Remember 6-Twelve?

In the mid-80s, Aris Mardirossian (currently Dan Snyder’s neighbor in Potomac), opened his convenience store named "6-Twelve," based on the worldwide chain 7-Eleven (7,400 stores in North America with hundreds more across the world at the time).

By 1990, his Gaithersburg-based chain grew to 20 stores and there were rumors that he would be purchasing 600 7-Eleven stores in the DMV (the rumors were denied by 7-Eleven executives).

The massive expansion didn't occur, but the chain hasn't disappeared–– there is still one affiliated store in MoCo in Darnestown. The 6-12 (spelled differently) on Snouffer School Rd. is not affiliated with Marrirossian’s 6-Twelve brand.

Owner, Aris Mardirossian, bought the Crown Farm property (Gaithersburg) in the mid-2000s. Part of it later became Downtown Crown and that part was sold in 2015 for just under $163 million. He was also the owner of the popular rt. 355 restaurant, The Flaming Pit.

By this Fall, the Travilah Shopping Center in Rockville/North Potomac will have:

• Trader Joe’s
• Ledo Pizza
• Title Boxing
• Pholuscious
• 7-11
• Beer & Wine
• Cafe Rio

and more!

Pretty solid lineup with the new additions. Below you’ll see the progress on the Trader Joe’s building that is expected to open late spring/early summer. The Gaithersburg Trader Joe’s location will close when this one opens.

The last remaining Denny’s in MoCo, in Montgomery Village, is closing permanently this Sunday.

It seems like the wheels are in motion for the planned redevelopment of the Montgomery Village Shopping Center.

A few months back we reported on the Washington Business Journal article that quoted Chaps Pit Beef owner, Bob Creager, as nearing a deal to bring the Baltimore style BBQ spot to Rockville. We reached out for an update and were told that “Rockville doesn’t look like it’s going to happen at this time.”
That article can be found here: www.mocoshow.com/blog/chaps-pit-beef-in-talks-to-come-to-moco

In the article we mentioned that a Frederick location will be opening soon. We spoke with the owner of the Frederick location and found out that he is a MoCo native.

Josh VerStandig was raised in Bethesda and Poolesville. He and his brother, Mac VerStandig, grew up in households that centered around family barbecues and cookouts. Josh tells me grilling and barbecue is in his blood, so when he found out Chaps was franchising it only made sense for them to get involved.

He chose Frederick because there isn’t as much competition when it comes to barbecue and because Chaps is pretty well known in the area.

The restaurant will be located in the Westview South Shopping Center at 4969 Westview Dr. Frederick, MD. That’s about 20 miles north of the central MoCo.

Josh and Mac VerStandig plan on opening Chaps Pit Beef in Frederick in late May.

Below you’ll see some samples of the food that’s available at Chaps, courtesy of their Facebook page.

I received a tip that Villa Maya is the Tex-Mex restaurant that will be moving in to the old Pazzo Pomodoro location in Clarksburg Village.

It’s my understanding that everything has not been signed, but it’s very close.

Their current restaurant is located in Rock Creek Village Center in Rockville. Per their website, “It is a great option to share with the family, a place with delicious food. Our extensive menu offers a wide selection of Margaritas ranging from traditional to modern recipes, appealing to all tastes.”

I’ve never been to Villa Maya, but have heard great things from many who have. Enjoy, Clarksburg!

I was given a tip this morning that Glen Burnie based Mission BBQ could be adding two new locations in MoCo after the success of their Rockville location since it opened about a year ago.

​I’m told the plan is to open a location in Gaithersburg and one in Germantown. Corporate told me “We hope to be in Gaithersburg and Germantown one day soon,” but did not confirm the rumor. Management at the Rockville location told me “nothing has been confirmed.”

​Rumor status: Unconfirmed

I received a tip last night informing me that Rockville based Silver Diner is in talks with the Rio Washingtonian Center about taking over the old Cafe Deluxe location.

I spoke with a representative from the Rio Washingtonian Center this morning and was told that their leasing team is “speaking to a handful of restaurants for that space” and that there is nothing to share at this time.

Prior to Cafe Deluxe, the location was home to Hamburger Hamlet. Whether it’s Silver Diner or not, it seems we may find out who is moving in relatively soon.

Rumor status: Uncomfirmed

I’m told the Olney McDonald’s is going to be formally applying to add a second drive-thru to the restaurant.

Currently, there’s one drive-thru, but I’m told the thought process behind adding a second includes alleviating traffic and reducing the occasional back-up the fast food restaurant causes on major roads in Olney.

Whitman principal, Alan Goodwin, surprisingly announced his retirement to staff and students yesterday, according to The Black & White.

Goodwin has been an MCPS employee for 43 years, spending the last 19 years as part of the Whitman administration (14 of them as principal). He began his MCPS career as an English teacher at Springbrook High School.

A replacement is expected to be named by the end of April.

Full Black & White story: theblackandwhite.net/59160/news/goodwin-to-retire-after-14-years-as-principal-43-in-mcps/