Wawa Gaithersburg construction update (Photos)

There's been some major progress at the Wawa Gaithersburg construction site at 405 S. Frederick Avenue over the last few weeks. Brick and stone facade cladding are now in place on the convenience store building, as well as roof tile. The support columns under the gas station canopy also sport decorative quarry stone. Safety bollards have been installed at the curb outside the convenience store. There's still no opening date posted by the chain for this store, but the end is at least in sight for Wawa fans in Gaithersburg.

The Phantom of the Shady Grove Metro station

Montgomery County Halloween Countdown

Tomorrow is Halloween, and what is Halloween without a ghost? There's one who haunts the area around the Shady Grove Metro station in Derwood, and has since his untimely death there in 1864. Walter "Wat" Bowie was among many Marylanders who were Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War. Like some, such as Bethesda plantation owner Nathan Loughborough, Bowie couldn't resist getting in on the fighting action himself despite living in a state that hadn't seceded from the Union. And yes, Wat Bowie was a member of that Bowie family, whose home turf is now a fast-growing city in Prince George's County.

Bowie's final adventure began on an ambitious note: a botched plan to kidnap the governor of Maryland. Retreating back to Virginia from Annapolis via Montgomery County, Bowie made the mistake of trying to loot a store in Sandy Spring. Tired after previous pillaging by earlier Confederate raiders, the store owner rounded up a posse, and pursued Bowie and his men as they traveled toward Poolesville. 

The vigilantes caught up with Bowie in Derwood, near the site of today's Metro station. His party escaped, but Wat himself wasn't as lucky. Bowie was shot off his horse with a shotgun blast. Historian Earl Eisenhart pinpoints the exact location as being next to the Metro tracks off Somerville Road, by the McDonald's. Bowie's ghost is said to haunt that area to this day.

Sources:

AmericanCivilWar.com

MontgomeryGhosts

FindAGrave

Spark by Hilton hotel opening in Germantown

Germantown will be home to the first Spark by Hilton-branded hotel in the Washington, D.C. area, and only the second in the world from the Tysons-based hotel giant. Located at 26260 Goldenrod Lane, the hotel will be just minutes away from the Maryland Soccerplex and Clarksburg Premium Outlets, and adjacent to the Germantown campuses of Montgomery College and Holy Cross Hospital. 

Positioned in the premium-economy lodging sector, Spark by Hilton will feature 176 rooms and suites; pet-friendly rooms; a 24-hour fitness center; a 24-hour retail market; complimentary breakfasts of premium coffee, juice and a signature bagel bar with spreads; a common area with seating that changes from breakfast use to work and socializing purposes as the day goes on; in-room refrigerators and work surfaces; and a simple architectural and interior design brightened by splashes of color inside and out, and "energizing artwork."

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of Spark by Hilton Germantown Washington DC North and to welcome this dynamic hotel, just a stone’s throw from our headquarters, into the Hilton family” said Spark by Hilton brand leader Alissa Klees said in a statement. “This launch marks another exciting milestone for the Spark brand, further underscoring our impressive momentum, with more than 400 deals in various stages of development across the United States.”

The Spark by Hilton will be managed by another local firm, Bethesda-based B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group. “Our team is so proud to join the Hilton family of professionals and we are excited to welcome guests to our fine facility," the hotel's General Manager Barack Sam said. "Our people are special and they look to serve travelers with friendly warmth and care.” Full information, as well as reservations, are available online at the Spark by Hilton website.

 Photo courtesy Spark by Hilton

Route 666, the real-life Highway to Hell, is in Montgomery County

Montgomery County Halloween Countdown

Did you know there is a real Route 666, and it is located in Kensington, Maryland? The Satanic-numbered Maryland highway designation was given to Armory Avenue, a portion of Howard Avenue, and St. Paul Street, when they served as the original route to cross the Baltimore & Ohio (now CSX) Railroad tracks in Kensington. Today, the newer Connecticut Avenue serves that purpose to the west, with a grade-separated bridge crossing. The controversial 666 route number was removed in 1958, but you can still drive the real-life "Highway to Hell" today. However, the only way to travel the entire length continously is on foot, by using the pedestrian crossing at the Kensington railroad station. 

