Gaithersburg's Sodexo Live! names new CEO for North America

Belinda Oakley has been named CEO of Sodexo Live! for North America. The Gaithersburg-based company is the foodservice and hospitality partner for major conference, cultural and sports venues around the world. Originally from Australia, Oakley has led companies on three continents, most recently as CEO of Chartwells K12 here in the United States. 

Sodexo Live! has a high-profile year of expansion ahead. The firm will service two of the biggest worldwide sports events in 2023, the Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium and the 2023 MLB All-Star Game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park. It will also launch premium lounge spaces at airports for British Airways.

"It is impossible to put into words the level of excitement I have for this new role," Oakley said in a statement. "This is a sector and industry I have admired for years now. We are just getting started, and I look forward to serving the organization, and bringing a new perspective to the organization."

"As we double down on pursuing our ambitious growth goals, we’re thrilled to welcome Belinda to the team," Sodexo Live! Global CEO Nathalie Bellon-Szabo added in a statement. "She has an outstanding track record in commercial and business development – with Belinda’s leadership and capabilities, the talents and engagement of the North America team and the strong positive momentum of our business, I am confident we will be successful in accelerating our growth in North America."

Photo via Twitter

Silver Diner Gaithersburg pergola construction update (Photos)

Construction of an all-season pergola on the outdoor patio at Silver Diner at Rio Lakefront is still in the early stage. It looks like they are installing new tile, because the original tile was much lighter than this. The pergola was first proposed almost two years ago. It will allow year-round use of the lakefront dining patio, and provide more insurance in case of future pandemic episodes that would curtail or discourage indoor dining in cooler seasons.

Macy's to close at Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg

Macy's will close its Lakeforest Mall store at 701 Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg, Axios reported yesterday. This will be the last of the big mall anchor stores to exit the mall. The mall's new owner is eager to demolish the property to cash in on redevelopment of the site. Macy's is expected to close by May at the latest.

Alleged would-be deer hunter arrested in Clarksburg (Photos)

The Montgomery County division of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police announced its officers arrested an individual near Little Bennet Regional Park in Clarksburg Monday night after a traffic stop. Officers were patrolling the area looking for illegal hunting activity, when they observed a light being shone on deer from a car. After pulling over the vehicle, they discovered one occupant was allegedly illegally in possession of a handgun. Police say that person has been charged with multiple offenses relating to Maryland natural resource and weapons laws.

Photos 2 and 3 courtesy M-NC Park Police

Occasions closes in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Occasions has closed at 113 Market Street at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. The gift shop opened this location in 2019. Occasions began as a home-based business two decades ago, and eventually transitioned to a bricks-and-mortar shop in Gaithersburg. That original store moved to Cabin John Village in Potomac, and remains open for business. 2022 was the last holiday season for the Kentlands store, which has been cleared out inside, and the signage has been removed from the storefront.

Car stolen from Gaithersburg apartment complex

Montgomery County police are investigating the theft of a vehicle from an apartment complex in Gaithersburg. The vehicle was parked in the 17100 block of King James Way. It was reported stolen at 5:49 AM on New Year's Day. This is around the Londonderry Apartments near I-270.

Assault at Germantown grocery store

Montgomery County police were called to a grocery store in Germantown yesterday afternoon, after an individual reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 13000 block of Middlebrook Road at 12:40 PM Sunday. There is a Giant store on that block of Middlebrook.