News Archives - Page 4 of 19 - Rockville Economic Development, Inc

Visit Montgomery announces launch of MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase

The new initiative will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together, and includes opportunities for both businesses and consumers to connect

Rockville, MD, Oct. 9, 2024 – Visit Montgomery is pleased to announce the launch of the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase scheduled for March 30 & 31, 2025, at the Hilton Rockville, Maryland.

Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to a robust hospitality and tourism sector, serving as a major workforce hub and think tank for the industry. Global leaders such as Marriott International, Ritz Carlton, Choice Hotels International, Inc., and Sodexo all have their headquarters in the county. Montgomery County has over 900 restaurants, 30,000 small businesses, and over one million residents of culturally diverse backgrounds.

“Montgomery County has always been a place where innovation and culture come together, and the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase is a perfect example of that,” said County Executive Marc Elrich “This event not only celebrates our diverse food scene, but it will also support the local businesses that make our community thrive. I’m excited to see how this showcase will help drive our economy forward by spotlighting the talent and creativity that Montgomery County is known for.”

Visit Montgomery through this new initiative; MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase will provide an opportunity for business and consumer connections. The event will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together to learn more about new products, and participate in panel discussions and other educational breakout sessions. The conference agenda will include breakout sessions on topics relative to the needs of the industry, student-to-business open forums, and exchanges and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees will be invited to enjoy food and beverage tastings, learn more about local and regional products, and purchase items.

“The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase not only celebrates our county’s cultural diversity through food but also strengthens our commitment to education and workforce development,” said Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council President. “By partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College’s hospitality programs, this event provides students with hands-on experience and direct exposure to industry leaders. It’s an exciting opportunity to foster the next generation of culinary talent.”

Montgomery College and Montgomery County Public Schools hospitality program students will have a chance to help as volunteers, and participate in breakout sessions and cooking demonstrations. Visit Montgomery is also collaborating with the MoCo Food Council and the Restaurant Association of Maryland for the Showcase.

Invited vendors include food trucks, caterers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, locally made artisans and food products, event venues, and any suppliers to the hospitality industry businesses in Montgomery County, MD. The goal of the showcase is to:

Engage the hospitality industry suppliers in a business expo format with the local entertainment venues, event venues, hotels, retailers, breweries and wineries, and restaurant operators/owners to connect their business and workforce needs with solutions in a trade show and educational format.
Promote the county’s social economy by introducing and showcasing local flavor and entrepreneurial spirit in a consumer-attended expo that celebrates Montgomery County’s diversity through cuisine and beverage tastings (food trucks, restaurants, wineries, and breweries).

“By bringing together industry leaders, local businesses, and our community, this showcase highlights the exceptional talent in our region and reinforces Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for culinary innovation. We are proud to lead this initiative that will shape the future of our hospitality sector,” said Kelly Groff, President & CEO of Visit Montgomery.

Join this exciting celebration of Montgomery County’s hospitality industry. Keep up to date for more information at MoCoEats.com.

Sign up to be notified when vendor registration is open.

Sign up to be notified when attendee ticket sales are open.

For sponsorship information, click here.

For more information about the event and to RSVP, please email Joe Doran, Community Engagement and Partnership Manager, jdoran@visitmontgomery.com.

About Visit Montgomery

Visit Montgomery’s mission is to market and develop the county and its communities as a preferred destination for group and individual travel, thereby fostering economic growth and quality of place through tourism. Visit Montgomery is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization with an oversight by a volunteer board of directors. Learn more at visitmontgomery.com

MilliporeSigma opens new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville

The new €290 million ($317 million) 23,000 SF facility streamlines MilliporeSigma's operations and is expected to bring new jobs to Rockville

Burlington, MA, Oct. 9, 2024 – MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has opened its new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville, Maryland, USA. Biosafety testing and analytical development are fundamental components of drug development and commercialization for traditional and novel modalities. Global demand for these services is growing at a double-digit rate¹.

