Plamondon Enterprises, Inc. (PEI) has proposed the development of a new Roy Rogers drive-thru restaurant at 8645 Zetts Avenue, located at the intersection of Zetts Ave. and Shady Grove Rd.
The 17,287-square-foot lot, situated at the corner of Zetts Avenue and Shady Grove Road, was previously home to eight townhome-style office/retail buildings with surface parking. These structures were demolished in 2018 due to deteriorating conditions, and the site has remained vacant and unimproved since.
Roy Rogers Restaurants, founded in 1968, has been a staple in the region for over 55 years. Originally owned by Marriott until 1990 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, the chain had numerous locations in Montgomery County during the 1970s and 1980s. However, the number of locations declined after it was acquired by Hardees Restaurants in the early 1990s. In 2002, PEI acquired the Roy Rogers trade name and franchise rights from Hardees, with the goal of revitalizing the well-known brand in the area.
Currently, there are 39 Roy Rogers locations, with five in Montgomery County, including in Burtonsville, Germantown, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Aspen Hill. According to planning documents, PEI’s proposed development includes a 2,478-square-foot building, a drive-thru lane, and 16 parking spaces. The design also aligns with the pedestrian and bicycle-friendly guidelines of the Shady Grove Sector Plan. The proposal includes a 6-foot-wide sidewalk separated from Zetts Avenue by a 6-foot street buffer, as well as a 3-foot screening fence/wall between the sidewalk and drive-thru lane. Along Shady Grove Road, a breezeway is planned, consisting of a 6-foot street buffer, an 11-foot side path, a 2-foot pedestrian/bike buffer, and a 10-foot sidewalk.
PEI is a family owned, third generation business, based in Frederick, Maryland, that describes itself has having “a commitment to giving back to community such as schools and non-profits.” The Roy Rogers restaurant provides a “broad menu of prepared-to order quick service food including hamburgers, chicken and roast beef. Breakfast items are also served during the morning hours. The “Choose any Side” option includes french fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. The signature Fixin’s Bar enables guests to dress their sandwich the way they like it without the need for a special order. The modern Western decor of the restaurant is just right for family and casual dining. Roy Rogers promotes signature items like the Double R Bar Burger, the Gold Rush chicken sandwich and Roy’s Real Roast Beef sandwich at everyday value pricing.”
