Coming Soon: Han Spot
In May, the proprietor of well-known dim sum establishments China Garden (Rockville) and Han Palace (Tysons, Woodley Park, Barracks Row) revealed plans for a new restaurant at Rio, occupying the former Union Jack’s space until June 2020. Rio has now confirmed the restaurant’s name as Han Spot.
Chris Zhu shared the news on social media, stating, “Another milestone. New baby from Han Palace coming to Rio Gaithersburg. Next to AMC theater & Guapo’s 🤗🤗🤗.” Han Palace, one of Zhu’s other restaurants, features an all-day dim sum menu, offering a variety of dishes such as scallops, shrimp, pork/crab dumplings, rice rolls, barbecue pork buns, lobster sticky rice, Han-style filet mignon, and Peking duck. Featured image courtesy of Han Spot
Coming Soon: Copper Canyon Dining Pier on the Lake
In April, Copper Canyon Grill sought approval for a 1,012-square-foot covered dining pier to be situated on the RIO Lake. After submitting the final site plan in July, the planning commission unanimously approved it in September. Renderings of the forthcoming pier’s appearance are available below.
Access to the outdoor dining area/pier will be facilitated by two gangways connected to the existing boardwalk. Extending 10 feet and 2 inches from the boardwalk, the structure will stand 12 feet tall from the finished floor. Gaithersburg Planning Staff has endorsed the proposal for a dining pier in the Rio Washingtonian Lake, deeming it compliant with the approved sketch plan and Schematic Development Plan SDP-9462-2023. They note, “The dining pier will provide additional outdoor seating for Copper Canyon and will enhance the use of the lake. There remains adequate parking for the proposed commercial addition and all applicable development standards have been met.” The timeline for the pier’s construction has not been disclosed.
Coming Soon: Le Macaron
Le Macaron has erected permanent signage at 7 Grand Corner Ave (adjacent to BurgerFi). Anticipated to open in the forthcoming months, this establishment is owned by MoCo residents Natalia Mejia and Camilo Beltran. Originating from Florida, Le Macaron is a pastry shop that has expanded to over 70 locations across the US, with more franchises emerging in shopping centers like Rio, food trucks, and mall kiosks. The menu at the upcoming Rio location will feature macarons (available in 20 flavors), gourmet chocolates, French gelato, specialty European-style coffees, classic French pastries, and homemade candies.
Image courtesy of Le Macaron
Taste of Rio Event on October 15th
Experience the inaugural ‘Taste of Rio’ on Sunday, October 15th, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This culinary celebration will unfold on the lakefront, showcasing delectable offerings from Rio’s diverse restaurants, complemented by live music, craft cocktails, and more. Participating eateries include: AMC, Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon, BurgerFi, California Pizza Kitchen, Charley Prime, Chipotle, Copper Canyon Grill, Corner Bakery, Dave & Buster’s, Donutchew, Fantasticks, FineWine.com, Guapo’s, Han Spot, Kung Fu Tea, Lanzhou Pull Noodle, Le Macaron, Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen, Muse Paint Bar, Nando’s Peri-Peri, Poki DC, Potbelly, Silver Diner, Starbucks, The Bench, True Food Kitchen, Uncle Julio’s, and Yard House.
