News Archives - Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Rockville’s MOVE and Business Expansion Grants Drive FY25 Growth, Creating Jobs and Attracting Companies

Since their inception, REDI's MOVE and Business Expansion programs have awarded $845,000 in funding

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) awarded nearly $300,000 in grant funding through its MOVE and Business Expansion programs in Fiscal Year 2025, supporting business growth across the city and resulting in 260 new jobs and more than 127,000 square feet of activated commercial space.

The funding supported businesses across diverse industries including life sciences, healthcare, clean energy, technology, and professional services. Grant recipients expanded or relocated into commercial spaces in Town Center, King Farm, Fallsgrove, Rock East, Twinbrook, and the Pike Corridor.

The programs are also attracting investment from outside of Rockville. Twenty percent of FY25 grantees relocated operations from out of state, choosing Rockville over competing locations in Northern Virginia and Massachusetts.

“What we’re seeing is a strong return on investment,” said Nancy Regelin, Board Chair at REDI. “These programs aren’t just helping businesses grow, but are boosting Rockville’s economy, strengthening our tax base, and creating opportunities for residents across the city.”

Since their inception, REDI’s MOVE and Business Expansion programs have awarded $845,000 in funding, solidifying Rockville’s reputation as a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

For more information about REDI’s business incentive programs, visit rockvilleredi.org/business-grants-loans.

About REDI

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership that helps business launch, locate and expand in Rockville, Maryland. Committed to economic development, REDI is proactive in supporting existing industries and attracting new companies with the tools to get started in Rockville, and the resources and guidance for existing companies in the city. Learn more at rockvilleredi.org.

Maryland tops U.S. Community College System Study with Montgomery College Leading State Rankings

Montgomery College ranked first among Maryland institutions and 17th nationwide

Maryland’s community college system has been ranked the best in the country, according to WalletHub’s 2025 report evaluating over 650 community colleges across the United States. This recognition reflects the strength of Maryland’s commitment to accessible, high-quality, and career-focused education.

At the forefront of this achievement is Montgomery College, which ranked first among Maryland institutions and 17th nationwide. With campuses in Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Montgomery College continues to stand out for delivering excellent outcomes and supporting student success.

WalletHub evaluated community colleges and state systems using three primary metrics:

Cost & Financing: Tuition and fees, availability of scholarships and grants, and student loan default rates.
Education Outcomes: Graduation and transfer rates, student retention, and student-faculty ratio.
Career Outcomes: Median salary after attending, employment rates, and return on educational investment.

The report also highlights how Maryland’s high-performing institutions, including Montgomery College, offer strong academic value and workforce alignment, making the state a national leader in two-year higher education.

View the full rankings and methodology at: wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-best-worst-community-college-systems/15073

BioHealth Capital Region Claims #3 Spot Among Top U.S. Biopharma Clusters in 2025

The region's third-place ranking is backed by strong performance across metrics including patents, NIH funding, venture capital funding, lab space, and number of jobs

The BioHealth Capital Region, covering Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., ranked as the nation’s third-largest biomedical and pharmaceutical cluster, according to Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News’ annual list of top U.S. Biopharma regions.

Despite challenges like federal funding cuts and workforce reductions at agencies such as the FDA and NIH, the region remains resilient, continuing to attract leading companies and institutions. Its competitiveness reflects decades of scientific excellence. The region’s third-place ranking is backed by strong performance across key biotech metrics. It leads the U.S. in patent production with 79,141 patent families in biotechnology, demonstrating groundbreaking research.

The BioHealth Capital Region ranked third in laboratory space, with 36.8 million square feet of cutting-edge facilities, including the NIH’s 9.2 million square feet in Bethesda. This infrastructure drives innovation and scientific progress. With 4,806 awards worth $3.639 billion in NIH funding, the area ranked third, underscoring confidence in its research capabilities despite budget pressures.

Activity in the Biotech Corridor including AstraZeneca’s $300 million cell therapy manufacturing facility and MilliporeSigma’s $286 million biosafety testing facility have added hundreds of high-paying jobs, cementing the region as a global hub for next-generation therapeutics.