The creepiest license plate in Montgomery County

Montgomery County Halloween Countdown

Today on the Montgomery County Halloween Countdown, we have the creepiest license plate you're likely to find in MoCo. "Casket" is the vanity tag for a Chrysler 300 sedan staff vehicle at the Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home in downtown Bethesda. The black car also features the flashing emergency lights for funeral processions that have become standard on most funeral home hearses in recent years. Don't expect an actual casket to fit into a Chrysler 300, despite the spine-chilling tags.

Potomac Cookie "coming soon" to Gaithersburg

Potomac Cookie is "coming soon" to Gaithersburg, according to signage posted in the windows of its future storefront. That storefront is at 109-A Market Street in the Kentlands community, formerly home to an AT&T store. It's also only two blocks away from Crumbl Cookies, so the new shop will be facing formidable and well-financed competition from that national chain. Potomac Cookie has missed its original summer 2023 opening date, and as you can see, construction is only just getting started inside the space.

The Rockville Mall had a newspaper, and it could be as creepy as the mall was (Photos)

Montgomery County Halloween Countdown

Today, as we count down the final days to Halloween, let's take a look at the Halloween 1976 edition of The Rockville Mall Times. Yes, Rockville's ill-fated dead mall of the 1970s and 80s had its own newspaper, and it could be as creepy as many considered the mall to be. Especially the Halloween edition. Who was Mr. Barfly, and was he a denizen of the shadows of the mall? Are you encouraged, or discouraged, to visit Ransom's, with Mr. Barfly as the face of the business? His disturbing visage suggests a ransom may indeed be involved to secure your release from his clutches, and from the mall's infamous dark parking garage.

Mr. Barfly, a denizen of the darkest
corners of the Rockville Mall

"Hey, kids! Let's all pile into the station wagon and pick up a copy of Adolf Hitler by John Toland at Waldenbooks at the Rockville Mall." With Roots as the other choice highlighted, talk about a stark contrast in offerings. Some lighthearted reading for the whole family at Waldenbooks.

Name-brand leisure suits were 50% off - if Herb Tarlek didn't get to Crane's Men's Shop first and clean 'em out. It's hard to get more 70s than leisure suits. But Beyda's gave it the old college try with corduroy, gabardine and velveteen pantsuits.

The front-page story in the Halloween 1976 edition of the The Rockville Mall Times looked back at the tragic demolition of the Rockville's historic town center with an almost-giddy glee. Vinson's drugstore and the Milo theater are visible in a bustling scene from 1945. Thirty years later, the Rockville Mall fills the field of view from the same photographic vantage point (and only 20 years later, the mall itself would be demolished). 

"Progress comes to Rockville," the headline reads. "Shopping sure has changed in Rockville," the article begins. The uncredited reporter made sure to thank the city politicians who approved the demolition of most of the original, historic buildings in downtown Rockville. "During this week, Rockville Mall also salutes the City of Rockville for the many years of progressive city planning that has made Rockville a model city for responsive government, and a convenient place for residents to shop."

A 1976 mall directory shown lists more than 30 tenants. But in a sign of the mall's struggles, previous department store anchors Lansburgh and Lit Brothers were already conspicuously missing from the roster. The interesting names among the remaining tenants were Roy Rogers, Franklin Simon department store and W&J Sloane furniture (both from the same ownership group as Lansburgh and Lit Brothers, coincidentally), King's Court (an original tenant when the mall opened, the restaurant closed in 1984 when its space was replaced with an elevator shaft in the "Rockville Metro Center" makeover of the mall), Friendly's Ice Cream and Real Rich Ice Cream (2 ice cream shops! Which one was better?), Masi's Fun House (was Mr. Barfly ever lurking in there, as well?), Kurly's (what's that?), Empress Restaurant and Waxie Maxie's record store. 

In case shoppers didn't already have it penciled in on their calendars, The Rockville Mall Times noted that National Alcoholism Week was rapidly approaching on November 12. But just when the gloom became too much, the Times promised that "Santa arrives at Rockville Mall Friday, November 26 at 10 AM." After a reminder to "Support your local Rockville Mall merchant who supports you with low prices," the front page ends with the mall's 70s logo, and the tagline "GOOD NEWS/GOOD TIMES."

