Sidewalk work at Cordell Avenue at Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda

Warmer weather has brought the return of sidewalk work in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. Here it is at the intersection of Montgomery County road Cordell Avenue and state road Old Georgetown Road. Watch for sidewalk closures in the area. Follow detour signage posted around the work zone.

Gorjana "coming soon" to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

It was last fall that I first heard about Gorjana's plans to open a second Bethesda location at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Last December, I broke the news that the Southern California-inspired jewelry boutique was confirmed to have leased a space at the mall. And now there is official "coming soon" signage that also confirms where Gorjana will be located on Level 1. The signage promises a summer 2026 opening, which is very appropriate timing for a Laguna Beach retailer.

Call Your Mother Deli construction stalled out in Bethesda

The signs say "opening soon," but the interior says otherwise at the future Call Your Mother Deli at 4828 St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda. Construction appears to have not even gotten underway yet in the space, which was vacated by Hardwood Artisans last summer. One of downtown Bethesda's most highly-anticipated openings, Call Your Mother will have to hurry to catch up with competitor PopUp Bagels, which is under construction over at 7607 Old Georgetown Road.

Pickpocket strikes at Bethesda restaurant

Watch your wallet when dining out during these desperate times. A pickpocket allegedly helped themselves to a billfold belonging to a restaurant patron at Bethesda Row on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026. The theft was reported to Montgomery County police at 11:45 AM at a restaurant in the 7100 block of Bethesda Lane. Remember to carry your wallet in a front pocket if possible, and beware of accomplices who may try to distract you by engaging you in conversation or pretending to bump into you.

Padel Social applies for liquor license in Bethesda

Padel Social has applied for a liquor license from Montgomery County. The padel sports, training and event facility is expected to open before summer at 5455 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. Capitalizing on one of the world's fastest-growing sports, Padel Social enjoyed a successful initial run on the other side of Westbard Avenue at Westbard Square. Their liquor license hearing is scheduled for May 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

Parking-less apartment building rebranded as The Dax in Bethesda

The Cheltenham apartments, now under construction at 4725 Cheltenham Drive in downtown Bethesda, have been rebranded as The Dax. Remarkable for containing no surface or construction parking, the building is anticipated by the developer and Montgomery County planning authorities to attract tenants who will either be car-free, or will park in the County public parking garage across the street. About 90' tall, the building will contain 100 units - 17 of which will be Moderately-Priced Dwelling Units - and no retail. The project received an $8 million subordinated loan from the Montgomery County Government Green Bank. 

A crew completed a scheduled disassembly of the tower crane at the site last week, as you can see in these photos. The Dax replaces the Midas auto repair facility on this property next to a CVS Pharmacy. Community Three is the developer, Eric Colbert & Associates is the architecture firm, and the lead construction contractor is Eichberg Construction. A Q4 2026 delivery is anticipated.

Mayflower Chinese Food closing in Bethesda

Mayflower Chinese Food at 7925 Norfolk Avenue in downtown Bethesda will close by the end of the month. The owner says the restaurant's lease is up, and a renewal agreement could not be reached with the landlord. However, he is hopeful to find a new location nearby where it can reopen. Fans of the restaurant would be wise to drop by soon for a meal.

Sugared + Bronzed opening in Bethesda

Sugared + Bronzed is coming soon to 4939 Elm Street, in the Shoppes of Bethesda. The hair removal and spray tan salon will fill the space vacated by Chip City. What started in a Santa Monica apartment in 2010 has grown into a nationwide chain with celebrity endorsers and over 40 locations. 

"S+B is a one-stop shop to prepare for any vacation, wedding, red carpet event — or to simply feel like your best self," the company says on its website. "We’re extremely passionate about providing exceptional services in beautiful, upbeat, and welcoming spaces that make your appointment something to look forward to. No matter the occasion, S+B promises that you’ll leave with immaculately smooth skin and a natural faux glow."