Earlier this year, we reported that Peterson Companies, the owner of Rio Lakefront, submitted an application to add a floating dining pier for Guapo’s restaurant. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission approved the plan in February; however, Guapo’s has informed us that “the project will not be happening as of right now” and will keep us updated on any changes.
During a January meeting of the Gaithersburg City Council, Councilmembers Neil Harris, Lisa Henderson, and Robert Wu voted in favor of determining that the application had a minor effect and directed the planning commission to make a final decision. Meanwhile, Councilmembers Jim McNulty and Yamil Hernandez voted against it. Due to a 3-3 vote, the matter was forwarded to the planning commission, which ultimately approved it.
A dining barge for Copper Canyon Grill was also approved in 2023 and opened last month, celebrating its grand opening yesterday. The proposed pier for Guapo’s was intended to be located on the existing Washingtonian Lake and would feature open-air seating with two small gangways connecting the floating pier to the existing boardwalk, totaling approximately 1,056 square feet.
The floating pier was designed to have an operable roof and side panels for shade and heating during the summer, fall, and spring seasons, with plans for heaters and fans to be installed. Guapo’s in Rio, known as one of the busiest restaurants in Montgomery County, will continue to offer indoor and outdoor seating as it has in recent years.