Maryland Governor Wes Moore endorses Angela Alsobrooks in U.S. Senate race

Maryland Democrats suddenly have a barnburner of a primary race on their hands in the U.S. Senate race to replace retiring Senator Ben Cardin in the 2024 election. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' candidacy got a twin jolt of energy when primary opponent Will Jawando dropped out of the race and endorsed her, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore unexpectedly weighed in on the contest in her favor. Moore appeared free to move once Jawando, a friend, ended his campaign. But Moore's endorsement of Alsobrooks is a risky political move, as Alsobrooks' top rival David Trone is a wealthy fundraiser who counts former president Barack Obama among his political allies.

Trone not only handily funds his own campaigns with his Total Wine fortune, but is a powerhouse fundraiser for Democrats nationally, including Obama. He has hosted Obama for fundraisers at his Montgomery County home in the past. But Obama endorsed Moore in his successful 2022 gubernatorial campaign, and Moore's name entered the 2028 presidential race discussion before he had even been sworn in as Maryland's first Black governor in January. Along with Moore's central casting persona, and stellar resume, the fallout for the rookie governor may be minimal.

The Moore and Jawando tag-team endorsement has potentially united the Black vote in the race behind Alsobrooks. She leads the second-wealthiest majority-Black jurisdiction in the nation, and the wealthiest - Charles County - is also in Maryland. The Black vote is critical to victory in the state, although that didn't help Donna Edwards in her U.S. Senate race against eventual winner Chris Van Hollen. Trone is popular among independents, and among the growing number of Republicans who switch to the Democratic party for primary elections in Maryland. Even many conservatives respect his business acumen and success.

Former state legislator Robin Ficker is the only current Republican candidate in the race with any statewide name recognition. Former Gov. Larry Hogan was well-positioned to run - and had an outside chance to win. But he chose to focus on a potential presidential campaign instead, and remains among those rumored to be under consideration for the No Labels independent ticket, should it materialize next year. Fantasy GOP candidates like Cal Ripken and Pat Sajak have shown no interest in running, and the Republican farm team is virtually non-existent. The absence of a prominent MAGA Republican candidate in the race means there is a wide lane open for a Hogan-style moderate GOP candidate to enter the race.

Old Town Pour House permanently closing tonight in Gaithersburg

Last call at Old Town Pour House tonight will really be the last call ever at the Downtown Crown restaurant and bar, located at 212 Ellington Boulevard in Gaithersburg. The establishment was one of the highlights, along with Coastal Flats and Ted's Bulletin, in the early years of the new development. Old Town Pour House was open for 10 years. In a farewell message to customers, parent company Bottleneck said its lease was up, and it had decided not to renew it.

Strong-arm carjacking in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm carjacking in Germantown early yesterday morning, October 22, 2023. The carjacking was reported in the parking lot of a townhome community in the 13100 block of Dairymaid Drive at 3:04 AM Sunday.

Will Jawando ends campaign for Maryland U.S. Senate seat

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) announced this morning that he is ending his campaign for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of Ben Cardin (D), who will retire in January 2025. In a statement released by his campaign, Jawando said that "after a lot of thought and prayer and late nights with my wife Michele, I’ve decided that it’s time to take a step back from the race. Not because we believe any less in the cause that started it. The fights we talked about in this campaign are and always will be the fights of my life. But after thinking long and hard about this race in particular, I frankly no longer see a path for myself to victory. And because I have so much respect for my loyal supporters, my constituents in Montgomery County, and my loving wife and children, I cannot remain in a race I do not believe I can win."

Jawando's exit is disappointing for progressive voters who supported his campaign. "I am sorry for those who will find this news disappointing – believe me, I am also disappointed," Jawando said. To his supporters, and the local and state-level elected officials who endorsed him, the councilman said, "I am so proud to have earned your support. I look forward to fighting alongside you each and every day. Thank you again to every supporter of my campaign, it truly means the world to me that you believed in me, my message, and our vision."

Barring a late entry by Congressman Jamie Raskin or another established progressive candidate, Jawando's exit is most likely to benefit Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. While many - including a few journalists - have questioned Alsobrooks' progressive bonafides based on her law enforcement record, she is still considered to stand to the left of her biggest rival, Congressman David Trone (D - 6th District). Police reform and transparency were niche issues for Jawando in the race, and those will likely fade into the background now that neither Trone nor Alsobrooks are likely to raise them going forward. 

