Buna & Barley opening in downtown Silver Spring

Buna & Barley has leased the space at 901 Silver Spring Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. Very little is known about the business as of this writing. It has applied for a Class D Beer and Wine On/Off liquor license from Montgomery County, and is described in its trade name application with the state of Maryland as a "specialty retail shop." The liquor license hearing is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 12:30 PM.

"Buna" is Amharic for "coffee." The business entity making the filing translates as "Day and Night, LLC." 901 Silver Spring Avenue was previously home to Wesenyelesh International Market, an Ethiopian market.

Society Seafood House opens in Silver Spring

Society Seafood House has opened at 8229 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. It is holding a soft opening weekend today and tomorrow, April 11-12, 2026. The restaurant will open at 5:00 PM each evening. "Chic evening attire" is recommended in the announcement. The new restaurant is a change in dining concept from the owners of previous tenant Society Restaurant & Lounge.

Dunkin' Donuts to remodel Silver Spring Metro Plaza store

The interior of the Dunkin' Donuts store at 8401 Colesville Road at Silver Spring Metro Plaza will have a new look later this year. A remodeling and renovation of the downtown donuts-and-coffee destination is expected to begin by summer. New finishes, new display cases, a new ceiling, and even a new door are among the upgrades planned. Plumbing and electrical improvements will also be made.

Copper thieves strike again in Kensington

Copper thieves continue to mine a rich vein of the valuable metal at a townhome construction site near the Holy Cross School along Strathmore Avenue. Workers called Montgomery County police yesterday morning to report the latest theft. Police say the copper thieves removed copper pipes from multiple townhomes under construction at the site on Dulcet Drive and Academy Park Drive. It is believed that the theft took place between 4:00 PM on April 7, 2026 and 8:30 AM on April 8.

Silver Branch Brewing Co. to open taproom in Wheaton

Silver Branch Brewing Co. is expanding to Wheaton. It is leasing the retail space in the Montgomery County government office building at 2425 Reedie Drive in the Wheaton Triangle. The 8,589-square-foot space is being subleased to the brewery by the County for a 12 year period, with two 5-year options to extend. The retail space is subdivided into two suites.

Montgomery County has agreed to a base rent abatement of 18 months for Suite A, and of 30 months for Suite B, and a Construction Allowance "equal to $440 per square foot or $3,779,160." This means the County is giving a break on rent, and providing over $3 million reimbursement for construction costs, to Silver Branch. The deal was proposed by County Executive Marc Elrich, and has been approved by the County Council.

Silver Branch currently operates taprooms in Silver Spring, Rockville, and Warrenton, Virginia. The Virginia location is temporarily closed for renovations due to a fire that occurred in December 2024. All three existing taprooms serve food as well as beer, and are highly-rated in online reviews.

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale puts skyrocketing electric bills in spotlight

 

Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ed Hale speaks with
supporters about their high electricity bills in Baltimore 

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale, a Republican candidate for governor of Maryland, used the backdrop of Geresbeck's Food Market at the Hawthorne Plaza shopping center in Charm City today to demonstrate the devastating impact of the state's skyrocketing energy bills on businesses and residents. During a press conference, he noted the grocery store's electric bill had nearly doubled in only the last 30 days. Its latest monthly electric bill? A whopping $57,000.

"I don't know how you survive this," Hale said of the crushing additional cost burden on businesses. Such costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, adding to the already absurdly high prices that are pummeling Americans from coast to coast. Hale warned that demand for electricity will only increase during the heat of summer, and that will come with enormous cost to every consumer.

Hale showed a second electric bill, this one from his own grandson. His grandson's monthly bill increased from $185.80 to $528.51. "This is a huge, huge, huge issue affecting everybody in our state," Hale said.

Alluding to current Maryland Governor Wes Moore's non-stop national TV appearances, as Moore pursues a presidential campaign, Hale asked why Moore isn't answering questions from his constituents instead of from TV personalities. "Who's in charge here? He's on Meet the Press or Face the Nation, but who's facing Marylanders, you know? Where is he? And he's just not here. He's running for president of the United States."

"People are moving out of the state," Hale continued. "Businesses are moving out of the state. And we're going to have fewer people retiring in our state." He again cited a recent poll that found that over 60% of Marylanders are either in the process of leaving the state, or are seriously considering such a move.

"We just can't stand this," Hale said. "We need to replace this man as fast as possible." Arguing that Moore sees the state as a mere stepping stone for his national and world power aspirations, Hale drew a comparison with his own campaign's political goals. "Maryland is not a stepping stone for us. Maryland is where we all live, and we can't stand to have this anymore."

