Since Sephora has obtained a permit for a substantial $1 million fitout, Bethesda Row is about to welcome a new large business. The 6,718-square-foot location at 7271 Woodmont Avenue, which most recently housed Chef Jos Andr’s Spanish Diner, will be the new business.
On Wednesday, February 5th, The Spanish Diner, a restaurant that specializes in comfort food prepared in the Spanish style, closed. It took over the location that had been occupied by Jaleo, another Andr’s restaurant, when it debuted in the spring of 2021. The reports that Sephora will be the new tenant were confirmed by new signs that appeared after the closure.
Maryland Newsletters was the first to report on the $1 million permit, which indicates a significant investment in converting the building from a restaurant to a contemporary retail setting. The inside will be completely renovated as part of the fitout, which will include removing all kitchenware and installing fixtures and displays that are typical of a Sephora store. This represents a shift in focus for Federal Realty, the property owner, who seems to be favoring retail tenants over new eateries at the Bethesda Row development in recent years.
The existing storefronts at Pike & Rose and Montgomery Mall will be joined by this new Bethesda Row site. In neighboring Chevy Chase, the business also has a location at The Shops at Wisconsin Place. The Bethesda Row store is slated to open in 2026, however this new addition is not expected to have an impact on these existing locations.
