Romero's Italian Restaurant opening in Wheaton

Romero's Italian Restaurant is opening soon at 2666 University Boulevard W. in Wheaton. That was previously home to Cristina Ristorante Italiano. Last evening, signage was already in place on the storefront. Romero's has a liquor license hearing scheduled for December 18, 2025, and on its application states it plans to open shortly after Christmas - but stay tuned for confirmation of that, which may change. Operating hours for Romero's will be 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM, seven days a week.

Royal Farms Montgomery Hills construction update (Photos)

Construction progress on the future Royal Farms convenience store and mega gas station in Montgomery Hills keeps creep, creep, creeping along. There's finally some Tyvek on a solid part of the otherwise-still-skeletal framework of the store building. The most obvious addition is the Royal Farms logo on the gas pump canopy. Royal Farms is being constructed at 9475 Georgia Avenue, near the Capital Beltway interchange.

Popeyes posts holiday hours in downtown Silver Spring

Popeyes at 8401 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring has posted its holiday hours schedule. The restaurant will be open from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM on Christmas Eve. It will be closed all day on Christmas Day. The day after Christmas, it will be open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Regular business hours will be observed on New Year's Eve. Hours on New Year's Day will be 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The lobby will close two hours before closing time on each of these days.

First Purple Line station signage installed in Silver Spring

The first Purple Line light rail station signage I have seen in Montgomery County is now installed at the Silver Spring Library station in downtown Silver Spring. Crews have been installing gray brick pavers between the embedded tracks at the station. The light rail line is now expected to begin service in early 2028.

Ellsworth Place has Christmas decor cornered in downtown Silver Spring

The shocking lack of Christmas trees and decor at Downtown Silver Spring, and around downtown Silver Spring in general, has stunned many shoppers and residents. One tiny oasis has been located in the downtown area, inside Ellsworth Place mall. Tucked away in a semi-shadowy corner of the mall are a nicely-decorated Christmas tree, a life-size Santa Claus figure, and five wrapped gifts. Did the Montgomery County Council quietly pass a ban on holiday decorations in downtown Silver Spring? If so, kudos to Ellsworth Place for defying it.

Starbucks adds Cinnamon-Shaken Waffles to menu

Check out what's new at Starbucks for the holiday season. Cinnamon-Shaken Waffles are starting to pop up on menus at Starbucks locations across Montgomery County in recent days. Three bite-size Belgian waffles are shaken in a Cinnamon Dolce Shake Shake Topping, and served warm and golden brown. The waffles are available all day long, not just for breakfast.

Dor-Ne Corset Shop closing in Silver Spring after 93 years in business

Dor-Ne Corset Shop is closing at 8126 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. The undergarments boutique has operated continuously since 1932, surviving the Great Depression, many recessions, and the recent pandemic. Dor-Ne was located in Washington, D.C. during the 20th Century, and moved out here to Silver Spring in 2001. 

The owners say they have decided to retire, and that the business is available for sale. Meanwhile, a closing sale is underway. Their new operating hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday.