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

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.

Wawa Gaithersburg construction update (Photos)

Yesterday we looked at the construction status of the soon-to-open Sheetz in Gaithersburg. Now, let's look at competitor Wawa, which has been working for years to bring its brand to 405 S. Frederick Avenue in the city. You can see that all of the walls are completed on the convenience store building, and we're now in Tyvek mode. Meanwhile, an extensive network of blue rubber hoses is being installed beneath the future gas station canopy.

Gaithersburg Sheetz construction update (Photos)

Sheetz is closer to opening at 751 Progress Way in Gaithersburg. The drive-thru is now completely finished. None of the Sheetz stores I've been to so far has had a drive-thru, so that's what I'm looking forward to at this one the most. Also, you can expect much better illumination on the gas pumps canopy by the time this Sheetz opens.