Construction is progressing at the upcoming Bubbakoo’s Burritos at 16822 Georgia Ave. in Olney, near Roots Market. Permanent signage is now up, and the transformation of the interior has begun.

A permit valued at $350,000 was approved this past winter for interior construction. While an opening timeframe has not been confirmed, an opening before the end of the year remains possible.

We first reported in June 2025 that the New Jersey-based Mexican-fusion chain had signed on for the space. The removal of its “coming soon” signage later prompted questions about whether the restaurant was still moving forward. In November, both Bubbakoo’s and the leasing team confirmed the project remained active, with a company representative targeting an opening “sometime in 2026.”

The space had previously been slated to become Ramen Ya, which had equipment delivered but ultimately did not move forward with its planned Olney restaurant.

Founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 2008, Bubbakoo’s offers customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, and quesadillas. Its menu also includes the “Chiwawa,” a lightly fried, panko-crusted cheesy rice ball, along with “Killer Creations” featuring flavors such as Honey Sriracha and Nashville Hot.

We’ll share additional updates as construction continues and an opening date is announced.

A Maryland girl who disappeared nearly 50 years ago has been identified as the victim in a long-unsolved North Carolina cold case.

Skeletal remains and clothing were discovered on December 29, 1977, in a wooded area near the Firestone plant in Wilson, North Carolina. Investigators determined the remains belonged to a female approximately 16 to 23 years old who had likely been there for six months to two years. Although her manner of death was classified as undetermined, investigators have treated the case as a homicide because of the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

For decades, attempts to identify the victim through dental records and later DNA databases were unsuccessful. The case was reopened again in 2024, when the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Cold Case Investigative Team began reviewing it using newer forensic technology.

Investigators obtained DNA from a bone sample and developed a SNP profile that could be used for forensic genetic genealogy. Genealogical research eventually pointed investigators toward Cindy Marcell Blizzard, a 15-year-old girl who had run away from Monkton, Maryland, in the spring of 1977.

With assistance from the FBI, Maryland State Police and Raleigh Police Department, investigators confirmed that the remains belonged to Blizzard, who had been missing for more than 49 years.

While Blizzard has now been identified, investigators have not determined who was responsible for her death. The case remains unsolved, and authorities are asking anyone with information about Blizzard or the circumstances surrounding her death to contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation or Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.

Big Greek Cafe’s annual Big Greek Gyro Eating Competition returns at 5pm on Saturday, September 12, during the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Festival at 721 Norwood Rd. in Silver Spring and will once again be hosted by our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis along with Mr. 8 That.

This year, Big Greek Cafe, whose gyro was named the best in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia by The Washington Post, has selected one loyal customer from each of its 15 locations across Maryland and Virginia to represent their local community. The new format shifts the spotlight to loyal customers after previous competitions welcomed members of the public and professional eaters.

The theme, “One Community. One Champion.,” celebrates the neighborhoods that have supported Big Greek Café’s growth from a single family-owned restaurant in Silver Spring in 2009 to 15 locations across two states.

The winner will receive the official championship belt, a $500 cash prize, one free gyro every week for a year, and recognition at their home Big Greek Café location, along with bragging rights as the 2026 Big Greek Gyro Eating Champion.

The competition will once again be part of the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Festival, which features Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and family-friendly activities.

Here’s a look at the latest openings and upcoming projects at Rio in Gaithersburg.

• Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen is now open at 212 Boardwalk Place, taking over the former Bach to Rock space. Led by Chef Rachid, whose culinary roots trace back to Beirut, the restaurant serves Lebanese favorites including hummus, mezze, shawarma, falafel, grilled entrées and flatbreads. The menu also features Lebanese wines, cocktails, zero-proof drinks and desserts such as baklava and pistachio ice cream.
• Sip, a family-owned dirty soda and mocktail stand, recently opened next to Bear’s Shaved Ice near the carousel and playground, offering a menu of customizable dirty sodas, mocktails, energy drink mixes, sparkling water refreshers, and specialty beverages. Owned and operated by Mindy Merrill, Sip is the result of what she describes as a true family effort. Her husband, Tyler Merrill, helps with the business, while their teenage children, Cameron and Jane, assist with management and social media. Even their two younger children have played a role through extensive taste-testing duties. The family moved to Montgomery County in 2013 after spending time in Oregon, Utah, Alabama, Texas, and California. Mindy noted that their oldest child, who started kindergarten in Montgomery County, recently graduated from Quince Orchard High School. Mindy said the idea for Sip came after years of working from home in tax and financial services while raising four children. Once her youngest started kindergarten, she decided it was time to pursue something more ambitious.
• Orange Pocket, a new Japanese and Korean-inspired pop culture and lifestyle store is coming soon to 30 Grand Corner Ave. The shop will feature gashapon machines, claw machines, blind boxes, snacks, beauty products, collectibles, stationery, and home goods.
• The 4th Annual Taste of Rio will return to Rio in Gaithersburg this September, with this year’s event expanding into a 10-day celebration of the development’s dining scene. Taste of Rio will run from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 27, beginning with Rio Taste Week from September 18-26. The celebration will culminate with the annual Taste of Rio event on Sunday, September 27 from 2-6pm along the lakefront. Participating restaurants and eateries will offer chef-crafted menus, happy hour specials, signature cocktails, desserts, and other limited-time offers throughout the week. The event will feature tasting bites from Rio restaurants, handcrafted cocktails, live music, interactive entertainment, and waterfront activities. Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for guests to discover new restaurants while also enjoying favorites from throughout Rio. Participating restaurants will be announced, and advance ticket sales are expected to become available soon.
• Possibly Coming Soon: Peterson Cos. has requested schematic development plan approval for up to 500 multi-family residential units and 43,000 SF of retail uses in four buildings located throughout the Washingtonian Center at Rio in Gaithersburg. Additional information on the proposal can be found here.