While Jawando is folding his Senate campaign, he assured supporters he won't be stepping away from politics. "I am not going anywhere!" he said. "I will continue serving the people of Maryland no matter what." Some observers have theorized that, should a referendum barring Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) from seeking a third term appear on the 2024 ballot and pass, Jawando might be a candidate for that top County office in 2026. An open executive seat is likely to be pursued by Jawando, Councilmember Evan Glass (D - At-Large), and Councilmember Andrew Friedson (D - District 1), among other notable Democrats. As Jawando signed off in his statement today, "This is not the end – it is only the beginning."

CASA in Action endorses Omodamola Williams for Gaithersburg City Council

CASA in Action, a 501(c)(4) organization advocating for Latino and immigrant communities in the Mid-Atlantic area, has endorsed Omodamola Williams for Gaithersburg City Council, it announced yesterday. "Omodamola Williams, a proud black man, a father, an organizer, & a renter who has experienced the consequences of failed policies -- Omodamola has made strides in fair housing for ALL Gaithersburg residents!" the organization said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. 

Williams is a community organizer for The Montgomery County Racial Equity Network (MORE). He previously served as president of Young People for Progress (YPP). He is advocating for the City of Gaithersburg to adopt rent stabilization, which is opposed by the current mayor, Jud Ashman. Williams also supports implementation of bike lanes, stronger housing code enforcement, better access to playgrounds, speed bumps and police transparency.

Williams will hold a meet-and-greet event this Saturday, October 21 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, at the Pavilion near City Hall. Early voting for registered voters in the City of Gaithersburg begins October 29, 2023. Election Day is November 7.

Target limits self-checkout to 10 items or less

Target is the latest retailer to address the shoplifting epidemic by making life more difficult for its law-abiding customers. The big box chain is now introducing a new limit of 10 items for self-checkout. Giant supermarkets recently limited their self-checkout machines to 20 items or less. Amusingly, Target is telling media outlets that it has implemented the new policy to speed up lines at the self-checkout machines, rather than to stem the loss of merchandise. At least Giant was honest, in stating that "a significant increase in crime" was the reason for its new limit on items at self-checkout.

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council pave way for new Sheetz, Aldi stores at Walnut Hill with annexation vote

A new Sheetz convenience store and gas station, and a new Aldi supermarket, will soon be constructed at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, after the city's mayor and council voted unanimously to annex the retail property into the city limits last night. Several councilmembers expressed their optimism and excitement about revitalizing the shopping center, which has suffered a drop in customer traffic since anchor tenant Weis Markets closed in 2020. Walnut Hill's owners have said the revenue from a Sheetz store is needed to finance the property improvements Aldi requires, and the more business-friendly zoning of the City of Gaithersburg was needed to allow the Sheetz.

Concerns about the proximity of the proposed Sheetz to the just-opened Sheetz at MD 355 and Montgomery Village Avenue were lessened, after the business model of the convenience store chain was clarified to city officials. Those who travel the highways in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and - more recently - Maryland are familiar with passing multiple Sheetz, Wawa, Royal Farms, Dash-In, etc. stores along the way.

The mayor and council voted unanimously at the end of last night's meeting to approve both agenda items related to the annexation of the shopping center, which now becomes part of the city. They approved the formal annexation petition, as well as a separate resolution that authorizes the City Manager to negotiate an annexation agreement with the owners of Walnut Hill, and of a vacant lot at 8939 Westland Drive.

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council to vote on annexation of Walnut Hill Shopping Center into City tonight

The Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue hopes to soon count an Aldi grocery store, and a Sheetz convenience store and gas station, among its tenants. To achieve this, it must first be annexed into the City of Gaithersburg, which has the zoning allowances required for Sheetz that Montgomery County does not. Walnut Hill's owners have argued that the income from the prospective Sheetz store is necessary to fund the property improvements needed to meet the needs of Aldi. The long-awaited annexation decision is on Mayor and Council meeting agenda for tonight, Monday, October 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM at City Hall.

This past summer, the City's Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Mayor and Council approve the annexation. City staff has asked the Mayor and Council to vote tonight on the annexation petition, and a separate resolution that will authorize the City Manager to negotiate an annexation agreement with the owners of Walnut Hill, and of a vacant lot at 8939 Westland Drive. Both measures are expected to pass.

