2022 in review: Westfield Montgomery mall on the move

December 29, 2022

Westfield Montgomery mall lost quite a few businesses in 2022, but it gained even more. Let’s start with the restaurants:

The biggest news, last March, was the long-awaited arrival of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana.
Next was all-day breakfast concept Butter Me Up, which opened in the former Aroma space. Its sister restaurant, HalfSmoke, soon arrived in the Dining Terrace with a bar and a boardwalk-style menu.
Greek Aroma, in the long-empty former Beefsteak space, is one of three new halal eateries that opened in our area this year.
Suki Hana took over the long-closed Sarku sushi kiosk.
Malia’s Kitchen is earning kudos for its soul food in a space that’s been home to three different restaurants this year. It was preceded by the short-lived Lazzaro’s Italian Deli, and Big Al’s Subs before that.
DQ/Orange Julius, a beloved spot for many local families, closed its doors at the mall after 20 years. So did the Moorenko’s ice cream kiosk.
District Falafel, a food truck-turned brick-and-mortar eatery, took over the onetime Fu Shing space outside the mall. Its menu is also halal.

But many more retailers opened:

A new Purple mattress store took over the onetime Microsoft space.
Psycho Bunny is a men’s store known for its colorful polo shirts and skull-and-crossbones logo.
Sayki is a Turkish chain specializing in men’s business attire.
De Clichy is a trendy men’s retailer from Hyattsville.
Kickz carries rare and collectible shoes and jerseys.
A Beautiful Closet is a D.C.-based women’s boutique.
Fangyán showcases young Asian designers.
Papaya Clothing is a fast-fashion retailer that just opened its doors.
Lovisa is a piercing/jewelry store that’s about to open.
And for the kids: Alex Baby & Toys is the first location of a new chain; Toys R Us opened a store-within-a-store inside Macy’s; and Squishable opened over the holidays.