Moore and Democrats who control the state legislature have recently tried to divert attention away from the policies and laws they passed that are largely responsible for the spike in energy costs. They ordered the closure of eight power plants across the state, mandated expensive purchases of "clean" power, and implemented a literally-Communist EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on electric bills, an extra tax that Moore hiked further last year. Now they are attempting to seize on the astroturf anti-data-center movement, by falsely blaming AI for the financial destruction they themselves have wrought on communities and businesses statewide.

"I'm going to make sure that we reopen the plants that have been closed," Hale vowed. "We need to get this state reopen for jobs."

Update on Society Seafood House in Silver Spring

The sign is up at Society Seafood House at 8229 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. Last night, it was already hooked up and lit after dark. The seafood concept is a rebrand of Society Restaurant & Lounge at this location. They have begun recruiting staff for the new restaurant in the last week.

Landmark Kensington office building on the market for sale

The phrase "landmark Kensington office building" can apply to multiple properties along Connecticut Avenue and University Boulevard West. But one of them can now be yours for an unpublicized price. 10801 Connecticut Avenue is prominently positioned at the junction of University and Connecticut. The headquarters of The International Eye Foundation was built in 1981, and offers 4,266-square-feet of office space on a 5,754 SF lot. IEF has been a longtime technical advisor to USAID's Child Blindness Program. If I had a dime for every time I passed this building in a car or Metrobus, I could buy it! The broker for the property is One Street Commercial Properties.

Downtown Silver Spring shooters remain at large

Montgomery County police are seeking an unspecified number of armed suspects who shot a man in downtown Silver Spring yesterday morning. The shooting was reported at 2:04 AM Friday in the vicinity of the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Thayer Avenue. However, the 25-year-old victim had been taken in a private vehicle from that location to a local hospital. His wounds were determined to be non-life-threatening, police say.

 The victim was allegedly engaged in an argument with the suspects when he was shot. Anyone with information regarding the 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 suspects. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Airsoft gun assault leads to barricade situation in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to an aggravated assault in the Layhill area of Silver Spring Wednesday, April 1, 2026. In the 13100 block of Ideal Drive at 10:13 AM Wednesday, a resident fired multiple rounds from an airsoft gun at a victim standing outside of his home. When officers arrived, the resident threatened them and barricaded himself inside his home. Police deployed an Emergency Response Team, which handles specialized and volatile scenarios such as barricaded suspects with the goal of protecting first responders, the community, and the suspect in question from harm if possible. The ERT team was successful in facilitating the arrest of the suspect, police say.

Wetzel's Pretzels opens in Wheaton

Just over a year after it was announced, Wetzel's Pretzels has opened at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Now you'll have the chance to settle once and for all the question of which mall pretzel vendor is the best: Wetzel's Pretzels, or the ubiquitous Auntie Anne's. Each Wetzel's pretzel is hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven. Look for Wetzel's Pretzels on Level 2 of the mall, near Costco.

Auto theft spree in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police are investigating an auto theft spree that took place overnight in several neighborhoods in the Connecticut Avenue and Randolph Road corridors of Silver Spring. Multiple vehicles were stolen from homes, including those parked in the 4000 block of Weller Road, the 3900 block of Isbell Street, and the 12200 block of Charles Road. Connecticut Avenue Park and Stoneybrook Estates were the primary targets of the thieves. Police believe all of the vehicles were stolen between 9:00 PM on March 30, 2026, and 8:00 AM on March 31.

Silver Spring traffic stop leads to arrests for handguns

Montgomery County police officers conducting a traffic stop north of downtown Silver Spring last night discovered firearms in the vehicle. At 9:24 PM Monday, officers observed the driver of a vehicle on Colesville Road commit a moving violation. They pulled the vehicle over near the intersection of Colesville and Noyes Court. Two suspects inside the vehicle were allegedly found to be in possession of handguns, and were arrested.

Drive-thru marijuana dispensary opening April 14 in Kensington

Crabtree Dispensary, a drive-thru marijuana dispensary, will open April 14, 2026 in Kensington. It is located in a former bank building at 3470 University Boulevard West. This will be the third Montgomery County dispensary to offer drive-thru service, but only the second to serve recreational marijuana users, with the other being Curaleaf in Montgomery Village. There are 15 drive-thru dispensaries statewide in Maryland.

"We offer a curated selection of premium cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and accessories, with a focus on supporting local Maryland brands," Crabtree Dispensary says in a promotional statement. "Customers can enjoy fast, friendly service in-store or through our convenient drive-thru. Join our loyalty program to earn rewards and experience a community-focused dispensary where passion, care, and quality come together for an elevated cannabis experience."

Strong-arm robbery in White Oak

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in the White Oak area of Silver Spring on the afternoon of March 16, 2026. The assault and robbery were reported in the 11100 block of New Hampshire Avenue at 1:15 PM. Two suspects assaulted the juvenile male victim and absconded with his property. 

