Sugared + Bronzed sets opening date in Bethesda

Sugared + Bronzed is opening very soon at 4939 Elm Street, in the Shoppes of Bethesda. The hair removal and spray tan salon chain has scheduled the grand opening for November 2, 2026. Permanent signage has just been installed above the storefront. "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."

Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition to deliver petition to Montgomery County today

Excavation underway at 5204 River Road in 2020

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition will deliver a petition signed by almost 1000 people to the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services in Wheaton this afternoon. It is a petition asking DPS to suspend the Certificate of Occupancy for the new self-storage building at 5204 River Road, behind the McDonald's restaurant in Bethesda. The occupancy permit was issued to project developer 1784 Holdings of Arizona.

Cemetery advocates have been engaged in an ongoing legal dispute with the developer and Montgomery County government over alleged destruction of possible human remains and funerary objects during excavation of the site, which is directly adjacent to the Moses African Cemetery. The developer's archaeological expert certified that no such remains or objects were discovered during the dig. BACC disputes this. During the approval process for the building, concerns were raised that African-American cemeteries like Moses often lacked clear boundaries delineated by fencing, leading to potential burials outside the property lines. This led the developer to engage the services of the archaeological expert to oversee the excavation, which was also monitored from outside the property by representatives of BACC.

"Our ancestors are still being treated as chattel, non-human - transactional 'things' that can be destroyed and used at the economic or social pleasure of those in power," BACC President Dr. Marsha Coleman-Adebayo said in a statement this morning. "It is only through blatant corruption and disregard for the rule of law that Montgomery County can provide the certificate of occupation with the permit violation allegations before the court. Developers who follow the rules should also be outraged if the Permitting Office provides the Arizona company with a certificate of occupancy."

BACC representatives will be joined this afternoon by representatives of the Maryland Green Party, Black United Front, Montgomery County Democratic Socialists of America, the Universal Negro Improvement Association and the African Communities League. "Voters across the state are angry that their politicians don’t care about them. The inspiring thing is people are joining together, rising up, and fighting back," Maryland Green Party gubernatorial nominee Andy Ellis said. "BACC has long been at the forefront of that, and I am excited to join them on Wednesday and push for justice and accountability." 

Smoke BBQ closes in Bethesda

Smoke BBQ has permanently closed at 4858 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda. "Smoke BBQ is permanently closed," a sign in the window Monday said. "Thank you to the community for all your support over the past fourteen years." Smoke BBQ opened here in January 2013, and it was an impressive run in a tough business environment. 

Another Stop Work Order issued to Bethesda restaurant

Workers had just applied a fresh coat of white paint at the future Silk Route restaurant in Bethesda, when the establishment was hit with its second Stop Work Order since construction began. But it wasn't Montgomery County halting work this time. The order was issued by water and sewer utility WSSC. It cites WSSC code Section 105.5.2, which typically means a restaurant is performing plumbing or gas work that directly contradicts code requirements, despite having an active permit or approved plan from the utility. In this case, the inspector made a notation that "Work started before permit issuance." Silk Route is located at 4839 Del Ray Avenue.

Customers say goodbye to Old Georgetown Grille in Bethesda

Old Georgetown Grille left a farewell message in the window to its loyal customers when it closed last month at 7755 Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. Now some of those loyal patrons have returned the favor. A large poster board with goodbye messages from customers has been posted on the window of the shuttered diner, which had been in business for decades. That long tenure led to some heartfelt messages on the poster, including those from patrons who had been dining there since childhood. OG Grille's building is being demolished to make way for a new apartment tower.

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on the evening of October 14, 2026. The assault was reported at 8:31 PM. It was related to a shoplifting incident at one of the stores in the mall. 

The assault is the first to be reported at the retail center since Westfield instituted a 3:00 PM juvenile curfew on September 28. It is the eighth assault reported at the mall this year. Twelve assaults were recorded at the property in 2025.

Tesla Cybercab Robotaxi spotted in Bethesda

Tesla couldn't let Rivian steal all the EV news headlines in Bethesda this week. One of their new Cybercab Robotaxis was spotted outside of &pizza in downtown Bethesda at lunchtime today. Because Montgomery County leaders are stuck in the 1960s, such autonomous taxis are not yet allowed to operate here yet. But they have been sighted on County roads in recent weeks, as Tesla conducts testing and gathers data. Cybercabs are currently only allowed to legally operate in Austin, Texas.

Signage installed at Buffalo Wild Wings GO in Bethesda

Permanent signage has been installed at the future Buffalo Wild Wings GO restaurant in Bethesda. The fast-casual chicken wing restaurant is located at 4611-C Sangamore Road at The Shops at Sumner Place (a.k.a. Little Falls Mall). Location-specific brand signage is also visible on the interior wall of the space, which was formerly home to Wild Bird Center. Stay tuned for an opening date!