Rockville Town Square Adding More Food Choices

Rockville Town Square is welcoming several new spots for drinking, dining and buying carryout food this spring and summer.

Pho & Rolls opened in May, Bar Louie opened two weeks ago and American Tap Room and Mr. Smoothie are coming soon, Jill Powell, senior marketing manager for Federal Realty Investment Trust, wrote in an e-mail.

The most recent addition, Vie de France, which opened four weeks ago at 39-A Maryland Ave., will celebrate its grand opening Saturday.

Music, giveaways, prizes and entertainment for children are planned between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., said Susan Salata, Vie de France marketing manager.

The bakery/café offers carryout sandwiches and European style baked goods. The café does not have any seating.

Business is better than expected and the shop is serving more than 300 customers a day, she said.

“We were thrilled to get this location,” Salata said. “Rockville is well known for people that know good food, good bakery products – that’s what we do.”

Menu items will change with the season, she said.

In light of all the nighttime activities in Town Square, it will offer a free kids meal with each adult sandwich or salad purchased during the Concerts in the Square, and in the winter they will have a special menu for ice skaters, Salata said.

Bar Louie, which has more than 60 restaurants in 17 states and Washington, D.C., celebrated the grand opening of its first Maryland location last week, at 150 Gibbs St.

“The area is a growing area, conducive to the Bar Louie brand,” said Ziky Smith, the chain’s regional East Coast marketing manager.

The eclectic urban bar is known for its handcrafted signature cocktails, which are made by hand with fresh fruits and freshly squeezed juices, he said. Food is a selection of small plates, burgers and sandwiches.

“[Bar Louie is] a fun and entertaining location that had great food, good service, fun atmosphere,” Smith said.

Grand opening specials will continue indefinitely with $1 burgers on Tuesdays after 5 p.m. and half-priced bottles of wine on Thursdays.

Federal Realty’s Powell said businesses in Town Square are doing well. Federal Realty owns and operates the retail and residential district in Rockville Town Center.

“The Summer Event Series has once again been a huge success this year, drawing huge crowded of people to The Square throughout each week for concerts, kid’s events and outdoor movies that keep The Square buzzing,” Powell said.

“We are beyond pleased with the turnout and are looking forward to the remaining events that will run through September. With the addition of the ice skating rink during the winter months, an extended summer events program, our fifth anniversary celebration and all of the new exciting tenants, we look forward to a great year at Rockville Town Square.”