MiyaJi Kebab & Rumali Rolls hiring in Gaithersburg

MiyaJi Kebab & Rumali Rolls is getting closer to opening at 608 Quince Orchard Road, in the Quince Orchard Plaza shopping center in Gaithersburg. The restaurant is now hiring for all positions. MiyaJi is expected to open before the end of spring.

Paranormal Cirque opens in Gaithersburg

Why go to a normal circus, when you can experience a paranormal circus? Paranormal Cirque has arrived at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds at 501 Perry Parkway in Gaithersburg. Promising a combination of a circus, theatre and cabaret, the show will be in town through May 1, 2022.

Under the ominous Clown Castle big top, you will witness acrobats, illusionists, "freaks," and "mysterious creatures." "If you scare easily, you might want to run," the website warns those weak of heart.

No one under 13 will be admitted to the event. Children 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. Tickets are available online.

Kentlands CVS Pharmacy construction update (Photos)

Construction is well underway for a new CVS Pharmacy in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. The store will be located at 311 Kentlands Boulevard at Kentlands Market Square. CVS has been making news recently more for closing stores than opening them, so the chain is clearly optimistic about this particular location. Get ready to be mummified by a print-out CVS receipt at this location later this year!

Sardi's Taphouse Gaithersburg update (Photos)

Let's take a look at the former Growlers building at 227 E. Diamond Avenue. It was nearly a year ago when I reported on the plans to convert this into a new Sardi's Taphouse location. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a lot of character and potential, which Growlers used to their benefit for a number of years. More recently, it was Greene Growlers, which didn't have quite the same ring to it. Signage for that establishment remains on the building. The multi-level space also has a prime spot by the railroad tracks for train buffs who like beer, if they can get an outdoor area going like South House Garden.

Gaithersburg Amazon Fresh construction update (Photos)

The Amazon Fresh grocery store continues to move closer to opening at the 270 Center on Shady Grove Road, on the border of Rockville and Gaithersburg. Shelving, refrigerator cases and displays are being put into place inside. Out in the parking lot, you can see a cart return structure has been erected. Ever-secretive Amazon still hasn't publicly acknowledged this store exists; it was 19 months ago that I broke the news of the tech giant's plans to convert this office supply store into an Amazon Fresh.

Update on Lapu Lapu in Gaithersburg

The owner of Lapu Lapu says they don't have an opening date yet for the new restaurant at 216 Market Street W. at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. However, signage has been installed. There is even some patio furniture outside for outdoor dining. Another breakfast sandwich pop-up tasting opportunity may be held at sister restaurant Kuya Ja's Lechon Belly in the White Flint area before Lapu Lapu opens.

True Food Kitchen puts final touches on Rio Lakefront location ahead of opening (Photos)

True Food Kitchen, as I've previously reported, will be opening this coming Monday, April 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Employees are making final preparations for next week's opening. The signage is lit, and there are two visible nods to the pandemic era trend of takeout and delivery orders. There is a special entrance labeled for "to go" orders, as well as designated parking spaces outside the restaurant for such orders.

Charik Fashions opens at Gaithersburg Square (Photos)

Charik Fashions is now open at 520 N. Frederick Avenue in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center. Carrying an exclusive line of African apparel, shoes and accessories, the boutique inventory includes kente and African wax prints. Operating hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM seven days a week.

Hans Riemer endorsed by former MD governor Parris Glendening in Montgomery County Executive race

Former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening (D) has endorsed Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Riemer (D - At-Large) for County Executive. A video message from the two-term former governor supporting Riemer will be released this morning. Riemer's campaign cites the endorsement as the first from a current or former statewide leader for any candidate in the executive race.

Prior to his gubernatorial career, Glendening served as County Executive in Prince George's County. “As a three-term former County Executive," Glendening said in a statement this morning. "I know what the position takes. I know that Hans has the ideas and experience to create a more prosperous, connected, and inclusive Montgomery County.” The former governor touts Riemer as "a visionary with a record of success."

By the time Glendening left the governor's mansion in Annapolis, he was known for championing smart growth. In his video message, Glendening says Riemer is "carrying the smart growth vision forward. When I was governor, there was no Pike & Rose. We were not building housing on top of Metro. The idea of a Purple Line Innovation Corridor was just a pipe dream." Glendening says he was impressed with Riemer's emails to constituents during the long construction of the Purple Line, and would often discuss the project with the councilman. 

Combined with Riemer's $725,000 fundraising haul in the first quarter of 2022, which was approximately double what incumbent executive Marc Elrich's raised, his campaign is feeling a new sense of momentum in the race. “These past few weeks have shown us one thing: our campaign has the momentum and energy to decisively win this thing,” Campaign Manager Aziz Yakub said. He observed that the more than 1,100 grassroots campaign donors responsible for the fundraising success are now being joined by establishment figures like Glendening. “We’ve always known that Hans has a record and vision that speaks to the electorate," Yakub said. "Now, we’re seeing that real institutional forces in Maryland politics, like Governor Glendening, know that Hans has a clear path to victory. When Governor Glendening speaks, people listen.”

Riemer faces Elrich, David Blair and Peter James in the July 19 Democratic primary. Republicans Shelly Skolnick and Reardon Sullivan are competing for the GOP nomination.

Image via Hans Riemer for County Executive

Mariela Roca announces campaign for Maryland 6th Congressional District seat

Mariela Roca, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Department of Veterans Affairs contractor, has filed to run for U.S. Congress in Maryland's 6th Congressional District. Roca had filed to run in District 8, but the new district map approved by Gov. Larry Hogan (R) placed her Frederick home into District 6. She joins a crowded Republican field in a district that is now in play for the GOP.

If elected, Roca would be the first Latina to represent Maryland in the U.S. Congress. Roca was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is a 12-year resident of Maryland. She deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, and holds a DBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus, an MBA from Mount St. Mary's University, and a BS from the University of Maryland University College.

"With over 16 years of experience between my time in the Air Force and working with the Department of Defense and VA, I understand what it means to serve," Roca said in a statement. "I will listen to you. I will learn from you. And I will lead with you. We need new leadership in Washington that will focus on what unites us, fight inflation, and support both local law enforcement and our armed forces."

Roca will take on fellow Republicans Colt Black, Matthew Foldi, Jonathan Jenkins, Neil Parrott, and Robert Poissonnier in the July 19 GOP primary. Incumbent Democrat David Trone has three Democratic primary opponents and a hefty war chest anchored by his own wealth. Trone's district isn't as favorable for a severely left-wing Democrat as it was a few weeks ago, making this the top Congressional race to watch in Maryland this year.

Fairchild Apartments rising above Germantown Town Center (Photos)

The Fairchild Apartments are rising above Germantown Town Center at 20013 Century Boulevard. For a mid-rise building, the Art Deco architecture will be particularly nice, and the location is outstanding. Live here, and outside your door will be the Regal Cinemas Germantown cineplex, IHOP, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Senor Tequila's, Red Robin, Longhorn Steakhouse, Taqueria y Pupuseria El Paso, Panera Bread, Top Golf, the Germantown Library and the Germantown Transit Center. Giant and Safeway grocery stores are only three blocks away.

Location of the Fairchild Apartments
shown in green
(Image via Montgomery County Planning Department)

When completed, the Fairchild will hold 6 stories, 214 apartments, and 3 levels of parking. The developer is Gaithersburg-based HIP Projects, LLC; the architectural design is by KTGY Architects, and the construction contractor is Donohoe.