New and Coming Soon to Rio

September 6, 2026 I The MoCo Show –  Here’s a look at the latest openings and upcoming projects at Rio in Gaithersburg.

• Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen is now open at 212 Boardwalk Place, taking over the former Bach to Rock space. Led by Chef Rachid, whose culinary roots trace back to Beirut, the restaurant serves Lebanese favorites including hummus, mezze, shawarma, falafel, grilled entrées and flatbreads. The menu also features Lebanese wines, cocktails, zero-proof drinks and desserts such as baklava and pistachio ice cream.
• Sip, a family-owned dirty soda and mocktail stand, recently opened next to Bear’s Shaved Ice near the carousel and playground, offering a menu of customizable dirty sodas, mocktails, energy drink mixes, sparkling water refreshers, and specialty beverages. Owned and operated by Mindy Merrill, Sip is the result of what she describes as a true family effort. Her husband, Tyler Merrill, helps with the business, while their teenage children, Cameron and Jane, assist with management and social media. Even their two younger children have played a role through extensive taste-testing duties. The family moved to Montgomery County in 2013 after spending time in Oregon, Utah, Alabama, Texas, and California. Mindy noted that their oldest child, who started kindergarten in Montgomery County, recently graduated from Quince Orchard High School. Mindy said the idea for Sip came after years of working from home in tax and financial services while raising four children. Once her youngest started kindergarten, she decided it was time to pursue something more ambitious.

To read the full article on The MoCo Show’s website, click HERE.