Suspect charged in Gaithersburg drive-by shooting, 2 remain at-large

Montgomery County police have charged the Germantown man they say was driving a white, 2019 Jeep Cherokee involved in a drive-by shooting in Gaithersburg on October 9, 2023. Officers responded to a shots-fired 911 call around 9:55 PM that night in the 7900 block of Spiceberry Circle. No one was struck by the gunfire, but the apartment building and three vehicles in the parking lot were hit. Detectives found shell casings at the scene.

Using surveillance footage, detectives were able to identify the vehicle used for the drive-by. Officers located the Jeep nearby after a short search. Two suspects jumped out of the Jeep, and the driver sped off. The two who fled on foot, including the shooter who was in the Jeep's front passenger seat, remain at large. Officers caught up to the driver near the intersection of Muncaster Mill Road and Norbeck Road, however, and placed him under arrest.

Nicholas Zavala-Aguilar, 19, of Germantown has been charged with first-degree assault and reckless endangerment. He is being held without bond. Police have not released his mugshot. They have released the surveillance video from the scene, and are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating the other two suspects.

Anyone with information regarding these additional suspects or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org, and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page, or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the other suspects. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

MD U.S. Senate candidate Will Jawando gives auto workers "full support" as strike spreads to Maryland, Kentucky

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large), a candidate for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Senator Ben Cardin (D), has issued a statement supporting auto workers as the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike expands to plants in Maryland and Kentucky. Workers at the Mack Trucks facility in Hagerstown, Maryland have walked off the job, and UAW members did the same at a key Ford truck manufacturing plant in Louisville, Kentucky yesterday. The strike is now in its fourth week, as America's three largest auto manufacturers continue to resist meeting union demands, despite earning massive profits through price gouging since the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020.

"Maryland’s autoworkers are joining their brothers and sisters at the UAW and rejecting an unfair deal," Jawando said in his statement. "They have my full support, and I’m proud of their efforts. 

"We’re seeing what a strong labor movement looks like -- and what it can accomplish. From teachers to nurses, writers, custodians, and hotel employees, workers are showing the power of solidarity. They’ve secured better wages and benefits, protections against discrimination, and more.

"Labor and unions need our support, now more than ever. While CEOs are bringing in record profits, workers are feeling the pressure of rising costs and stagnant wages. Fixing that imbalance isn’t just good policy: it’s a moral need. 

"On the County Council, I’ve made economic justice a priority and fought for better wages and a fairer tax code. We need an advocate for those issues in the US Senate, and that’s why I’m in this race.

"I stand with the labor movement fighting for better conditions for working people. I think the rich have enough representation in our government."

"Put me in the ring," Maryland U.S. Senate candidate Robin Ficker says in first digital ad

Robin Ficker, a 2024 Republican candidate for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of retiring Senator Ben Cardin (D), has released the first digital ad of his campaign. "Put me in the ring" features the former state legislator in the square circle, in scenes around the state, and showing off a few boxing moves at the end. Issues highlighted in the ad include failing schools, rising crime, and the fact that "good jobs are not coming to Maryland," as Governor Wes Moore (D) recently admitted in a speech in which he warned that the state does not currently have sufficient economic growth or revenue to support the agenda he would like to implement.

Ficker's ad also recalls his friendship with boxing legend Muhammed Ali, who taught him to "use my voice for good, and never give up." He offers his record of successful ballot questions to limit tax increases, and the number of terms Montgomery County elected officials can serve, as concrete examples of that. After castigating the establishment leaders of both major parties, Ficker concludes the ad by saying, "Put me in the ring, Maryland, and I'll be your champion."

By far the candidate with the most statewide name recognition to enter the GOP primary race to date, Ficker says the new ad will be the first in a series. "I served in the United States Army and the Maryland Legislature," the Boyds resident said in a statement. "I trained with Muhammed Ali. I marched for freedom with Dr. MLK Jr.. I’ve defended thousands of men, women, and children in court. I’ve been a small business owner, and Marylanders have cast 2.5 million votes for my referenda to term limit politicians and cap tax increases. People know me as a fighter. I am all Maryland, all the time. It’s time Maryland had a fighter in their corner in the United States Senate to restore logic to government. Put me in the ring, Maryland!"

Charik Fashions returns to Gaithersburg Square, Carter's returning soon

Just when they thought they were out, Gaithersburg Square pulls them back in. After closing their storefront at 520 N. Frederick Avenue last month, Charik Fashions has returned in a new spot in the shopping center at 530 N. Frederick, next door to The Halal Guys. And after closing a couple of years ago, Carter's is also coming back. It will open in Charik Fashion's former location, next to Five Below.

