A concept proposal for the development of a new facility at 15700 Shady Grove Road, across the street from Rockville, in the old Red Lobster space in Gaithersburg has been submitted by Dash-In Food Stores. In order to develop a convenience shop, car wash, and petrol station with contemporary hybrid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, the project will destroy an existing 6,000 square foot structure.According to Maryland Newsletters, the news follows months of rumors that the site would soon be home to a high-end Japanese steakhouse and a possible Olive Garden restaurant. Since its founding as a family-run chain of convenience stores in 1979, Dash-In has been a mainstay in the Mid-Atlantic region for more than 40 years. Dash-In currently operates one restaurant in White Oak, Montgomery County, at 11150 New Hampshire Ave. Dash-In has changed over the years, but it was formerly recognized as one of the first convenience stores in Maryland to provide a fresh food menu with things like fried chicken and potato wedges.
The business is a member of the Wills Group, a well-known enterprise in the area. Today, Dash-In prioritizes offering a modern shop design, a menu of premium, made-to-order cuisine, and an enhanced convenience store experience. Good cuisine, high-quality fuel, and community involvement are prioritized at its locations in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. This would be its first location in Montgomery County if it is allowed.
The two Red Lobster locations in Montgomery County, one in Downtown Silver Spring on Georgia Avenue and the other in Gaithersburg on Shady Grove Road, abruptly shuttered their doors in May 2024. The closures were a portion of dozens more locations being shut down statewide. The business declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy after the closures. Red Lobster has subsequently successfully emerged from bankruptcy, which is fortunate for the business. A court-approved plan permitted RL Investor Holdings LLC, a new company, to purchase the business in September 2024. Red Lobster has committed more than $60 million as part of a long-term investment plan to revitalize the brand under the new leadership.
