't quite ready yet. Dunkin' Donuts celebrated a decade at this location this past spring.

New exterior lighting installed at The Cordell ahead of opening in Bethesda

New exterior lighting has been added to The Cordell, an event space scheduled to open this month at 4865 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda. It includes baton-shaped fixtures between windows on the building facade. Paper still covers the windows, so the interior design will be a surprise when the wraps come off. The Cordell will host a variety of events, including corporate functions, social gatherings, and formal events.

Pedestrian plaza opens between Sophia and Bainbridge Bethesda apartments (Photos)

The pedestrian plaza between the Sophia Bethesda and Bainbridge Bethesda apartment towers has opened to the public. It is technically a reopening of the public space that was first created via the Bainbridge project, but the plaza has been revamped with new features by the Sophia contractors, including a new art installation and new lighting. Lighting is still of the stringed variety, but utilizes larger, cylindrical fixtures rather than tiny bulbs. 

The plaza also provides a pedestrian cut-through between St. Elmo and Fairmont Avenues. There is still a hope that the plaza can be activated by future tenants in the ground floors of both buildings, such as the Paris Baguette Bakery Cafe that has already signed a lease at the Sophia. In its previous life at the Bainbridge, the plaza has been a well-lit but lonesome path after business hours.

UNIQLO construction begins at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Construction has begun on the interior fit-out of UNIQLO at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. As you can see in these photos, construction walls have been erected across the future storefront on Level 2 of the mall. It's going to be a large store, as is now made obvious by the sheer length of the walled-off space. Their Pike & Rose location is 8000-square-feet.

Japan-based UNIQLO opened its first store in Hiroshima in 1984. As of today, it has more than 1900 stores in 19 markets around the world, including Japan, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the U.K. and the U.S.

Oak Barrel & Vine opens at Westbard Square in Bethesda

Oak Barrel & Vine has opened at Westbard Square in Bethesda. It is taking the place of the Montgomery County Liquor & Wine store, which was demolished along with the Westwood Shopping Center on this site. Oak Barrel & Vine is the same business, and is still operated by the Montgomery County government, which holds a monopoly on liquor sales in the county. However, the rebranding and store aesthetic are designed to better resemble the types of more-upscale, privately-owned shops one finds elsewhere in the country. Operating hours for the store are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.