Read the full list of 2025 Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters at www.genengnews.com/topics/drug-discovery/top-10-u-s-biopharma-clusters-2025/

Rockville among 8 Best Places to Live in Maryland in 2025

Rockville ranked 7th on World Atlas' list of Best Places to Live in Maryland in 2025

World Atlas has named Rockville one of the 8 Best Places to Live in Maryland (2025), placing it 7th among a curated list of cities and towns known for livability, opportunity, and charm.

With a population of over 67,000, Rockville offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban access. Just outside of Washington, D.C., residents enjoy both the comfort of quiet neighborhoods and proximity to the nation’s capital. The city’s vibrant Town Square, full of dining, shopping, and seasonal events, adds to its appeal.

The article recognizes Rockville for its vibrant community, strong job market, especially in biomed and tech, making it a great place for professionals and growing families alike. With everything it has to offer, Rockville truly stands out as a place where residents enjoy both comfort and connectivity.

World Atlas’ list of Best Places to Live in Maryland include:

Havre de Grace
Baltimore
Annapolis
Bel Air
Gaithersburg
Bethesda
Rockville
Columbia

View World Atlas’ full article at https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-best-places-to-live-in-maryland-2025.html

Rockville named 4th safest suburb in the United States in 2025

Rockville placed 4th out of 360 suburbs in SmartAsset's 2025 report

SmartAsset, an online consumer-focused financial information website, has released its “America’s Safest Suburbs – 2025 Study,” ranking 360 U.S. suburbs (population ≥ 5,000, within 15–45 minutes of the 100 largest U.S. cities) by overall safety based on five key metrics. Rockville, MD comes in at #4, climbing eight spots from 12th in the 2023 report.

To determine the safest suburbs, SmartAsset evaluated each location on:

Violent crime rate (incidents per 100,000 residents)
Property crime rate (incidents per 100,000 residents)
Vehicular mortality rate (traffic accident deaths per 100,000 residents)
Drug poisoning mortality rate (overdose deaths per 100,000 residents)
Percentage of adults engaging in excessive drinking

All public-safety data come from the FBI’s 2023 Uniform Crime Reporting database (city-level) and the 2025 County Health Rankings (county-level), supplemented as needed by NeighborhoodScout.com

Learn more about the City of Rockville by visiting explorerockville.org and rockvillemd.gov

X-energy, U.S. Department of Defense to Advance Commercial Microreactor for National Security

X-energy will partner with the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit, and the U.S. Air Force to advance XENITH

ROCKVILLE, MD, August 14, 2025 – X-energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy” or the “Company”), today announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) Defense Innovation Unit (“DIU”) and the U.S. Department of the Air Force to advance the development of its commercial microreactor in alignment with President Trump’s executive order to deploy advanced nuclear technologies at DOD installations to support U.S. national security.

The agreement supports continued design and development for the X-energy XENITH microreactor under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (“ANPI”) program, an initiative led by DIU in partnership with the Department of the Air Force. The program is designed to accelerate the deployment of next-generation microreactor technologies to provide resilient, secure power at military installations, and enables governmental sponsors like the Department of the Air Force to engage with X-energy under a flexible contracting mechanism that allows for faster development and deployment of commercial nuclear systems.

“We’re seeing the full force of federal partnership mobilized to bring advanced nuclear to market, and the leadership of the Trump Administration has been phenomenal,” said X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell. “X-energy is proud to be a leader, and a partner with this administration to support America’s energy leadership.”

The agreement aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order on Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, issued in May 2025, which directs the Department of Defense to deploy an advanced reactor at a military installation before the end of the decade. As part of this effort, X-energy was selected to demonstrate commercial microreactors that can deliver resilient and secure energy to power critical defense infrastructure and remote microgrids.

XENITH, X-energy’s product, is a high-temperature gas-cooled microreactor first developed for DOD’s Project Pele, a mobile microreactor initiative led by the Strategic Capabilities Office. The design was selected to continue into an enhanced engineering phase, focused on achieving preliminary design maturity and initiating pre-licensing engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for both military and commercial applications.

In addition to XENITH, X-energy is advancing the deployment of its Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor as a grid-scale energy solution for utilities, industrial customers, and hyperscalers. The Company is also constructing a first-in-the-nation advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility to manufacture its proprietary TRISO-X fuel. Together, X-energy’s technology portfolio is designed to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable power to meet growing global energy demand.

