Idiom Brewing Co. has announced it will permanently close, bringing an end to its seven-year run in Frederick’s craft beer scene.

In a message posted to social media on Friday, owner and head brewer Mike Clements said the brewery will close its doors for good on February 15, 2026. Clements cited ongoing challenges in the brewing industry, describing a “perfect storm” that the business was ultimately unable to overcome despite continued efforts. He encouraged customers to visit during the brewery’s final weeks to support staff, share memories, and help finish remaining beer. Idiom has operated with a focus on community since opening, serving as a gathering place for local residents and visitors.

The closure follows an announcement made last August, when Idiom revealed it had been listed for sale. At that time, founder Michael Clements explained he initially planned to sell only the production brewery in order to downsize but later decided to list both the taproom and production facility, along with the brand and its rights. He said the decision came after personal reflection and a desire to allow new ownership the opportunity to take the brand forward, while noting the brewery would remain open during the search for a buyer.

Idiom Brewing Co. is located at 340 E. Patrick Street in Frederick. No announcement has been made regarding future use of the space following the closure.

bartaco has officially arrived in Maryland with its first location right here in Montgomery County. A ‘first look’ video is available below.

The popular restaurant concept has soft opened its first Maryland location at 11886 Grand Park Ave. in North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose, taking over the former NADA space. For now, the restaurant is only open in the evenings as it ramps up operations ahead of expanded hours. According to the restaurant, bartaco is expected to begin opening at 11am starting midweek next week, likely Wednesday.

Known for its coastal-inspired menu and laid-back atmosphere, bartaco describes itself as “inspired by the beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay, and southern California.” The concept focuses on upscale street food served in a relaxed environment, paired with freshly squeezed juices, specialty cocktails, and beer served out of the bottle.

The Pike & Rose location marks bartaco’s first entry into Maryland, adding to the growing list of high-profile restaurant brands choosing the North Bethesda development for their local debut. A full grand opening date and daytime service details are expected to be announced soon.

 

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Montgomery County native Jon Bernthal is starring in the current number one show on Netflix, the limited series His & Hers, which premiered on January 8 and has climbed to the top spot in the United States.

The series centers on two estranged spouses racing to solve the same murder while suspecting each other of being responsible. Bernthal plays Detective Jack Harper, while Tessa Thompson stars as his former wife, a news reporter covering the case. As the investigation unfolds, both characters pursue the truth from opposite sides, blurring the line between personal history and professional duty.

Bernthal grew up in the Cabin John area and graduated from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., in 1995. Despite his Hollywood success, he has remained closely connected to the area. He still has family in Montgomery County and is frequently spotted at local malls, gyms, grocery stores, and other everyday spots. Readers regularly send in photos after running into him around the county.

Over the course of his career, Bernthal has built an extensive resumé across film and television. He is widely known for roles in The Walking Dead, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Accountant, Ford v Ferrari, and numerous other projects.

Bernthal is also set to reprise one of his most iconic roles, Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, in Sony and Marvel’s upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He first portrayed the character in Netflix’s Daredevil before headlining The Punisher. He recently returned as Castle in Daredevil: Born Again and is scheduled to lead a 2026 Disney+ special directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green.

The Punisher role also carries a local connection. The character was previously played in the 2004 film adaptation by another Montgomery County native, Thomas Jane, a 1987 graduate of Thomas S. Wootton High School.

Brooks Koepka applied for reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership Friday, sources told ESPN, the first step in the five-time major champion's potential return to the tour.

Coming soon signage is now up for Char’d at Pike & Rose, which is taking over the space at 11881 Grand Park Ave. in Pike & Rose that was previously home to BurgerFi for more than six years.

The signage recently appeared on the storefront, and the restaurant tells The MoCoShow they are currently aiming for a late January to early February opening, pending final preparations. BurgerFi permanently closed its Pike & Rose location earlier this month, ending a run that began in April 2019. While BurgerFi’s Gaithersburg location at Rio Lakefront and its Downtown Silver Spring location remain open, the Pike & Rose closure cleared the way for Char’d to make its Maryland debut.

Char’d previously operated a food truck at 8600 Zetts Ave. in Gaithersburg and opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at Tysons Galleria in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The Pike & Rose location will mark Char’d’s first Montgomery County and first Maryland storefront.

Co-founders Khallil Daher and Subhan Jahromi previously told The MoCoShow that strong demand from Maryland customers played a major role in the decision to open at Pike & Rose. They said the development aligns with Char’d’s goal of operating in vibrant, highly accessible destinations that serve a broad regional audience. The partners also shared plans for additional Maryland locations over the next two years, along with a Washington, DC location expected to open in 2026.

Char’d launched its first food truck in Northern Virginia in April 2023, followed by its Gaithersburg truck in November 2023, before making the jump to brick-and-mortar locations.

The menu focuses on smashed-style burgers and comfort food, featuring grass-fed beef and seed-oil-free cooking. Signature items include the Original Char’d, topped with American cheese, shredduce, onion, pickle, and CHAR’D sauce, along with the Hot Char’d, which adds pickled jalapeños and a jalapeño-forward sauce. Duck-fat fries, wings, grilled cheese sandwiches, and additional sides round out the offerings.