Police describe the suspects only as two Black males of unknown age. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Progress on new parking garage in downtown Silver Spring (Photos)

The new parking garage under construction at 8615 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring now rises five stories above street level at its highest point. United Therapeutics is constructing the public parking garage in exchange for Montgomery County giving it the Cameron Street Public Parking Garage at 8700 Cameron Street. The 8615 Georgia site became available when a planned office building there was canceled, a victim of the moribund Montgomery County economy. In addition to 675 parking spaces, the new garage was also planned with ground floor retail space in mind.

Maryland silica factory closing, production relocating to South Carolina

There goes another one. Evonik Corporation will close its Maryland factory in Havre de Grace, and relocate its production of silica to South Carolina. The closure will eliminate 34 jobs, according to a filing the chemical firm submitted to the state on Wednesday. While the company explains its strategic move with buzzphrases like "economies of scale," there are several obvious reasons why the grass appears much greener in the Palmetto State if you are running a business enterprise.

Industrial electricity rates in South Carolina are 22% less than in Maryland. This is largely due to the forced closure of eight power plants by Maryland elected officials, who have also mandated the purchase of ever-increasing amounts of "clean power," such as solar or wind. In addition, the state has socked energy utility customers with an EmPOWER Maryland fee, that funds a Marxist program that subsidizes the purchase of energy efficient equipment by lower income customers. The end result is that Maryland now imports the majority of its electricity from out-of-state, naturally at greater cost than it had been provided from those shuttered in-state plants. Not to mention that Maryland ratepayers are now receiving record-high monthly power bills.

Maryland's corporate tax rate is 8.25%. South Carolina's is 5%. Doh!

Last year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Democratic-controlled legislature established a 3% tech tax. By comparison, IT consulting, custom coding, and systems design are not taxed in South Carolina.

Finally, Maryland’s average annual pay for chemical engineers is approximately $121,012 to $140,708. In Charleston, the average is roughly $93,975 to $128,000, according to Indeed.com.

Heckuva job, Brownie!

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale blasts Wes Moore's floundering Key Bridge rebuild

"I heard a noise, it's that close to me," Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale recalled of the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore two years ago today. The Republican businessman and Charm City resident's home was within earshot of the catastrophe that unfolded on March 26, 2024. Two years later, progress on the construction of a replacement bridge has stalled as the cost of the project ballooned fivefold under the administration of Governor Wes Moore (D). Running afoul of federal funding guidelines, and Moore's relentless personal attacks on President Donald Trump, have led to the possibility that former president Joe Biden's vow to pick up 100% of the tab is now in serious jeopardy. Hale scheduled a press conference within sight of the bridge yesterday to excoriate Moore for the lack of progress, 24 hours ahead of the predictable Moore media blitz.

"It's a bridge that I've used pretty much all of my life," Hale told reporters Wednesday. "I'm from around here. This is my house right here," he added, gesturing toward his home. The neighborhood around the former bridge connection "is hurting, because it takes forever to go from here to over there," Hale said.

Hale argued the floundering rebuild is "emblematic of a governor that's really not paying attention to this whatsoever. He'll smile and say that he is, but he's not. And what you see is anger on both sides of the bridge, all around [Anne Arundel and Baltimore] County and just, the citizens here are extremely upset and don't like the idea that we're not getting this done. There's no end in sight for this thing to be done."

"We are a ship without a rudder," Hale charged of Moore's leadership of the state, saying the current governor's attention is largely consumed by his quest for the presidency in 2029. He announced that in lieu of a workable solution from the Moore administration, "I have a plan."

"I'm going to have the bureaucrats involved, the engineers, and the construction companies involved in this whole process, and see what they can do," Hale said. "And if they don't have a reasonable explanation, they're not going to last long in my administration." He suggested the state turn to Maryland-based firms that do similar work around the world to rebuild the bridge, saying he knows they are qualified because he has hired many of them for his own projects. "I've talked to a bunch of people, and they're standing by, ready to do it."

Hale cited the outflow of residents and wealth from Maryland to other states in recent years. Voters are "now telling me, 'If you don't win, we're moving,'" Hale recounted. A recent poll found that over 60% of Maryland residents are either in the process of leaving the state, or are considering a move. "We can't continue to have this happen," Hale said.

"We don't have economic development. We don't have job creation. We are the worst in the nation for job creation," Hale explained, noting that as a private sector businessman, he has created tens of thousands of jobs. By "every metric you can think of, we're failing," Hale said. "I don't intend to fail. I intend to make things better. Help is on the way."

