Hunan Chain Nong Geng Ji Will Open in Rockville

The restaurant will occupy the former 7-Eleven site at The Shops at Congressional Village.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a ceramic bowl of dried chilies and chopsticks, representing a new restaurant arrival in Rockville. — The Hunan restaurant chain Nong Geng Ji is expanding into Maryland, with plans to renovate a retail space on Rockville Pike in Rockville. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nong Geng Ji, a restaurant chain known for its Hunan cuisine, will open its first Maryland location in Rockville. The new establishment is planned for the site at 1701 Rockville Pike.

Why it matters

The expansion brings the chain to Maryland following the success of its first U.S. location in Flushing, Queens. It repurposes a prominent retail space that previously served as a 7-Eleven for a decade.

The new restaurant will be located at 1701 Rockville Pike in The Shops at Congressional Village. The space replaces a 7-Eleven that operated at the shopping center for approximately 10 years.

The players

Nong Geng Ji

This is a restaurant chain that specializes in serving traditional Hunan cuisine.

The details

Nong Geng Ji is preparing to renovate the retail space to host its specialized Hunan dining experience. The previous tenant at the location closed its doors on December 24.

The previous tenant, 7-Eleven, closed its doors on December 24.
Nong Geng Ji plans to open its Rockville location in the future.

Culture Shift

The move reflects the nationwide expansion of regional international cuisine chains into suburban retail hubs. This entry marks a shift in the local dining landscape as chains increasingly target established shopping centers for expansion.

Residents can anticipate a new dining option as the retail space at The Shops at Congressional Village is converted. The arrival of this international chain may offer new variety for commuters and locals along the Rockville Pike corridor.

The takeaway

The transformation of this retail space highlights how national chains are actively utilizing existing commercial infrastructure to penetrate new markets. Local diners should look for further announcements regarding the official opening timeline.