Clothing Chains Close, New Eateries Open Across Maryland

From sushi to country-style dining, food options expand in the state as some retailers shutter locations.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Two national clothing retailers in Maryland plan to close some or all locations, while a new sushi restaurant will open in Montgomery County and a new country-style eatery will set up shop in Anne Arundel County. A new food hall is coming to Rockville in early spring, and Annapolis will host its restaurant week this month. Additionally, a new membership club called Dine Around Maryland Club offers discounts at eateries across the state.

Why it matters

The closures of major clothing chains reflect ongoing challenges in the retail sector, while the openings of new dining options provide more choices for Maryland residents and visitors. The food hall, restaurant week, and dining club initiatives aim to support the local restaurant industry and give consumers more opportunities to explore the state's culinary offerings.

The details

Eddie Bauer, an iconic clothing brand, is expected to file for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of about 200 stores across North America, including locations in Maryland. In contrast, a new contemporary Japanese restaurant called Koi Sushi has opened its doors in Gaithersburg, and the country-style dining chain Cracker Barrel has opened a new location in Annapolis. Additionally, a new food hall called Wonder is set to open in Rockville in March, and Annapolis is hosting its annual restaurant week later this month. The Dine Around Maryland Club, a new membership program, offers discounts at eateries across the state.

  • Eddie Bauer is expected to file for bankruptcy in the near future.
  • Koi Sushi opened its doors in Gaithersburg on Monday.
  • Cracker Barrel opened its new location in Annapolis recently.
  • Wonder food hall is scheduled to open in Rockville in March.
  • Annapolis Restaurant Week is set to kick off later this month.

The players

Eddie Bauer

An iconic clothing brand that is expected to file for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of about 200 stores across North America, including locations in Maryland.

Koi Sushi

A new contemporary Japanese restaurant that has opened in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County.

Cracker Barrel

A country-style dining chain that has opened a new location in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County.

Wonder

A new food hall that is scheduled to open in Rockville, Montgomery County, in March.

Dine Around Maryland Club

A new membership program that offers discounts at eateries across the state of Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The contrasting news of clothing chain closures and new dining options in Maryland reflects the ongoing shifts in the retail and restaurant industries. While some national brands struggle, local and independent eateries are seizing opportunities to expand and cater to evolving consumer preferences for diverse culinary experiences.