About X Energy Reactor Company, LLC

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. For more information, visit X-energy.com

Press release originally published by X Energy: https://x-energy.com/media/news-releases/x-energy-us-department-of-defense-to-advance-commercial-microreactor-for-national-security

EYA closes on land for Rockshire Village redevelopment in Rockville

The new Rockshire community will feature 60 residential units, including 31 single-family detached homes and 20 townhomes.

Article originally published by citybiz: https://www.citybiz.co/article/718888/eya-closes-on-land-for-rockshire-village-redevelopment-in-rockville-advancing-retail-to-residential-redevelopment/

EYA, he DC-based market leader in the development of large-scale, urban infill residential projects, today announced the official closing on the land at the former Rockshire Village Center in Rockville, Maryland. The closing marks a major milestone in EYA’s plans to rezone and transform the long-vacant shopping center into a vibrant, connected neighborhood featuring a mix of new homes, retail and public open space that puts “life within walking distance.” EYA collaborated closely with the landowner, its investors, the city and the community to navigate a complex entitlement process, secure the rezoning, and bring a shared vision for the site to life.

Located on a 7.3-acre site in the Wootton High School district in Montgomery County, the new Rockshire community will feature 60 total residential units, including 31 single-family detached homes and 29 townhomes. As part of EYA’s commitment to delivering inclusive housing opportunities, 15% of the homes will be designated as Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs). It will also feature 5,200 square feet of retail space, providing shops and amenities for the greater community.

“For years, this site has sat dormant within a thriving community. We worked closely with the city and community to transform this outdated commercial site into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood,” said Aakash Thakkar, Chief Acquisitions Officer at EYA. “This project highlights EYA’s talents for securing complex entitlements and creating a valuable new community that benefits our partners and the communities in which we build.”

The Rockshire redevelopment is a prime example of the growing trend of retail-to-residential redevelopments in the greater DC region. EYA’s redevelopment will replace the vacant retail strip with a vibrant, human-scaled neighborhood that brings much-needed housing while preserving space for community-serving retail. The plan includes up to 5,200 square feet of commercial space intended for retailers or office users that complement the residential character of the site, creating a dynamic community-focused space. Rockshire is just one of EYA’s several large-scale commercial-to-residential transformations across the DMV.

The design prioritizes pedestrian connectivity and open space. Public features will include a neighborhood park, a playground, an open lawn with seating and recreation areas, a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with connections to Rockshire Community Pool and the Carl Henn Millennium Trail and sitewide landscaping. The development will also provide 29 dedicated parking spaces for the adjacent Rockshire Community Pool, along with visitor parking and stormwater management infrastructure.

The project continues EYA’s broader mission to revitalize infill sites across the greater DC region and deliver walkable, connected neighborhoods that reflect the needs of modern residents while respecting the context of existing communities. Construction is slated to begin in August, with final completion of the project in 2027.

About EYA, LLC

EYA is a market leader in the development of large-scale, urban infill residential projects in the greater D.C. region. With expertise in the entitlement, development, and construction of for-sale, multi-family, and mixed-income housing, EYA has created over 50 neighborhoods that are home to more than 10,000 residents across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Learn more at eya.com

Liatris Inc. expands pilot facility for high-performance insulation with over $1 million in State and Local investment

The project is expected to create 15 direct skilled and semi-skilled jobs and more than 100 indirect and induced jobs, and will generate more than $20 million in economic impact through 2028

Rockville, Md., July 22, 2025 – Liatris Inc., a leader in cutting-edge thermal insulation solutions which enhance the affordability, comfort and safety of buildings, held a ribbon-cutting event today in collaboration with Governor Wes Moore and other state and local officials to announce a lab expansion funded in part by an $800K Build Our Future grant from the Maryland Department of Commerce. The newly announced expansion will create 15 direct jobs and over $20M in local economic impact through 2028.

The Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program—part of the governor’s Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023—provides grants of up to $2 million to private companies, nonprofit entities, local governments, or colleges and universities. This highly competitive funding is part of over $1M in state and local support for capital investments that will enable Liatris to double the size of its Rockville, MD headquarters to 10,000 sq ft and launch a pilot manufacturing facility to demonstrate high-performance and resilient building insulation products.