“This expansion is the largest investment in contract testing in the company’s history and will allow us to drive automation and technology development in one integrated hub,” said Benjamin Hein, Head of Life Science Services, Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “It reflects our commitment to providing our clients with disruptive platforms that shorten biosafety testing timelines, meet the growing global demand, and ensure the safety of the world’s medicines for patients.”

The 23,000-square-meter facility will house biosafety testing, analytical development, and cell banking manufacturing services. It consolidates labs currently spread across four buildings into a single facility. This will increase collaboration between scientists and enable a higher level of automation and digitalization to increase Right First Time (RFT).

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has made significant investments over the last five years to expand its biosafety testing capabilities for clients across the globe. The company’s global biosafety testing network includes sites in Shanghai, China; Singapore; Stirling and Glasgow, UK; and Rockville, MD, USA.

The new site will feature advanced testing capabilities, including a rapid methods package, designed to accelerate virus testing of bulk harvest material. This package is the first to include the Blazar^® CHO Animal Origin Free (AOF) panel, a targeted molecular method for detecting virus families. By combining the Blazar^® CHO AOF panel with assays for mycoplasma, sterility, and retrovirus-like particle detection, test results can be obtained in just 14 days, compared to 35 days with traditional assay methods.

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, offers a broad multi-modality testing portfolio, which features disruptive platforms that reduce biosafety testing timelines and deliver the highest quality standards. The portfolio includes a rapid methods package with the Blazar^® CHO AOF panel, and the recently launched Aptegra™ platform, the first all-in-one, validated genetic stability assay of its kind. These innovations will enable the company to continue delivering high-quality testing services and regulatory expertise to bring life-changing medicines to patients more quickly and safely.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 27,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.

Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. Learn more at https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en

¹ https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/biological-safety-testing-market

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Link to press release: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/collections/press/new-biosafety-facility-rockville-md

Rockville named No. 1 Small City in Maryland

WalletHub's 2024 study compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000

Article originally published by Rockville Reports on October 2, 2024

Rockville has been named the best small city for livability in Maryland, according to WalletHub rankings released this week.

WalletHub compared 1,318 cities in the U.S. across five key dimensions: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Those five dimensions were further evaluated through 45 relevant metrics, each on a 100-point scale, such as median household income, home ownership, school system quality, health, crime rates and quality of life.

In all, 37 towns and cities in Maryland were ranked, of which the top five by percentile score were Rockville, Annapolis, Frederick, Bethesda and Ellicott City.

Cities were selected with population sizes between 25,000 and 100,000 that are considered the “city proper” in each case, excluding cities in the surrounding metro area.

Rockville has ranked highly in previous WalletHub and other studies for its ethnic diversity and livability, as well as by its own residents in biennial community surveys the city conducts.

Read about the study on WalletHub’s website.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Rockville’s Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month – a time to honor and celebrate the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, REDI is highlighting Latino and Hispanic-owned businesses in our local economy while also connecting them to resources that support growth:

Workshops, seminars and one-on-one business counseling through the Maryland Women’s Business Center
Business incentives and grants like the Rockville Small Business Impact Fund, Rockville MOVE Program and the Business Expansion Fund
Updates with industry-specific resources, funding, networking events and more through REDI’s newsletters

