Gaithersburg approves signage for Kitchen Social

Kitchen Social has received approval for the signage it has proposed for installation at its Downtown Crown location from the City of Gaithersburg. The restaurant chain had to request an exemption, because the dimensions of the signage exceed the standards laid out in the Downtown Crown master plan. Branham Sign designed the signage, which will consist of the main sign above the entrance, and two pedestrian-facing blade signs. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission approved the signage at its meeting last night. Kitchen Social is expected to open this summer at 203 Crown Park Avenue.

Rendering courtesy Branham Sign

Chipotle diner pummeled and robbed in Gaithersburg

A diner at the Chipotle restaurant in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg was pummeled and robbed yesterday afternoon, April 27, 2026. The victim was seated to enjoy his meal at the restaurant at 96 Main Street at 3:30 PM, when a suspect approached him, and struck him in the face multiple times. After taking the victim's jacket, the suspect left the restaurant. Yet again, another example of the recent Montgomery County crime trend of violent crimes being perpetrated in broad daylight.

Police have not released a description of the suspect. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Update on Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen in Gaithersburg

The construction wall has come down at Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Alas, the view of the interior is still blocked from view, and only some of the basic exterior facade design is currently visible. Located at 212 Boardwalk Place, Kareem's now has a Montgomery County liquor license hearing scheduled for May 21 at 9:30 AM. For those seeking authenticity, the chef-owner is a native of Beirut.

Construction begins on Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen in Gaithersburg

Construction has begun on Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen at 212 Boardwalk Place at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg. A construction wall has been erected over the storefront. The Florida-based restaurant presents the culinary artistry of Chef Rachid Eido, a native of Beirut. Chef Rachid studied at at the prestigious Culinary School of Beirut, and has worked at top hotel kitchens at the Intercontinental Hotel in Beirut, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Quincy's Golf & Social Gaithersburg update

The sign is up at Quincy's Golf & Social at 245 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg. There is now a separate website for the business, which promises a February opening date. It does not yet include a menu. Outside, a patio seating area has been delineated with barricades on the sidewalk. 

Koi Sushi opens in Gaithersburg

Koi Sushi is now open at 201 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Look for it next to Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls. It has already racked up a perfect 5-star rating on Google Reviews. The opening of Koi Sushi was first reported by The MoCo Show.

Update on Koi Sushi in Gaithersburg (Photos + Menu)

The sign is up at Koi Sushi, opening soon at 201 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Here's a sneak peek at the interior design, and at all pages of the restaurant menu. Koi Sushi will be located next to Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Kitchen Social coming soon to Gaithersburg

Kitchen Social is coming soon to Gaithersburg. It is taking over the large space at 203 Crown Park Avenue at Downtown Crown. Kitchen Social has a large presence in the great state of Ohio, and one location in the Sunshine State. This will be its first restaurant in the Mid-Atlantic region. The chain is known for its menu of global cuisine, and its signature Cheddar Scallion Biscuits with honey butter. Kitchen Social is expected to open this summer.

Hommali Thai Dining opening Wednesday in Gaithersburg

Hommali Thai Dining is opening tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 614 Quince Orchard Road at Quince Orchard Plaza in Gaithersburg. The restaurant's name is the Thai phrase, "Thai Jasmine rice," and refers to the aroma of it. A soft, non-glutinous rice, Hom Mali rice is most often used in grilled, stir-fried, and braised dishes, as well as in soups. Hommali is operating on soft-opening hours today and tonight, according to the restaurant.

Update on Koi Sushi in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress inside and outside of Koi Sushi, opening soon at 201 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The window coverings have been removed, and the interior fit-out appears complete. Decor and decorative light fixtures are in place. It was slow-going for over a year, but it looks like the restaurant could realistically open shortly after the start of the new year.

Quincy's Golf & Social "coming soon" to Gaithersburg

"Coming soon" signage has been posted above the future storefront of Quincy's Golf & Social in Gaithersburg. It will be located at 245 Kentlands Boulevard. Golf simulators and a PGA Tour Pro Shop will be among the amenities at this latest venture by the Quincy's chain. 

Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen opening in Gaithersburg

Here's a positive "Florida Man" news report: Chef Rachid Eido is expanding his Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen franchise to Maryland. It will be at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg, at 212 Boardwalk Place. That's next to IT'SUGAR. Eido is actually a native of Beirut, where he learned the art of authentic Lebanese cooking, with the flavors, aromatic spices, and warm hospitality it is known for.

Sixty Vines seeks permission to add retractable screens to pergola

Sixty Vines, the new restaurant at 212 Ellington Boulevard at Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg, is seeking permission from the City of Gaithersburg to add retractable screens to its outdoor dining pergola structure. The retractable vinyl curtains will utilize the MagnaTrack Vinyl Screen System. Those screens will be black in color, and will not count as increasing the building footprint under City regulations. Sixty Vines' application will be reviewed by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its meeting tonight, December 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM. City planning staff are recommending approval of the application.

Walnut Hill Shopping Center to add drive-thru Chipotle

 

Next year, you could be picking up a Chipotle burrito without even getting out of your car in Gaithersburg. The Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue will be adding a Chipotle restaurant on the North Westland Drive side of the property. A bank building will be demolished to clear the way for the restaurant, which will have a drive-thru. The drive-thru will be only for online pickup orders, and is called a Chipotlane. There is at least one other Chipotlane in Montgomery County, at the Briggs Chaney Chipotle at 13801 Outlet Drive.

Andy's Pizza opens in Gaithersburg

Andy's Pizza has opened at 145 Commerce Square Place at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. Andy's serves New York-style pizza in whole pies, or by the slice, and is quite an upgrade from previous tenant MOD Pizza. It is a double win to be able to order by the slice, with such high-quality pizzas. Next up for Andy's: a Montgomery Mall location in Bethesda.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe, Mattress Warehouse construction begins in Gaithersburg

Wow, what a juxtaposition! Construction has begun on the former Buca di Beppo building at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. According to the property leasing map, the building is being subdivided into two spaces. One half will hold the upscale New York-based Tatte Bakery & Cafe. The other half will go to Mattress Warehouse. The signing of Tatte Bakery & Cafe was first reported by The MoCo Show.

Guapo's to open new Gaithersburg restaurant

Guapo's is opening a new restaurant in Gaithersburg. It will be a Guapo's Rotisserie Chicken & Tex Mex Grill concept, of which the local company operates three in Northern Virginia. This would be the first on our side of the Potomac. Guapo's has full-service Mexican restaurants in Bethesda, and at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg.

Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is the specialty at the Guapo's Rotisserie Chicken locations. The new restaurant will be located at 12211 Darnestown Road, at the Quince Orchard Marketplace shopping center. That was formerly home to California Tortilla.

El Guero Mexicano opening in Gaithersburg

El Guero Mexicano is coming soon to Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg. It will be located at 200 Ellington Boulevard, the former home of BurgerIM. If the name sounds familiar, it's because the new restaurant is being opened by the owners of the nearby Taco Bar El Guero. They are keeping the same menu, as well as their famous Salsa Bar.

Sixty Vines opens in Gaithersburg

Sixty Vines has opened at 212 Ellington Boulevard at Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg. "The winemaker's restaurant" is now the wine drinker's restaurant. Your choice of sixty wines will be poured from the restaurant's "sustainable wine on tap system." Sixty Vines replaces Pour House at the development.