Moe's Southwest Grill for sale in Montgomery Village

Moe's Southwest Grill at 19222 Montgomery Village Avenue is for sale. The asking price is $325,000, according to the sale listing. Buyers will have to be approved by the Moe's chain, and will need to pay a franchise transfer fee. Moe's opened here in February 2022. No reason for the sale offer is given in the sales listing.

Want to buy Montgomery County's first Wawa store? It'll cost you $8 million

The first Wawa store in Montgomery County hasn't even opened yet, and it's already for sale. Now under construction at 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, the store could be yours for $7,957,000. Does that include unlimited Gobbler sandwiches? That question would probably rank a distant second to the one on most Wawa fans' minds for the last several years, namely, when is the Gaithersburg Wawa opening? The online sale listing gives us the best clue yet, as it notes that Wawa's lease will commence in November 2023.

Wawa's Gaithersburg NNN ground lease has a primary term of 20 years, with 10% rent increases every 5 years, and six 5-year renewal options, indicating the chain is here in Montgomery County for the long haul. That rent will go to you, if you are the lucky buyer with $8 million burning a hole in your pocket. 

The sale listing goes on to describe the Gaithersburg Wawa's prime location on busy MD 355 across from Gaithersburg High School, and the rarity of a Wawa store in the area. "Currently under construction, this location will be Gaithersburg’s first Wawa store and will serve as Wawa’s long awaited first store along the I-270 corridor outside of Washington, D.C. There are currently no Wawa locations northwest of D.C. along the interstate until the I-270/I-70 interchange in Frederick, MD over 20 miles away."

Sneak peek: Charleys Philly Steaks at Germantown Walmart (Photos)

Charleys Philly Steaks looks ready to open any day now at the Walmart at 20910 Frederick Road in Germantown. The corporate website is still saying "July 2023" for the opening, however. All seating is in place, and electronic menu boards are operating. They'll have the Old School cheesesteak with extra steak, Cheez Whiz and sauteed onions. Just what you need to restore your strength after having your receipt checked on the way out of the store!! This location will be open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM seven days a week.

Margarita Bar & Grill "coming soon" to Germantown (Photos)

Margarita Bar & Grill is "coming soon" to 19201 Frederick Road in Germantown, according to a banner posted on the front of the building. A permanent sign has been installed out front on a signpost that once touted previous tenants Captain Mori's and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The menu will be mostly Mexican, with some Salvadoran and Peruvian items and flavors mixed in. Handcrafted margaritas will be made with premium tequila. The sign out front is promising "The Best."

Update on Le Macaron at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg (Photos)

The sign is up at Le Macaron at 7 Grand Corner Avenue at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Last night, it was already lit. But don't reach into Le Wallet for your credit card just yet. There's still a long way to go on the interior fit-out of the bakery. Minimal progress has been made over the last month: for example, that right rear corner of the space was a metal framework in July, but is now a wall. Of course, some progress is better than no progress. "Forge on," as Morrissey once said. "Forge. Forge."

Aldi construction begins at Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Construction has begun on the future Aldi grocery store at 16567 S. Frederick Avenue at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg. Fencing has been erected around the building, and work is beginning inside. Aldi replaces Weis Markets as the anchor tenant at the property. 

Former Frederick County Councilmember Kai Hagen endorses Will Jawando in Maryland U.S. Senate race

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando has been endorsed by former Frederick County Councilmember Kai Hagen (D) in the Maryland U.S. Senate race, his campaign announced this morning. Hagen has served as a Frederick County Commissioner and At-Large County Councilmember, as well as a youth athletics coach and community activist. He was a candidate for Frederick County Executive last year, but lost to fellow Democrat Jessica Fitzwater in the primary; Fitzwater went on to win a close general election contest against Republican Michael Hough.

The tight election result reflects the growing number of Democrats moving into the once-solid-red Frederick County. Its increasingly-purple downcounty, and fast-growing population, make it essential campaigning territory for candidates of both parties. Therein lies the value of a veteran Frederick politician's endorsement for Jawando, and one that may carry weight in the primary race, in particular.

"I've dedicated my career to many of the issues that matter most to Marylanders: protecting our environment, combating climate change, fighting sprawl while supporting thriving communities with affordable housing, public transit and great schools," Hagen said in a statement this morning. "I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Will Jawando for a number of years, and I know he will put these important issues front and center. Will’s work on the Montgomery County Council to address and expand affordable housing in a meaningful way has been outstanding. He's an outspoken defender of our environment and public health, and I am confident that a U.S. Senator Jawando will work courageously and smartly to tackle our climate crisis, for our children and all future generations. I look forward to supporting Will in the Senate as he works to build the best possible future for our state and country."

"I am honored to receive former Councilmember Kai Hagen’s endorsement," Jawando said. "Kai’s leadership in Frederick County is remarkable and demonstrative of the best version of public service. Frederick County is home to gorgeous natural beauty, wonderful people, and historic cities, and we must do everything we can to ensure the people of Frederick County are listened to and represented well. I look forward to working with Kai to expand my campaign’s infrastructure in Frederick County and ensure that every Marylander hears our message of shared prosperity loud and clear."

Photo courtesy KaiHagen.com