Wheaton Mall Update: Openings, Closures & Coming Soon (Summer 2024)

Below is a list of businesses that have recently opened, closed, or are coming soon to the Wheaton Mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Rd.

Now Open: Sake Japanese Steak House
Sake Japanese Steak House is now open in the space formerly occupied by Bar Louie. The restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and is taking reservations. The menu features a variety of appetizers, hibachi, sushi, and more.

According to the website, “Sake Japanese Steakhouse is a fine dining restaurant that serves fresh and flavorful cuisine from Japan. Our mission is clear: to be the best and truly authentic Japanese steakhouse in MD. In addition to the exquisite food, decor and ambiance, guests will have the opportunity to experience various traditions of Japan. Guests are assured of a unique and unforgettable experience. Sake Japanese Steakhouse strives to provide the most enjoyable and unique dining experience by stimulating all of your senses.”

Sake also currently has locations in Glen Burnie and Owings Mills, Maryland, and Woodbridge and Alexandria, Virginia. Featured photo courtesy of @sakejapanesesteakhouse_wheaton on Instagram.

Coming soon: Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero is coming to the Wheaton Mall food court. It will take over the space formerly occupied by Moe’s Southwest Grill. The menu will include fried and grilled chicken, empanadas, yuca, plantains and flan. An opening date has not yet been announced.

Pollo Campero has additional locations in Montgomery County: Bethesda (Montgomery Mall), Gaithersburg, Takoma Park and Wheaton.

Now Open: WOW Games
WOW Games is now open on the lower level of the mall, near Hollister and Charlotte Russe. According to Westfield Wheaton, WOW Games specializes in “new and used games and systems, art, TCG cards, and gaming accessories.”

Now open: Java Fresh Café
Java Fresh Café opened earlier this month in the food court. The kiosk serves hot and cold coffee, bubble tea, ice cream, frozen yogurt, pastries and smoothies. According to Westfield: “We are excited to welcome Java Fresh Café to our food court! Java Fresh brews a wide variety of cold and hot coffee beverages with a smooth finish. Pair your drink with something from the bakery rack or even a scoop…or 2 of ice cream to complement the bold, rich flavor of their fresh coffee. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, you can order a fruit platter or smoothie to satisfy your sweet tooth.”

Event: Back to School
MCPS will host its annual Back-to-School Fair on Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the mall. The event is described as “a great opportunity for families to learn more about the school system and the county’s programs and services. Enjoy family activities, music, entertainment and giveaways. There will also be a vaccination clinic. Free shuttle transportation will be provided”

“Bring the whole family and enjoy free music, giveaways, and learn about our school and county programs.” MCPS offers free shuttle transportation from these high schools to the Back-to-School Fair:
– Gaithersburg
– Richard Montgomery
– Montgomery Blair
– Paint branch
– John F. Kennedy
–Wheaton

Closed: Express
Fashion retailer Express announced in April that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and planned to close nearly 100 of its locations, including those at Wheaton Mall and Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The Clarksburg Premium Outlets location will remain open. Click here for a full list of all closed stores.

Closed: rue21
In May, teen clothing retailer rue21 announced it had filed for bankruptcy for the third time and would close all of its locations. The Pennsylvania-based company designed clothing that “appeals to people who want to be, wish to be or feel 21.” rue21 previously had a location in Wheaton Mall that closed in 2017 during its previous bankruptcy filing, before reopening in May 2022.

Available soon: Divine Jewelers and Deluxe Gold & Diamonds
Signage for two new jewelry stores coming soon to Wheaton Mall: Divine Jewelers and Deluxe Gold & Diamonds. They join Classic Diamond & Jewelry/Pandora, Gold Palace, Kay Jewelers, Paradise Jewelry Store and Ruby Jewelers as gold/jewelry retailers in the mall. Opening dates have not yet been announced.