Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen permanently closed its Gaithersburg Rio location on Sept.

16, and a sign directs guests to its Creole House at 923 Ellsworth Dr + Downtown Silver Spring. The restaurant was part of Miskiri Hospitality Group that also operates locations in Baltimore, Gambrills, Laurel and Washington, DC.

A recent panel hosted by the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation featured business leaders from Lockheed Martin + AstraZeneca discussing how partnerships with local schools and training programs boost the region’s talent pipeline.

Participants stressed that investing in workforce development is crucial for companies to stay competitive locally.

Wayback Burgers still plans to open its first Montgomery County location in Damascus, but its planned late-2025 debut is delayed due to a grease trap issue at the 1,925 sqft site on Main Street (franchisee Shahzad Manzoor said the team is working to resolve the problem).

Orange Pocket, a Japanese and Korean-inspired retailer, is set to open at Rio on Saturday, Sept.

19 at 30 Grand Corner Ave in Gaithersburg. The store will feature interactive attractions plus a wide selection of merchandise previewed by local reviewers.

Sabor Mixteco Taqueria in Wheaton was named one of the region's best cheap eats by Washingtonian after being listed among 60 restaurants serving meals under $25.

Operated by Juan Solano, the taqueria offers Oaxacan dishes like tlayuda + chileajo to local diners.

RisuCon returns to Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg on Saturday, Sept.

26 with family-friendly anime, gaming and cosplay events from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can see over 125 artists and vendors plus enjoy panels, contests and a gaming room.

Redland Road is closed through Sunday, Oct.

11 as crews finish building a new bridge over Mill Creek and relocating utilities. Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) said drivers should follow posted detours in the area.

Montgomery County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs closed a record $143.9 million in loans during fiscal 2026 to create or preserve 1,983 affordable housing units across the county — with programs targeting households earning 30–70% of Area Median Income.

Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland’s Rockville ReStore will leave its longtime site at 1029 E.

Gude Dr. after Saturday, Sept. 26 and open a new location at 515 Dover Rd. on Thursday, Oct. 1 (the move supports affordable housing efforts in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties).

South Lakes High named 16-year-old Joshua-Benjamin Dagbe as Military Bowl Touchdown Club High School Football Player of the Week after his standout game against Battlefield on Thursday, Sept.

10. The multi-sport captain posted nine catches for 155 yards and multiple touchdowns while also making key defensive plays.