Purse snatching at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of a purse-snatching at Rio Lakefront around lunchtime this past Sunday, October 8, 2023. The theft was reported at a restaurant in the unit block of Grand Corner Avenue at 12:07 PM Sunday. Initial reports indicate that the purse was not taken by force, but had been left unattended or unsupervised.

35-foot communications light pole proposed near Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Telecommunications giant Crown Castle has proposed the erection of a 35' communications light pole near Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. If approved, the pole would be installed at 10007 Fields Road. That is near The Lube Center, at the intersection of Sam Eig Highway (I-370) and Washingtonian Boulevard. It sounds like a small cell or 5G tower, as opposed to a taller cellphone tower.

Assault at Germantown apartment complex

Montgomery County police were called to an apartment complex in Germantown Wednesday evening, October 4, 2023, to investigate an assault that was reported there. The assault was reported in a park at the Cherry Knoll Apartments on Bent Willow Circle at 7:09 PM Wednesday.

Police investigate report of shots fired in Germantown townhome community

Montgomery County police were called to investigate the sound of gunshots around a townhouse community in Germantown Sunday morning. The incident was reported in the parking lot of a townhome development in the 19500 block of White Saddle Drive at 7:39 AM Sunday, October 1, 2023. That is in the Olde Seneca Woods neighborhood.

Assault at grocery store in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police were called to a grocery store in Montgomery Village on Monday afternoon, October 2, 2023, after someone reported a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 19200 block of Montgomery Village Avenue at 3:01 PM Monday. Based on the block number, that appears to be the Lidl store at 19225 Montgomery Village Avenue.

IKEA opening soon at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

IKEA is opening what it terms a "Plan & order point with Pick-up" at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg this fall. It is across Boardwalk Place from Copper Canyon Grill. This store model combines "home furnishing inspiration and personalized interior design planning" with a pick-up area where online customers can receive their items ordered from the IKEA website. "While the Plan & order point and Plan & order point with Pick-up are different from our traditional IKEA stores, we hope they better meet the needs of our local customers and provide an IKEA that’s not only more accessible, but also affordable and sustainable," Carmen Spinola, Market Area Manager, IKEA U.S., said in a statement. 

IKEA has posted "coming soon" signage in the windows of the future store. Shouldn't they have a Volvo in the photo instead of a Volkswagen? Hur konstigt!

Sheetz "highly impressed with the performance" of its first Montgomery County store in Gaithersburg

Sheetz says it is "highly impressed with the performance" of its first store in Montgomery County, which opened in August at 751 Progress Way in Gaithersburg. The rapidly-growing convenience store and mega gas station chain provided its impression of the early financial success of the store in a new memo to the Gaithersburg Mayor and Council, which provided answers to questions raised at a previous public hearing regarding its planned second store at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center. In the unsigned memo, the company also expressed its appreciation for the support it has received from the City and the public, as it enters the Montgomery County market. 

The Altoona, Pennsylvania-based chain also reports 350 people attended the grand opening. In addition to the $2500 donations it made to Special Olympics Maryland and Feeding America that day, Sheetz says it has now made a second $6000 donation to SOM, which was generated by proceeds from its special discount fuel promotion during the grand opening period.

Gaithersburg has provided a welcoming launch point for the chain, as its zoning is friendlier to Sheetz than Montgomery County's, as well as to its fellow Pennsylvania competitor, Wawa. That is why both firms are launching their entry into Montgomery County within its city limits. It's also why the Walnut Hill Shopping Center is seeking annexation into the City, so that it can add the Sheetz store to its property.

Sheetz says its Walnut Hill store will be smaller and have less gas pumps, due to its closer proximity to a residential neighborhood than its Progress Way store - although that store was also smaller than the typical Sheetz operation found on major highways. It predicts that there is enough drive-by traffic on I-270 and MD 355 to support both Sheetz locations. Sheetz also believes that the lack of fast food restaurants in the immediate proximity of Walnut Hill provides demand for its quick-service fresh food operations. An attorney representing Walnut Hill Shopping Center, in separate correspondence to the Mayor and Council on September 19, says that the revenue provided by the Sheetz store will cover the cost of needed upgrades to the property.