Vehicle stolen in Sligo Creek Park neighborhood in Silver Spring

Auto thieves struck in the Sligo Creek Park community, Montgomery County police report. A vehicle was reported stolen from a home in the 9200 block of Three Oaks Drive yesterday morning. Police believe it was taken sometime between 8:30 PM on March 24 and 11:00 AM on March 25. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at 301) 279-8000. 

Signage installed at Momiji Sushi in Silver Spring (Photos)

Permanent signage has been installed at Momiji Sushi Izakaya & Japanese Ramen at 1201 Fidler Lane in downtown Silver Spring. This was formerly home to Cubano's, from which some signage has been left behind. There are still some windows that need to be replaced, judging from the plywood substitutes. The restaurant had its liquor license hearing way back in November.

TD Bank closes at Ellsworth Place in Silver Spring

TD Bank has closed at Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring. Their space has been cleared out, and is now available for lease. The departure of the bank and Outback Steakhouse have left a very vacant feeling around this entrance to the mall. TD Bank has been closing branches in the area, including two in downtown Bethesda, so it probably wasn't a failure with this location specifically that led to the closure.

Railroad crossing signs installed outside of Silver Spring Library for Purple Line (Photos)

More signage to warn pedestrians and drivers of approaching Purple Line trains have been installed outside of the Silver Spring Library at 900 Wayne Avenue. A railroad crossing crossbuck-style sign sits atop a Signal-Tech Another Train Coming LED sign. The latter is a product marketed specifically for light rail crossings. It is designed to alert pedestrians to the fact that a second train is approaching on the other track, so that they will not step around the first, stopped train into the path of the oncoming second train. This is especially important given that, as a previously-installed sign warns, not every train will necessarily stop. The Purple Line is currently anticipated to begin operating in December 2027.

Strong-arm robbery in Kensington

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Kensington early Friday evening, March 20, 2026. The assault and robbery were reported in the 3700 block of Howard Avenue at 6:24 PM Friday. They took place along the street. That is a commercial area around the MARC train station.

Gas station burglarized in Montgomery Hills area of Silver Spring

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a gas station in the Montgomery Hills area of Silver Spring on March 13, 2026. The burglary was reported at the Marathon station at 9501 Georgia Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry to the business. They determined property was stolen from inside the station. The break-in is believed to have occurred between 8:00 PM on March 12 and 8:00 AM on March 13.

Police have not released any description of the intruder(s) as of this writing. They did not specify how anyone involved managed to avoid being caught on surveillance cameras at the station. If you have any information about this incident call police at (301) 279-8000.

Piney Branch Rd. segment to close nightly in April for Purple Line construction

Affected portion of Piney Branch Road shown in red

A segment of Piney Branch Road in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring will need to be closed overnight for about a week next month, the Maryland Department of Transportation announced this morning. The portion between Flower Avenue and University Boulevard will be closed to traffic between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM beginning on or about Saturday, April 18, 2026. Purple Line crews will use that time to install the overhead catenary for the Purple Line light rail above the roadway. 

Local access to Barron Street, Garland Avenue, Arliss Street and Greenwood Avenue will be maintained during the closures, MDOT said, as will pedestrian access through the work zone. Remember that severe weather can alter scheduled construction and road closures.

Easy Like Sunday brunch restaurant coming soon to Silver Spring

I saw a sign in front of the former El Sapo Cuban Social Club at 8455 Wayne Avenue in downtown Silver Spring that said Coming Soon, but was partly flapped over by the wind of recent days to only read "Comin--." No, it wasn't the Montgomery County Council promoting the Comintern. It's a banner ad for Easy Like Sunday, a brunch restaurant with two locations in Baltimore. If you enjoy a traditional brunch, they have all the favorites you would expect, some trendier dishes from the last decade or so, and a few creative original menu items to round out the selections. Both Charm City locations are open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, seven days a week.

Wheaton commercial building hits the market for sale again

A commercial building in Wheaton that has seen heavy turnover in recent years is now on the market for sale once again. 2670 University Boulevard W. is in a prime spot on a heavily-traveled commuter route, but for some reason hasn't been able to find the right tenant since community fixture Wheaton Tile Center moved out. Since 2016, Doña Bessy Pupuseria, Alyssa's Mangonadas, and even an evangelical church have given the storefront a whirl, to no avail. The building was then auctioned off this past January, and the new owner has quickly put it up for sale for the asking price of $1,700,000, according to the online sale listing. 

Chicken arrives at Royal Farms in Silver Spring (Photos)

The chicken has arrived at the new Royal Farms in Silver Spring. No, not the convenience store chain's famous fried chicken, but a giant fiberglass rooster. Seen outside of many Royal Farms locations, the imposing statue has taken up residence at this one, which is located at 9475 Georgia Avenue in the Montgomery Hills neighborhood just south of the Capital Beltway interchange. Still needed before the store and mega gas station can open: pavement in the parking lot!