$60,000 from the County’s MOVE Grant for lease expansion as well as a pending $150,000 grant from the Montgomery County Technology Innovation Grant program, newly enacted in 2024 to provide critical funding for early-stage high-tech companies, and
$100,000 from the University of Maryland’s Energy Bridge Fund program which supports prior recipients of UMD’s Energy Seed Grant with cost sharing funds for federal grants

The expanded Rockville facility will allow Liatris to produce its first commercial scale insulation products and validate their cost and performance for larger scale mass production investment. Successfully prototyped technologies which are in development and scale-up with corporate partners include the only fully non-combustible (ASTM E136) insulation board at R-5 / inch, and an R-10 / inch “super-insulation” mat which would be the highest performance building insulation product.

“Liatris is redefining what it means to build efficiently, affordably, and sustainably,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, we are joined by leaders at all levels of the state, who have proudly invested not just in the success of Liatris, but an ecosystem of innovators. Because when you invest in innovation, you invest in growth.”

“We are incredibly excited and honored to receive this strategic funding support from the Maryland Department of Commerce, which helps address the critical market need for advanced insulation while adding skilled jobs to a key strategic industry in Maryland,” said Frank Yang, Liatris’s President & CEO. “The comprehensive and robust support provided by the state and county made it an easy decision to expand locally in Rockville, and we are proud to continue our commercialization journey here.”

“Congratulations to Liatris on the grand opening of its Super Insulation Prototype Center,” said Elana Fine, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair. “Liatris’ groundbreaking work in producing next-generation insulation materials reflects the kind of innovation that supports Montgomery County’s broader goal of eliminating 100 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. We’re proud to have worked with their team on securing a MOVE Grant to support this expansion and we are excited to see their continued success right here in Rockville.”

Liatris was represented in its facility search by Peter Rosan and Megan Williams of Cushman and Wakefield. The building owner, GlenLine Investments, was represented by Danny Sheridan and Amanda Davis of JLL.

About Liatris

Founded in 2018 and based in Montgomery County, MD, near Washington, DC, Liatris is an advanced materials company which is making life more affordable, comfortable and safe through management of thermal energy. We aim to deliver the cleanest and fastest energy savings by mass-producing insulation that is easy to install, economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Learn more at www.liatris.biz

Bell’s Reines Reports Robust Q2 Growth, Elevating Its Wellness-First Mission

Strong sales, a standout flavor launch, and strategic alliances position the women-owned manufacturer for accelerated growth in Q3 2025.

ROCKVILLE , MD, UNITED STATES, July 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Bell’s Reines, a proud Specialty Food Association (SFA) Member and certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) known for its Non-GMO Project Verified, health-conscious soft mini cookies, today announced significant Q2 growth, driven by robust sales, expanded consumer engagement, and pivotal new partnerships. From April 1 through June 30, the Rockville-based manufacturer further solidified its reputation for “mindful indulgence,” blending authentic flavor with wellness-forward values and local collaboration.

“Our Q2 performance reflects a growing appetite for gourmet treats made with real, high-quality ingredients that support a balanced lifestyle,” said Teneisha Thompson, CEO of Bell’s Reines. “Whether through the sustained popularity of our classic flavors, the excitement around innovative launches, or the strategic alliances we forged, our guiding philosophy ‘Life is Sweet, Savor the Small Things’ continues to resonate with customers looking to weave moments of joy into their overall well-being. This strong foundation positions us for continued innovation and broader reach in the second half of 2025.”

Consistent Best-Sellers Anchor Momentum
Bell’s Reines entered Q2 on the strength of consumer favorites that continued strong demand. Late-March demand continued into April as Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt and Snickerdoodle Gourmet Single Cookie packs remained runaway hits. April sales crowned Oatmeal Raisin as the month’s comfort-first champion, while May saw the four-count packs of Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt and Snickerdoodle reclaim the top two slots. June brought a zesty burst of sunshine as the Lemon Gourmet Single Cookie rose to become a best-seller, offering a bright, cake-like delight perfect for a sunshine-filled, on-the-go treat. Across the quarter, gluten-free and vegan SKUs continued their upward trajectory, underscoring rising demand for inclusive, better-for-you snacking.

