Suspects arrested in Taco Bell Cantina shooting in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police have arrested two suspects in the June 23, 2024 shooting at the new Taco Bell Cantina at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring. One person was injured in the shooting, which was reported at 6:00 PM that evening. The suspects fled the scene and remained at large.

Souleymane Traore, 18, of Silver Spring, and Maximus Jean-Jerome, 20, of York, Pennsylvania, were arrested on July 2. According to court records, Traore has been charged with attempted 1st-degree murder, felony use of a firearm in a violent crime, four counts of felony 1st-degree assault, four counts of 2nd-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of a firearm as a minor. He was ordered held without bond, and has been denied bail twice. Another bail hearing is scheduled for this afternoon in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Jean-Jerome has been charged with four counts of 2nd-degree assault. He posted $10,000 bond, and was released on July 5.

Taco Bell Cantina opens in downtown Silver Spring (Photos)

Taco Bell Cantina is now open at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring. Ordering is handled by touchscreen kiosks. The decor is actually quite bland compared to the interior design of some regular Taco Bell store models. In addition to alcohol-charged versions of Taco Bell beverages and freezes, a small selection of beers on tap is available, but it is an anodyne one of Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Dos Equis, and Loose Cannon IPA by Maryland's own Heavy Seas Beer. Of course, as at all Taco Bells, the food is delicious!

Update on Taco Bell Cantina, opening soon in Silver Spring (Photos)

Taco Bell Cantina looks ready to go at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring. All of the equipment appears to be in place. The pickup window has now been christened as "After Hours Pickup," with purple paint and a large Taco Bell logo. No word if the glass is bulletproof, given recent events in the neighborhood. But expect the window to do strong business after shows at The Fillmore next door. Taco Bell remains mum on the opening date here.

The closer the "upscale" Taco Bell gets to opening, the more it looks like a carry-out, rather than the hangout lounge the store model has been marketed as in the past. Seating is not prominently positioned inside the restaurant, and the vibe its giving off is "grab and go," not "chill out for awhile." How pushing the carryout angle jibes with the "boozy Taco Bell" gimmick, now that pandemic liquor takeaway loopholes have been closed again, remains to be seen. The tired existing storefront at 8662 Colesville also clashes with the slick Taco Bell logos attached to it, but no two Cantina exteriors appear to be alike nationwide, so this may be par for the course-arito.

Taco Bell Cantina Silver Spring update (Photos)

Montgomery County's first Taco Bell Cantina is getting closer to opening at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring. The latest additions to the interior are the electronic menu boards, soft drink fountain dispensers, and self-ordering kiosks. Booth seating has also been installed. I'm intrigued as to why the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco Deluxe Box is showing on the menu board - it's not currently a featured item at Taco Bell, and not rumored to return to the menu soon, that I am aware of.

Signage installed at Taco Bell Cantina in Silver Spring (Photos)

The sign is up at the future Taco Bell Cantina at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring. It's not lit yet, and is somewhat understated in size and design compared to some existing Cantina locations in other parts of the country. The overall exterior aesthetic, especially with the facade in its current state, doesn't quite jibe with the Cantina brand descriptors of "fancy" and "upscale." That won't affect the quality of the special menu and adult beverage selections, or the interior design of the restaurant, so let's wait until the construction is completed to give an official verdict on the exterior design.

Taco Bell Cantina Silver Spring update (Photos)

The interior fit-out of the Taco Bell Cantina at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring is in the advanced stages now. Flooring, kitchen equipment, lighting fixtures and some seating are all in place. 

Takeout window

Two signs of the importance of takeout and delivery orders in the post-2020 restaurant business here are a cabinet for mobile and delivery orders to be picked up from, and a takeout window cut into the storefront. The latter has been a feature of the Taco Bell Cantina concept from its first location in San Francisco in 2015, however. 

Taco Bell Cantina has applied for its liquor license. A hearing on its application has been scheduled for January 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

Silver Spring Taco Bell thief makes drive-thru window a break-in window (Photos)

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating a suspect in the October 30, 2023 burglary of a KFC-Taco Bell restaurant at 7720 Blair Road in Silver Spring. Around 5:00 AM that morning, the suspect allegedly forced open the drive-thru window of the restaurant, grabbed merchandise of undisclosed value within the reach of his arms, and fled the scene. Surveillance video shows the alleged crime in progress.

Police describe the suspect as a Black male, approximately 30-years-old, and wearing a red jacket. Anyone with information regarding the suspect 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 suspect. Tipsters may remain anonymous.  

Taco Bell Cantina hiring as construction continues in Silver Spring (Photos)

The future Taco Bell Cantina at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring is now hiring for all positions, as interior fit-out of the restaurant continues. A table and two chairs inside the space appear to have been set up for interviews. The Mexican chain offers free meals, and "[d]iscounts on cell phones, car insurance, entertainment, shopping, and gym memberships!" among its employee perks, according to a sign in the window. Construction is still in the early stages, with interior walls currently being formed, and no flooring in place yet.

Taco Bell Cantina "coming soon" to downtown Silver Spring

Montgomery County is finally getting its own Taco Bell Cantina, and it's about time! The upscale Taco Bell concept will be opening at 8662 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring, according to a banner posted on the storefront. It looks like construction has already begun inside.

What is the difference between Taco Bell Cantina and a regular Taco Bell? A fancier interior, an open kitchen like you find in hip restaurants, custom menu items, and adult versions of Taco Bell freezes alongside a selection of beer, wine and sangria. As you can see, Taco Bell fans are already lining up outside. Or is it for The Fillmore next door? The Fillmore doesn't have Baja Blast!