Business Name	Category	Address	Website
MasPanadas/Latin Goodness	Food Manufacturing	14672 Southlawn Ln Suite B, Rockville, MD 20850	https://maspanadas.com
M Luis Construction	Construction	14811 Southlawn Lane, Rockville, MD 20850	https://www.mluisconstruction.com
Nature by Trejok	Retail - Clothing	130 Gibbs St UNIT B, Rockville, MD 20850	https://naturebytrejok.com
Plaza Oaxaca	Restaurant	41 Gibbs St #305, Rockville, MD 20850	https://www.plazaoaxacamd.com/
Kumbia Restaurant	Restaurant	100 B Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850	https://kumbiarestaurant.com
La Canela	Restaurant	141 Gibbs St D, Rockville, MD 20850	https://lacanelaperu.com/
El Mercat Bar de Tapas	Restaurant	101 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850	https://www.elmercatbardetapas.com
Twin Valley Distillers	Distillery	1029 E Gude Dr Suite 105 & 105B, Rockville, MD 20850	https://twinvalleyd.com
Mayorga Organics	Food Manufacturing	1029 E Gude Dr, Rockville, MD 20850	https://mayorgacoffee.com
Downtown Brew's	Restaurant	5751 Fishers Ln, Rockville, MD 20852	https://dtbrews.com
Dini's Divine Pies	Bakery	11612 Boiling Brook Pl, Rockville, MD 20852	https://dinisdivinepies.com
Hammer & Stain - Rockville	Art Studio	107B Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850	https://www.hammerandstainrockville.com
Al Carbon	Restaurant	200 Park Rd, Rockville, MD 20850	https://alcarbonrockville.com
El Mariachi Restaurant	Restaurant	765 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852	https://elmariachirockville.com
La Limena Restaurant	Restaurant	1093 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852	https://www.facebook.com/lalimenagrill
Eureka Facts	Research	51 Monroe Street PE-02, Rockville, MD 20850	https://www.eurekafacts.com/
Campos Financial Group	Wealth Management Advisory	2401 Research Boulevard Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20850	https://camposfinancialgroup.com/
Little Miner Taco	Restaurant	39 Maryland Avenue, Suite A , Rockville, MD 20850	https://www.littleminertaco.com/
Big Papi's Tacos	Restaurant	201 East Middle Lane, Rockville, MD 20850	https://bigpapistacos.com/bigpapisrockville
Arepateca	Food Manufacturing/Restaurant	5751 Fishers Lane, 5751E Rockville, MD 20852	https://linktr.ee/arepateca

We encourage and appreciate the submission of additional Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Rockville!

REDI in partnership with 37 Oaks pilots a Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort

The cohort program curriculum includes 37 Oaks University courses, hands-on exercises, workshops, 1:1 coaching, and the 37 Oaks' Growth Lab

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), in partnership with 37 Oaks, is hosting a Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort, for a comprehensive, four-month course designed to help owners scale their product-based business. The program is design for early stage businesses that have operated for at least 3 years in the State of Maryland. By partnering with 37 Oaks, the pilot program is designed help small businesses enhance operational efficiency for upcoming holiday sales and strategic planning for 2025.

Participants will engage in weekly live virtual webinars, 1:1 coaching sessions with experts in retail, commerce, and distribution, and access to the Growth Lab Membership which offers continued support through additional courses, coaching and community engagement. The program’s pilot cohort will be limited to ten (10) small businesses.

The Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort curriculum includes:

Assortment Planning
Retail Math
E-Commerce Marketing Strategy
Turning Social Media into a Money-Making Machine
Annual Planning Workshop

The four-month program begins with an orientation October 2, 2024. Applications for participation in the programs are accepted until September 16, 2024.

Montgomery College maintains top 10 rank on 2024 Best U.S. Community College report; leads State of Maryland rankings

WalletHub's 2024 rankings named Montgomery College the top two-year school in Maryland

Montgomery College has once again secured its place among the nation’s leading community colleges, maintaining its position in the top 10 of WalletHub’s 2024 Best Community Colleges in the United States report. This accolade highlights Montgomery College’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable pathways to quality higher-education.

Maryland’s community college system ranked 1st in WalletHub’s 2024 report of state systems, moving up two spots from its rank in 2023.

WalletHub’s Best and Worst Community College report is a comprehensive evaluation of over 650 community colleges across the country. Per WalletHub, data from a wide array of sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Council for Community and Economic Research is analyzed to determine the best community colleges.

Colleges are scored across three key dimensions:

Cost & Financing (33.33%): Factors include tuition fees, financial aid availability, and student loan default rates.
Education Outcomes (33.33%): Metrics like graduation and retention rates, along with student-faculty ratios, measure academic performance.
Career Outcomes (33.33%): This dimension assesses graduates’ earning potential, job placement rates, and overall return on investment.

View the 2024 Best and Worst Community College list: https://wallethub.com/edu/e/best-worst-community-colleges/15076

About Montgomery College

Montgomery College is a public, fully accredited institution dedicated to student success and widely recognized for the quality and scope of its academic programs. MC has campuses in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, plus training and community engagement centers, and off-site programs throughout the county. Learn more at https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. announces Nancy Regelin as new Chair of Board of Directors

Nancy's appointment as Chair follows her service as Vice Chair since 2020.