A Seasonal Showstopper: Peach Gelée
On May 1, Bell’s Reines debuted Peach Gelée Gourmet Single Cookie, a flavor conceived around real fruit notes and crafted in collaboration with fellow Maryland woman-owned enterprise Devine Wine Jelly. This unique partnership resulted in a delicate thumbprint cookie featuring a luscious peach chardonnay gelée within its center, where the wine notes are subtle and harmonious, never overpowering. The collaboration was first sparked when both companies exhibited at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show hosted by SFA, and bonded through their shared memberships in SFA and SUSTA (Southern United States Trade Association). The result brought a fresh, seasonal profile to the lineup. Early feedback affirmed Peach Gelée as a welcome addition for consumers seeking authentic, clean-label variety.

Corporate Partnership Spotlight: Washington Commanders
June delivered a landmark opportunity when Bell’s Reines was directly invited to serve as a first-time vendor at the Washington Commanders corporate office Juneteenth celebration. This exclusive event provided Washington Commanders corporate members with an intimate introduction to the brand’s wellness-centric treats and founder story, signaling Bell’s Reines’ arrival as a credible partner for large-scale corporate engagements.

Community Footprint Expands Across Montgomery County
Staying true to its Maryland roots, Bell’s Reines amplified community presence with a debut at Taste of Wheaton, Montgomery County’s signature culinary festival, and at the 2nd Annual Black Business Expo of the Montgomery County Black Collective. Both June appearances strengthened local ties, broadened brand awareness, and reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering regional entrepreneurship.

Scaling for Impact: Agreement With Cureate
To sustain growth and advance its foundational 2025 strategy, centered around three key pillars—Community, Customers, and Capital—Bell’s Reines signed a strategic agreement with business-growth platform Cureate. This partnership will accelerate operational scaling, deepen brand storytelling, and unlock new channels for revenue and investment, all while safeguarding the quality and ingredient integrity that define Bell’s Reines.

Looking Ahead to Q3/Q4 2025
Building on Q2’s accomplishments, Bell’s Reines will concentrate on widening distribution and cultivating further corporate and community partnerships. The company will also delight fans with the return of beloved seasonal flavors, including S’Mores (August-October 2025). Each convenient pack features Bell’s Reines hand-crafted graham crackers paired with Bell’s Reines own fluffy marshmallows and quality West African and South American vegan chocolate, providing a sumptuous and fulfilling option no matter where your journeys lead you. Additionally, fans can look forward to Mint Mocha (November 2025-January 2026). With a robust roadmap and an unwavering commitment to wellness-driven indulgence, Bell’s Reines is poised to bring its authentic gourmet experience to even more households worldwide.

About Bell’s Reines

Bell’s Reines is a Rockville, Maryland-based (free from artificial preservatives or flavors) company. Bell’s Reines offers classic, gluten-free, and vegan varieties. Operating with a core value of hospitality—where baking is their love language—Bell’s Reines is on a mission to share love and happiness through every bite. Learn more at

Press Release originally published by Bell’s Reines: https://bellsreines.com/blogs/news-1/bells-reines-reports-robust-q2-growth-elevating-its-wellness-first-mission

Small-scale manufacturers: Makers on the Move in Rockville

Small scale manufacturers that launch in Rockville, Maryland, join a collaborative hub known for its strong, supportive network for small businesses to grow and scale up

Childhood friends turned entrepreneurs, unexpected lightbulb moments, and niche ideas that bloom into business success. Small scale manufacturers that launch in Rockville, Maryland, join a collaborative hub known for its strong, supportive network for small businesses to grow and scale up. Meet some of our many small scale manufacturers who are thriving in Rockville.

MasPanadas is a leading Latin Food purveyor that sells its delicious products to multiple grocery stores throughout the country, on Amazon and through other distribution locations. Recently tripling its space, the company has seen a 600% increase in sales in 2023 alone. April 8 is national empanada day – but every day is a celebration of empanadas at this local favorite. It is a home-grown success story, in similar fashion to Jesse and Bens. This duo started as childhood friends with vision and pluck, and have become both entrepreneurs and restaurateurs. They’ve perfected healthy packaged fast-food treats and have grown into multiple food trucks and farmers’ markets, mobile catering and selling to grocers.

Twin Valley Distillers is the county’s first distillery since prohibition, bringing handcrafted spirits to its customers, from Port Antonio Rum to Limoncello. Owner & Master Distiller, Edgardo Zuniga welcomes each season with a new lineup of flavors to match the weather. Four seasons long, it’s a popular gathering place for the locals and visitors alike. If honey wine speaks to you, Clear Skies Meadery is a perfect destination. Mead enthusiasts and curious newcomers find unique flavors along with fun entertainment many nights of the week. Another great business venture that started with two friends, Manisha and Yancy, and a unique idea.

