Neuhaus Chocolates temporarily closed at Bethesda Row

Neuhaus Chocolates at 7123 Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row is temporarily closed. The shop is expected to reopen this Saturday, August 23, 2025. "Repairs" are the reason cited for the closure on a sign posted inside the front door. If you are in need of chocolates before Saturday, try Velatis, Bethesda Chocolates, or Henry's Sweet Retreat in downtown Bethesda.

Bethesda Row businesses reopening as Montgomery County Phase 2 rules go into effect today

Montgomery County will enter Phase 2 of its reopening from the coronavirus lockdown today at 5:00 PM. Many Bethesda Row businesses that have been shuttered for weeks or months are now moving to reopen as early as today.

The County rules provide business owners with the flexibility to operate at the level they feel comfortable with. So while some may take full advantage of the return to limited indoor shopping, others are choosing to operate by curbside pickup or by appointment. This is why it is best to call ahead before going to a particular business, to ensure your expectations will be met when you arrive.

Here are a few examples of stores that have announced their plans in advance:

Neuhaus Chocolates

Neuhaus Chocolates will again be selling their famous Belgian gourmet candies starting today. However, they are going to be operating on a pickup-only basis. Customers should call or text 1-240-858-4667 to place their order, and schedule their preferred pickup time. Their hours today through Sunday will be 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Neuhaus is offering a free gift on orders of $50 or more for the Father's Day weekend.

Indochino

Menswear retailer Indochino will reopen today, but by appointment only. Go to Indochino.com to schedule an appointment. Curbside pickup is available if what you're ordering doesn't require fitting. Customers entering the store for appointments must wear a mask. Indochino is asking those with appointments who feel unwell to reschedule. Their initial hours will be Thursday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM and Sundays, 12:00-6:00 PM.

Paper Source

Paper Source will reopen Saturday with indoor shopping. Masks must be worn and social distancing of 6' observed. County restrictions limit the number of shoppers who can be in the store at one time, so prepare to be patient if necessary. Paper Source will only take cashless transactions at this time.

Countdown to happiness begins at Neuhaus at Bethesda Row

Large, cardboard-boxed Advent calendars with chocolates behind every door are now ubiquitous in grocery and drug stores across America. Neuhaus at Bethesda Row is now offering what may be the ultimate Advent calendar - the limited-edition 2019 Countdown to Happiness Advent Calendar.

Neuhaus invented the praline at its now-iconic shop in Brussels, the Galerie de la Reine. That shop and pralines take center stage in the Countdown to Happiness calendar. In fact, as you open each door leading to Christmas, the package itself transforms into the famous shop. Behind each door you will find a variety of pralines.

The ultimate Advent Calendar comes with an ultimate price. A Countdown to Happiness calendar will set you back $73. But as the great Joe Namath said, "If you're not gonna go all the way, man, I mean, why go at all?"

Neuhaus Chocolate Bethesda Row store tour (Photos)

Let's take a look inside the new Neuhaus Chocolate boutique at 7123 Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row. In addition to the Belgian chocolate items, they also have cookies and biscuits. Smurfs collectors will not only want to buy the limited-edition Smurf candy items, but I was surprised to see they also have stuffed Smurf toys with "Neuhaus" hats on, making them real collector's items for the completist.

First look: Neuhaus Chocolate at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The construction wall has come down at the eagerly-awaited Neuhaus Chocolate boutique at 7123 Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row. Neuhaus counts the invention of the Belgian Praline among its claims to fame.

Why is Papa Smurf prominently displayed in the shop window? The Brussels-area-based Neuhaus has teamed with another Belgian icon, Pierre Culliford, who invented the Smurfs in 1958. In that same year, coincidentally, Neuhaus gained its first national Belgian and worldwide prominence after its chocolates appeared at the Expo 58 in Brussels. Neuhaus has been manufacturing chocolate Smurf characters and Smurf gift collections since 2015.

Here's an exclusive sneak peek inside the new shop. They've certainly made the most of a very small retail space, which residents of Upstairs at Bethesda Row will have a hard time resisting as they use their Bethesda Lane entrance.

Neuhaus Chocolate opening at Bethesda Row

It didn't take Federal Realty long to find a new tenant for the just-vacated Sabun Home at 7123 Bethesda Lane. Neuhaus Chocolate will be taking over the space. Founded by a Swiss immigrant in the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert in central Brussels in 1857, Neuhaus is recognized as one of the leading chocolate makers in the world.

Bloomberg Pursuits named Neuhaus truffles "the best chocolate truffle in the world" in 2017. We will find out soon enough at Bethesda Row.