Rockville, Md., June 22, 2024 – Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Regelin as the new Chair of the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024. Nancy has been a member of REDI’s Board since 2010, served as Vice Chair since 2020, and is the Chair of the Maryland Women’s Business Center Advisory Board. She succeeds Susan Prince, who led REDI’s Board since 2020.

Nancy Regelin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. As a Real Estate Law Shareholder at Shulman Rogers, Nancy is respected for her strategic thinking, effective communication, and adept management skills. She excels in implementing the vision of landowners, developers, and creative consultants, contributing to the creation of vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play.

“We are honored to welcome Nancy as our new Board Chair and look forward to benefiting from her continued vision and expertise,” stated REDI’s CEO, Cindy Rivarde.

Nancy has represented projects throughout Rockville, such as the Upper Rock District, but is most proud of her role in the public-private partnership to redevelop the Rockville Mall after its foreclosure in 1991 bringing back the heart of Town Center with new open space and a walkable street grid. Over the years since she has continued to be part of the teams to create entertainment, employment, and new housing opportunities for the community in Town Center.

“I have long considered Rockville as my adopted hometown and am honored to have the opportunity to serve to support economic development efforts so all of Rockville can prosper,” said REDI’s Board Chair, Nancy Regelin.

Nancy’s career began as a design engineer before she transitioned to law, where she has spent over three decades advancing innovative ideas, building consensus, and finding creative solutions to complex problems. She works to forge strong relationships with elected officials, community leaders, professional consultants, and other business owners.

In addition to her professional achievements, Nancy is the co-founder of The Power Conference, women’s business development event. Her commitment to supporting women-owned businesses underscores her passion for fostering economic growth and development.

About REDI

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership that helps businesses 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 resources and guidance for existing companies in the city. To learn more, visit: https://rockvilleredi.org/

Media Contact: Amanda Bosland, Marketing & Communications Director, REDI – amanda@rockvilleredi.org

About Shulman Rogers

Shulman Rogers is a full-service law firm with offices across the Washington metropolitan region. With 112 attorneys, the firm provides sophisticated, comprehensive counsel for clients in many areas including real estate, corporate, litigation, start-up, intellectual property, M&A and employment law, as well as a host of personal services. Learn more at https://www.shulmanrogers.com/

Governor Moore Announces $16.2 Million to Support Small Businesses and Community Revitalization Across Maryland

"When we invest in our small businesses, we invest in the neighborhoods they serve and the Marylanders they employ."

Press Release published by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded more than $16.2 million to assist small businesses and support local revitalization projects and activities. Grants from the Business Boost Microgrant Program, the Main Street Improvement Grant, and Project Restore 2.0 will provide funds to 121 businesses, local governments, and place-based economic development organizations to spur community revitalization by attracting, retaining, and expanding small businesses, as well as through the promotion of local, cultural attractions and events.

“Community growth and business growth are inextricably linked. When we invest in our small businesses, we invest in the neighborhoods they serve and the Marylanders they employ,” said Gov. Moore. “Today, we take an important step toward building a more competitive economy and a more vibrant state.”

The Business Boost Microgrant Program helps businesses expand or establish locations, with preference for home-based businesses that are establishing their first commercial location outside of the home. Applicants are required to meet one or more of the priority impact attributes that contribute to Maryland’s economic growth, such as supporting minority and women-owned businesses, driving innovation or technology advancements, growing new industries, or leveraging existing regional strengths. Pending local approval, Business Boost will award $2,113,147 to assist 47 businesses, including:

Automating the manufacturing capabilities of Fyodor Biotechnologies (Baltimore City) to increase the production of its urine malaria test, the world’s first non-blood, home test for malaria that provides results in minutes.
Assisting Stylish Auto Dealer (Charles County) in acquiring and enhancing a second auto repair shop and launching its auto wholesale business. The expansion includes the hiring of mechanics and shop personnel.