Who doesn’t love a great cup of Joe? Mayorga Coffee brews the perfect cup. Mayorga beans come directly from Latin American farms with no middleman. Customers delight in the authentic, ethical and exceptional organic coffee. And what goes better with coffee than pie? Just as the name suggests, Dini’s Divine Pies Bakery delivers deliciousness. Made with freshly organic and locally source fruits, the pies are (shall we say it?), simply divine and enthusiasts call them edible works of art.

International cuisine is abundant among Rockville’s small scale manufacturing entrepreneurs. Panateca offers a variety of Venezuelan-inspired dishes, including their signature Cachitos which melt in your mouth, Pan de Jamón and savory baked goods. The company sells its delicious international foods at various Farmers’ Markets and other distribution points as it grows.

Dini’s Divine Pies is a small-batch pie company that makes everything by hand with love, using all butter crusts and seasonal ingredients. Their Rockville commissary kitchen has been an important launchpad for growth. Dini credits the great location for being able to reach customers throughout the DMV for pickups, pop-ups and deliveries, while also giving her small company access to other small businesses and partners who share resources and ideas. Dini says, “Rockville is becoming a hub for small-scale makers who want to grow sustainably while staying connected to their community. The support here – from the kitchen space to the REDI team – makes it possible for businesses like mine to take creative risk and build something meaningful.”

Speaking of sweets, Savvy Treats is another local favorite artisan bakery and pastry shop right in Rockville. With over 30 years of baking experience, Savvy Treats creates artfully designed special occasion cakes, wedding cakes, custom cupcakes and cookies, and more. A recent customer review commented on her experience ordering treats for a baby shower. “Please order your cookies from Savvy Treats! Oh my goodness! The amazing detailing in the cookies exceeded my expectations.”

Caring is the main ingredient for Sunflower Bakery. This unique business thrives on enabling pathways to employment for young adults and teens with learning differences through workforce training in pastry arts, culinary arts, hospitality and related industries. Sunflower provides an inclusive, one-of-a-kind professional training experience to foster employment readiness. Customers love the dedication to celebrating differences, while the treats and savory options are delicious. Sunflower Bakery serves up a wide array, from pastries, donuts, cakes and breads to sweet treat favor bags and cupcakes.

Going door to door (and pounding the pavement) throughout the Washington, D.C. area is how the growing Z&Z – Manoushe Bakery got its start encouraging other businesses to sell its products including frozen flatbreads and spices. International specialty food companies find a great home in Rockville. Z&Z specializes in delicious Middle Eastern flatbreads and spices which draw customers from miles around. Their expansion plan included selling their spices direct to consumer on both their website and Amazon – where they are proud to be the #1 bestselling za’atar. Their products can be found in many independent grocery stores and they provide food service spices to numerous local businesses as well. More reasons to try Z&Z products and bakery? The New York Times called it one of the 25 Best Restaurants in DC for 2024.

Shafa Blends, which means ‘healing’ in Farsi and Arabic, is a woman-owned, family run artisan tea and spice shop that features a wide variety of teas, spices, herbs, botanical, salts, gifts, and other specialty items. The shop hand crafts a variety of tea and spice blends in small batches, and focus on creating custom blends that make you better. With wellness as a passion, Shafa Blends has a list of customer favorites, including turmeric ginger tea and Persian rose garden tea. When you are ready to think outside the box with spices, try the unusual omelet-on-the-go seasoning spice blend. Shafa Blends welcomes customers in their shop, with products also available online and at local Farmers’ Markets.

For business owner Bright Djampa, it was his freshman year of college that sparked his lightbulb moment. He realized there was a massive gap in the market place for food that takes care of one’s brain health. Omega 3 Nutrition was born, offering a growing line of clean-label, brain-boosting food products designed to support cognitive health and overall wellness. The flagship offerings include granola bars and cereal made with whole grains, plant-based ingredients, and enriched with naturally sourced omega-3 fatty acids. The company is a recent recipient of the Maryland Momentum Fund, an initiative of the University System of Maryland to provide late seed investment funding for promising technology ventures. “Launching Omega 3 Nutrition while I was a student at the University of Maryland was one of the most transformative experiences of my life,” said Bright Djampa, who is Founder and CEO of Omega 3 Nutrition. “The support I received from faculty and the Pitch Dingman competition played a huge role in bringing the vision to life. Winning $20,000 through Pitch Dingman gave me the runway to take this venture full-time after graduation — to hire my first team members, refine the product, and start building out a real business. University of Maryland didn’t just give me an education — it gave me the platform to pursue something meaningful and scalable from day one.”

