In late September, Kanpai BBQ & Shabu Shabu Buffet, a Southeast Asian eatery, opened in Rockville’s Shops at Congressional Village at 1701 Rockville Pike, according to the restaurant’s post on Instagram. The eatery held a soft opening Sept. 25.
At Kanpai, diners can choose from three dining experiences: barbecue, hotpot or a buffet. With the barbecue experience, diners can choose from a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables to grill at their table. With hotpot, diners can dip meats and veggies into pots of broth simmering at the table.
According to the restaurant’s website, the menu is a “tribute to the aromatic and flavorful dishes” of Southeast Asia, celebrating such places as Bangkok, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia.
MoCo native lands deal to franchise California Tortilla across county
Montgomery County will soon gain a new California Tortilla location, thanks to a franchising deal secured by county native Erin Bila and her business partners. Bila, who grew up in Silver Spring and now lives in Damascus, told MoCo360 that what makes the deal special is that she worked at California Tortilla as a teenager.
“I just got to know the culture there, the freshness of ingredients, the way they make their food and I just fell in love with it. Fast forward and I stopped working for them, but their culture, their brand, it stuck to me,” Bila said.
The team aims to open a new California Tortilla location between Rockville and Gaithersburg and is still scoping out the perfect spot. They also plan to open additional locations around the county in the future, Bila said.
Silver Diner turns 35, celebrates long-term employees
Silver Diner, the shiny retro restaurant on Rockville Pike celebrated its 35th anniversary this week, according to a press release. The classic American diner was established in 1989 in Rockville and has since grown to more than 27 restaurants, including 24 diners, in Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey.
Silver Diner also celebrated its 214 employees, about 15% of the business’ workforce, who have worked with the company for 10 years or more. Many of the employees came to the United States from countries in Latin America and Africa, according to Silver Diner, and some of the longest-term employees started as dishwashers, those who bus tables and waiters who worked their way up to managerial positions.
“We are thankful for our many long-term employees and extremely proud to be able to provide employment for many who are now able to live the American dream,” Silver Diner CEO and co-founder Robert Giaimo said in the release. “Without the hard work and dedication of these employees, Silver Diner would not be possible.”
Cava Mezze team is the confirmed buyer of Renato’s in Potomac
In mid-September, MoCo360 reported that Renato’s in the Potomac Village Shopping Center had been sold and would close on Sept. 30. A week later The MoCo Show confirmed that the buyers were the team behind local restaurants such as Cava Mezze in Olney and Rockville, and Melina, Julii and the forthcoming Bouboulina in Pike & Rose.
“As someone from this community, I understand what Renato’s meant to Potomac, and we’re committed to honoring that legacy while continuing to lead in hospitality,” Cava co-founder Ike Grigoropoulos told The MoCo Show.
According to The MoCo Show, the group is developing the dining concept for the former Renato’s space and some dishes will likely pay tribute to the popular Italian restaurant. The new restaurant is expected to open this winter.
The Cava Mezza group did not respond to MoCo360’s email requests for comment on the new restaurant or the purchase of Renato’s.
Tiny Dunkin’ opens in Friendship Heights Metro Station
A mini Dunkin’ opened Aug. 30 near the Friendship Heights Metro station at 2 Wisconsin Circle.
The 400-square-foot donut and coffee kiosk, which is located on the street level, is front and center as commuters enter and exit the Metro station and serves the same donuts and breakfast bites as a full-sized Dunkin’.
According to the Chevy Chase Land Co., which owns the 2 Wisconsin Circle building, the tiny store is part of the company’s “Next Generation” concept, which has a modern design and tap beverage system.