The Main Street Improvement Grant Program provides operating assistance to local governments or economic development organizations in Maryland’s designated and affiliated Main Street Maryland communities and Baltimore City’s designated Main Street neighborhoods. Grants help awardees achieve their community revitalization and economic development goals, including creating and retaining small businesses and increasing tourism for local events and attractions. The program awarded $966,000 in grants to 47 awardees, including:

Funding for the Town of Centreville (Queen Anne’s County) to support its façade improvement program and to cover fees for National Main Street membership, website maintenance, photography, videography, and business promotions.
Design, construction, and installation of public art in the Main Street district of the Town of Thurmont (Frederick County).

Project Restore 2.0 activates vacant buildings, supports small businesses, and increases local economic activity by providing financial support to improve the vitality of Maryland’s commercial corridors. Unlike prior rounds of the program, which directly funded businesses, $13,193,363 was awarded as block grants to 55 place-based economic development organizations, nonprofit or local government entities that work to improve a specific jurisdiction within the state. Awardees including the City of Cumberland (Allegany County), the Bel Air Downtown Alliance (Harford County), and the Ocean City Development Corporation (Worcester County) will sub-grant the funds to for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, cooperatively owned businesses, and social enterprises to start up or expand into vacant buildings in their jurisdictions.

“To ensure the continued quality of our communities and to improve the quality of life for all their residents, we must revitalize their hearts – downtowns, Main Streets, and other important community hubs and places,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This important funding will provide strength by supporting the growth of small businesses that provide local services and job opportunities and the events and attractions that make Maryland’s unique, varied communities such great and lovable places.”

For more information about the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development business assistance and Main Street improvement programs, visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov.

View original Press Release: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2024/07/09/governor-moore-announces-16-2-million-to-support-small-businesses-and-community-revitalization-across-maryland/

Explore Rockville invites the Washington, D.C., region to cool down with Global Bites Fest Dining Days hot culinary deals through July 6

From June 22 – July 6, participating restaurants will offer exclusive deals and discounts through the Global Bites Fest Digital Passport, powered by Rockville Rewards.

Rockville, Md., June 26, 2024 – As the summer heats up, so does Rockville’s culinary scene. Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is encouraging the Washington, D.C., region to beat the heat by dining locally and connecting with Rockville’s diverse population through its cuisine.

Following a successful food festival event in Rockville Town Square on June 22, Explore Rockville’s Global Bites Fest continues its cultural celebration with Dining Days through July 6. This unique take on a restaurant week promises to be a culinary adventure, offering food enthusiasts a unique opportunity to sample a diverse array of global cuisines right in the heart of Rockville.

“With our Global Bites Fest Dining Days, we invite everyone to tantalize their taste buds while cooling off from the summer heat,” expressed Amanda Bosland, Director of Marketing and Communications at REDI. “From the zest of authentic Thai appetizers to the sweetness of Peruvian desserts, a world of flavors awaits here in Rockville. Seize this opportunity to indulge in exclusive deals and delightful treats from our local eateries. Let’s savor this summer and make it truly unforgettable!”

From June 22 – July 6, participating restaurants will offer exclusive deals and discounts through the Global Bites Fest Digital Passport, powered by Rockville Rewards. The Digital Passport can be purchased for $20 each by visiting RockvilleRewards.com. Over a dozen local eateries feature exclusive deals, discounts, and special treats. Once purchased, customers can unlock and redeem the deals directly from their Android or Apple Wallet.

“Net proceeds from Rockville Rewards sales support a variety of local nonprofits and school programs, Bosland said. “As a bonus, participating in Rockville Rewards unlocks a variety of local deals and experiences, everything from dining and events to goods and services, in and around Rockville through August 31^st.”

Participating Dining Days Restaurants:

Bonchon Chicken Rockville: For $20, you can choose small wings or a small combo and a house cocktail or soda. For only $5 more, you can add fries, four potstickers, or edamame.
Farmsook Thai Kitchen: Receive a free appetizer when you purchase any two entrees.
Island Pride Jamaican Restaurant: Purchase a small meal and receive a free side order. Side orders include Sweet potato, rice and beans, steamed white rice, greens, cabbage with mixed vegetables, mac and cheese, and plantains.
La Speranza Restaurant: Get 15% off any hot or cold sandwich.

