Contents of former California Tortilla in Gaithersburg to be auctioned off

The contents of the former California Tortilla restaurant at 255 Spectrum Avenue at Spectrum Town Center in Gaithersburg will be auctioned off this November. According to the online auction listing, the auction will begin closing on Saturday, November 22, 2025. That's a lot farther in the future than these auctions are typically held. Also unlike most restaurant auctions, there isn't anything here for the prospective collector of branded items from the business in question. This auction will primarily appeal to the restaurateur seeking potential bargains on kitchen equipment and dining room furniture.

Armed carjacking at Spectrum in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of an armed carjacking early Sunday morning, December 24, 2023 at the Spectrum development. The carjacking was reported in the residential parking lot of the Spectrum apartments off of N. Frederick Avenue at 2:30 AM Sunday.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya opening Tuesday in Gaithersburg

Akira Ramen & Izakaya will open its newest Montgomery County location tomorrow, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 105 Paramount Park Drive at the Spectrum development in Gaithersburg. It will be located next to Ela Mesa Taste of Greece, and is convenient to the Watkins Mill interchange of I-270. Akira Ramen has an existing location in the county in Rockville.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya update at the Spectrum in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Here's a look at the advanced progress on the interior fit-out of Akira Ramen & Izakaya, which will be located at 105 Paramount Park Drive at the Spectrum development in Gaithersburg. The sign is up and lit over the storefront. This is next to Ela Mesa Taste of Greece. Akira has an existing location further down MD 355 in Rockville. They are now hiring staff for this new location.

Signage installed at Akira Ramen & Izakaya in Gaithersburg

The sign is up at Akira Ramen & Izakaya at 105 Paramount Park Drive, at the Spectrum development in Gaithersburg. It has been under construction since June. This will be the chain's second Montgomery County location; the first is in Rockville. Akira Ramen & Izakaya makes its noodles in-house daily.

Montgomery County breaks ground on new police station in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County officials attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 6th District Montgomery County police station at 222 Paramount Park Drive in Gaithersburg yesterday. The new station will be adjacent to the Spectrum mixed-use development, and importantly, adjacent to the I-270 interchange on Watkins Mill Road. Among those in attendance were Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and current County Councilmember and former Gaithersburg Mayor Sid Katz. The police station is expected to open in the spring of 2025.

Photos courtesy MCPD

Akira Ramen & Izakaya opening new location at The Spectrum in Gaithersburg

Akira Ramen & Izakaya will soon open a second location in Montgomery County. The IVEA Restaurant Group has leased a space at 105 Paramount Park Drive, next to Ela Mesa Taste of Greece. Construction of the restaurant has already commenced inside. Akira Ramen has an existing restaurant in Rockville, five others in the DMV-Baltimore regions, and other new openings planned for Washington, D.C., Frederick and Ownings Mills, Maryland.

Gaithersburg Planning Commission to make recommendation on new Spectrum apartment building proposal

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will vote on its final recommendation to the Mayor and Council on a proposed new residential development at the Spectrum development this Wednesday night, October 19, 2022 at 7:30 PM. Located at 103 and 203 Spectrum Avenue, the building would house 230 units. It would be six stories tall, at a total height of 70'. 

City planning staff notes that residents of 30 units on the first and second floors may have difficulty accessing the lobby and amenity space of the building, and that the applicant's revised proposal has not adequately addressed those concerns. It also finds that the side of the development facing MD 355 could still be better enhanced with tile or landscaping features. 

Despite these two areas of concern, staff is still advising the Planning Commission recommend the Mayor and Council approve the project. Staff will address the two concerns with amended conditions to the approval, if the Planning Commission wishes.

Update on Ela Mesa Taste of Greece in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress on Ela Mesa Taste of Greece at the Spectrum development in Gaithersburg. The restaurant has missed some previous target opening dates, but it's now looking close to ready to go at 109 Paramount Park Drive. Ela Mesa means "come on in," and when you do, the restaurant is promising to revive the original "Mediterranean values" of Greek cuisine. The restaurant is currently hiring for all positions; apply in-person 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays.

Royal Farms pickup truck on-site ahead of Gaithersburg store opening

The first Royal Farms location in Montgomery County is scheduled to open on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Last night, two nights before opening day, a special Royal Farms pickup truck was parked in the lot of the future convenience store and mega gas station at 690 Watkins Mill Road in the Spectrum development in Gaithersburg. 

Wrapped in Royal Farms promotional graphics, the truck displays the chain's famous fried chicken, sub sandwiches, "award-winning" Royal Farms hot coffee, what appears to be a rewards card, and an illustration of the trademark gas station and store architecture. Beyond it, you can see the gas price sign that is not yet showing the hefty 2022 U.S. gas prices you'll pay. Keep on truckin'!

First look: Royal Farms Gaithersburg (Photos)

A lot of finishing touches have been added to the new Royal Farms convenience store and mega gas station at 690 Watkins Mill Road in Gaithersburg in just a short time. Most obvious is the lighted signage on the store and car wash, as well as the wayfinding signs in the parking lot, bike racks and outdoor dining tables. Inside, wall signage mentions Gaithersburg and touts the chain's famous chicken. While soda and coffee dispensers have been installed, most shelves are still empty. Montgomery County's first Royal Farms is scheduled to open next month, the company says.