A warm and inviting atmosphere, not to mention delicious aromas, welcomes customers to Fresh Baguette. Customers flock to the location for scratch-made artisanal croissants, pastries, baguette sandwiches, cakes, tarts and much more – all crafted with love by skilled pastry chefs. An obsession for quality is a signature of Fresh Baguette. Take, for example, the process of making its signature baguettes: a cold-dough process that produces unique flavors, homemade “levain” (leaven), and made using state-of-the-art equipment imported from France. The end result is a baguette that is authentic with moisture and just the right crunch. It takes a full two days, 11 steps, carefully selected ingredients, and the skill of a pastry chef to make our soft and flaky, mouthwateringly tender croissant.

We continue this tour through some of Rockville’s small scale manufacturers with scrumptious cookies from the Bean Bag Bakery. Unique combinations include espresso double chocolate, apple crumb or cranberry white chocolate blondie, all side by side with favorites like their chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies – available in-store, online and for delivery. In addition to expanding their cookie line to include brownies, blondies and bars, they now have a wholesale division which sells to local shops including Attman’s Deli, Bethesda Bagels and Carmen’s Italian Ice, to name a few. From the website, they ship to all 50 states, including Hawaii. The original Bean Bag Deli & Catering company opened for business in 1977 and counts itself as the first coffee shop in Montgomery County. After 32 years in Bethesda, they moved to Rockville which has enabled their expansion plans. With delicious deli, to go breakfast and lunch options, gift baskets and catering, the Bean Bag Deli and Catering Co., is still family owned and operated and a favorite stop for foodies.

For the crafty and creative, Rockville’s Hammer & Stain is a DIY studio and workshop specializing in home décor projects. Let the creative juices run wild with a variety of both in-studio and take-home options for individuals and groups. Arts are alive in Rockville, and Hammer & Stain is the perfect destination. It’s a great option for a group gathering – a little wine and a little paint make a creative and fun combination. A recent customer noted, “What a wonderful time we had at Hammer & Stain! More than a DIY shop, they make it fun and exciting and at the end of the evening, you get to take home a beautiful project!” Find specialized event opportunities including private parties, kids’ events and a summer camp. If you prefer to Hammer@Home, Hammer & Stain has you covered with a variety of fun projects to go for adults and kids.

If an icy cold, delicious dessert is what you crave, there is no better stop than Carmen’s Italian Ice, Maryland’s dessert emporium. Over the years, the Rockville store has become a go-to destination with an established and strong loyal customer base. The gelati, a layered delight of custard, Italian ice and topped with another luscious layer of custard. The Italian ice, made fresh daily, frozen custard milk shakes and more all add up to simply the best ice cream stop in the area. Carmen’s specialty creations include the Jersey Shore Mocha, the Island Refresher and Carmen’s Cherry Coke. Their treats are available at other local stores as they have expanded. A popular catering option is to have Carmen’s carts and trucks loaded with treats to get any party going. And, another unique feature of this local favorite, Carmen’s has a ‘Name of the Day’ promotion – if your name happens to be the one chosen, a free gelati is in your future.

Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks is a new brewery space in Rockville designed for multiple uses: shipping, receiving, packaging – and most importantly – brewing some of the best beer in the area. The company is expanding to meet the growing demand for their beer, food and hospitality. Moving the brewing operations to Rockville helps them expand the tradition of bringing people together over beer and food, while also increasing the range of food they offer at their multiple area locations. The company brews a variety of beers inspired by both European and American traditions, with flagship beers including The Glass Castle (Czech Pilsner), Dr. Juicy (IPA New England) and the Cloud Nine (German wheat). Rockville Beerworks has many events to draw customers, many who become regulars, for music, trivia nights and space for private parties.

To find out how to pursue your own success story in Rockville, Maryland, reach out to Richelle Wilson.

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