Plaza Oaxaca: Choose 25% off three taco platters or 25% off margaritas—one per customer.

Poyoteca Peruvian Rotisserie: Receive your choice of Tres Leches cake, flan, or Alfajor cookie for free with the purchase of an individual meal.

Soulfull Café: Get 15% off any hot or cold sandwich.

Bontanero: Enjoy exclusive happy hour specials from 4 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday in the bar, patio, and dining room. Every Monday, enjoy half-priced sangria pitchers all day long.

Bogarts: Enjoy a free appetizer when you purchase any entrée.

Bread Corner Café: Receive a half-price drink.

Downtown Brew’s: Get 20% off ceviche on Tuesdays, 10% off all bottles of wine on Wednesdays, plus lunch specials on Tuesday – Saturday.

Teamania: Enjoy any beverage at 50% off.

“REDI is thrilled to host Explore Rockville’s Global Bites Fest,” said Susan Prince, Board Chair of REDI. “This event not only highlights Rockville as an epicenter of culinary diversity and excellence but also drives traffic, attracts new customers, and boosts sales, contributing significantly to the vitality of our local food industry.”

Explore Rockville promotes Rockville, Maryland’s vibrant culture and community. We aim to unite people to celebrate the rich tapestry of our city’s culinary and cultural offerings through events like the Global Bites Fest. Learn more at https://explorerockville.org/

The Global Bites Fest Digital Passport is part of the Rockville Rewards program. This shop small initiative is supported by the City of Rockville and Rockville Economic Development, Inc. in partnership with the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at https://rockvillerewards.com/

Embark on a flavorful journey at Explore Rockville’s Global Bites Fest: Three Experiences, One Epic Culinary Celebration

Explore Rockville invites everyone to join the celebration of global cuisine and cultural diversity from June 22 to July 6, 2024.

Rockville, Md., May 28, 2024 – Explore Rockville, a program of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), proudly announces the highly anticipated Global Bites Fest, set to transform Rockville into a culinary paradise from June 22 to July 6, 2024. This unique festival invites food lovers and cultural enthusiasts to experience a world of flavors in the heart of Rockville, Maryland, with three experiences: a one-day, in-person food festival, 15 days of restaurant specials, and unique culinary-themed restaurant events.

Global Bites Fest starts with a vibrant in-person event on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rockville Town Square. Attendees will be treated to an array of mouthwatering dishes prepared by local restaurants and vendors, live performances showcasing the community’s diverse culture, and interactive activities for all ages. Rockville Town Square will also become a designated beverage district, allowing attendees to purchase and enjoy to-go alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants during the festival.

According to WalletHub, the City of Rockville consistently ranks as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. Residents of Asian descent represent 21.6% of Rockville’s population, which has grown from its 2010 proportion of 20.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population was 16.6 percent of the population, while Black or African American Rockville residents comprised 10.9% of the total population.

“REDI is thrilled to host the Global Bites Fest kick-off event in partnership with Morguard,” said Susan Prince, Board Chair of REDI. “This event not only highlights Rockville as an epicenter of culinary diversity and excellence but also drives traffic, attracts new customers, and boosts sales, contributing significantly to the vitality of our local food industry.”

Continuing the culinary celebration, Global Bites Dining Days invites food lovers to explore hidden culinary gems and savor authentic dishes across the city. From June 22 to July 6, participants can use the Rockville Rewards Digital Card to access exclusive deals and discounts at participating restaurants.

Additionally, participating restaurants will host “Foodie Function” events on select days throughout the festival. These ticketed experiences will feature live cooking demonstrations, themed dinners, exclusive tastings, expertly curated beverage pairings, and engaging sessions with guest speakers, providing an immersive culinary journey.

Explore Rockville invites everyone to join this celebration of global cuisine and cultural diversity. For more information about the Global Bites Fest and how to participate as a restaurant, please visit https://explorerockville.org/global-bites-fest/.

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