Wetzel’s Pretzels has officially begun construction on its upcoming location at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. In May, we shared that the pretzel chain was on the way, with signage posted at the site indicating a fall opening. The timeline has shifted slightly, but progress is now underway after Wetzel’s Pretzels recently received its permit to begin building out the space.

This will mark a return to the property for the brand. Wetzel’s Pretzels previously operated at Westfield Montgomery Mall before closing in 2017. The new location is part of the company’s growing footprint in Montgomery County, which also includes a forthcoming spot at Westfield Wheaton Mall.

The popular national chain is known for its hand-rolled, oven-baked snacks, including classic salted pretzels, pretzel-wrapped Wetzel Dogs, cheesy Dog Bites, and pepperoni-topped Pizza Bitz. It also offers a full lineup of sweet and savory options as well as fresh lemonades.

With construction now active, a Winter 2025/2026 opening appears likely at this time. We will share updates as the buildout continues and an official opening date is announced.

Poolesville has long been described by locals as a “Hallmark town,” and stepping inside The Sweet Lemon during the holidays makes it easy to understand why. The small gift boutique, owned by former high school teacher Katie Horan, has become one of the community’s most beloved gathering places, especially during its annual full-store Christmas transformation.

Horan opened The Sweet Lemon in November 2021 after recognizing a need for a warm, thoughtfully curated shop in her hometown. What began as a dream outside of the classroom has quickly grown into a centerpiece of Poolesville’s thriving small-town identity.

“My goal is to create a shopping experience worthy of a town rooted in community pride, tradition, and neighborliness,” Horan shared. That goal influences everything she does, right down to her decision not to sell online. “My attention and service prioritizes the people who walk through my door,” she said.

Each November, Horan closes off her windows and doors for several days to completely transform the shop into what customers describe as a “Christmas Dream.” The reveal has become a highly anticipated local milestone and an unofficial signal that the holiday season has arrived in Poolesville.

This year marks the boutique’s fifth Christmas turnover, and customers continue telling Horan that someone “needs to tell her story.” While the décor is enchanting, the deeper magic, she says, comes from what happens inside.

The Sweet Lemon has grown beyond retail. It has become a place where neighbors meet, friendships deepen, and stories are shared. Horan describes the shop as a hub of “shared joy, hard moments, honest conversations, and real friendships.”

Those relationships guide every intentional choice she makes, including what she stocks, how she presents items, and the tone of the experience. “I want shopping here to feel less like an errand and more like a visit,” she said.

One of the shop’s most meaningful traditions returns this Sunday, November 23. The Sweet Lemon will host local veterans from American Legion Post 247 for a community knife-sharpening event. The service is free, but donations are encouraged, and every dollar goes directly to a Poolesville High School student who wins the post’s annual Oratory Contest.

The event has become a standout moment in the shop’s calendar. “The veterans tell stories, draw a fantastic crowd, and entertain,” Horan said. “It’s one of the richest experiences I’ve had in my shop.”

Customers often remark that Poolesville feels like a Hallmark movie come to life, and Horan agrees. She believes her shop’s success is really a reflection of the town itself: welcoming, close-knit, and deeply rooted in tradition. “In a time when so many people are craving genuine connection, our larger community in MoCo should know that those connections exist here, and they can be part of it,” she said.

As The Sweet Lemon enters its fifth holiday season, Horan hopes the boutique continues to be a place where memories are made, traditions grow, and the spirit of Poolesville shines through every gift, every conversation, and every visit.

Andy’s Pizza has officially opened its new Kentlands location at 145 Commerce Pl. in Gaithersburg as of Wednesday, November 19. Our very own Mr. MoCo, Alex Tsironis, stopped by to support the restaurant, and you can check out his first-look video below.

Owner Andy Brown, a Montgomery County native, continues to expand the brand locally with this new shop taking over the former MOD Pizza space next to Chopt. This marks the second Andy’s Pizza location in Montgomery County, following Bethesda’s opening in the summer of 2023.

Per Mr. MoCo’s visit, “I got the slice combo #4 which came with my choice of two slices and a fresh shaken lemonade for $15 (two slices and a soft drink go for $10). I got a margherita slice and a carnivore slice and enjoyed both of them. I also got a cheese pizza to-go for the family (we all love their cheese pizza).”

He adds that Andy’s signature crust is thinner than most in the area and has a little char, similar to the classic slices you’ll find in New York. More specialty pies and starters (including wings, salads, and veggies) are on the way.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. MoCo • Alex Tsironis (@mrmoco301)