Lil Sweet Treat Opened First Maryland Store
The candy shop has launched in the former Bethesda Row space occupied by Luke's Lobster.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Lil Sweet Treat has opened its first Maryland location at Bethesda Row, moving into the storefront previously occupied by Luke's Lobster. The shop brings its extensive candy selection to the Bethesda community.
Why it matters
The opening marks a notable change in the Bethesda Row retail mix as the site transitions from a long-standing restaurant location to a specialty confectionery store. The expansion represents the continued growth of the brand following its founding in 2024.
The new shop offers more than 350 varieties of candy at its 7129 Bethesda Lane address. This location replaces a restaurant that operated at the same storefront for 15 years.
The players
Lil Sweet Treat
This confectionery retail chain offers hundreds of candy varieties and maintains locations across several major U.S. cities.
Elly Ross
She is a co-founder of the New York-based candy company Lil Sweet Treat.
Jack Ross
He is a co-founder of the New York-based candy company Lil Sweet Treat.
The details
Founded in New York City in 2024 by Elly Ross and Jack Ross, the candy store has expanded to major cities including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago. The founders initiated the project after spotting a for lease sign at the Bethesda Row property.
Timeline
Luke's Lobster opened at the 7129 Bethesda Lane address in 2012.
Lil Sweet Treat was founded in New York City in 2024.
Market Landscape
The arrival of Lil Sweet Treat follows a pattern of evolving retail occupancy in the Bethesda Row district. This transition reflects a broader shift as developers replace long-standing dining tenants with specialty retail concepts.
Shoppers in Bethesda can expect access to a new inventory of over 350 candy types located on Bethesda Lane. This move replaces a long-term dining option with a retail experience focused on confections.
The takeaway
Specialty retail stores continue to carve out space in major metropolitan shopping corridors despite the challenges of replacing legacy tenants. Consumers interested in unique confection options now have a new option in the heart of the Bethesda retail district.
Further reading
For more information on retail changes in the area, visit the Bethesda Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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