Neko Nook Signs Rockville Space
The locally owned Japanese-style sandwich cafe will open its second Montgomery County location in the former Subway at 2 N. Washington Street.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Neko Nook has signed to take over the former Subway space at 2 N. Washington Street in Rockville's Courthouse Center. The cafe, which specializes in Japanese-style sandwiches, is opening its second Montgomery County location, and no opening date has been announced.
Why it matters
The expansion adds a second Neko Nook location in Montgomery County, bringing the cafe's Japanese-style sandwich menu to Rockville's downtown dining corridor. The Rockville space sits next to Seoul Kitchen & Bar, placing it among the area's established restaurants.
Neko Nook will operate two Montgomery County locations, with its first at 422 Main Street in Gaithersburg and its second at 2 N. Washington Street in Rockville. The company has not announced an opening date for the new site.
The players
Neko Nook
A locally owned Montgomery County cafe specializing in Japanese-style sandwiches, with its first location in Gaithersburg's Kentlands neighborhood.
Montgomery County Alcoholic Beverage Services
The county agency that licenses and regulates alcohol sales and will hold a hearing on Neko Nook's Rockville application on December 3.
The details
Neko Nook, a locally owned cafe known for Japanese-style sandwiches including traditional fruit sandwiches and modern variations, signed to take over the space previously occupied by Subway. The cafe's drink menu includes espresso-based beverages, lattes, and teas, and the Rockville location is scheduled for a hearing with Montgomery County Alcoholic Beverage Services on Thursday, December 3.
Timeline
September 2024: Neko Nook opened its first location at 422 Main Street in Gaithersburg's Kentlands neighborhood, in the former FD Book Cafe space.
Thursday, December 3: Neko Nook is scheduled for a hearing with Montgomery County Alcoholic Beverage Services regarding the Rockville location.
Openings & Closings
The Rockville expansion must pass a Montgomery County Alcoholic Beverage Services hearing on December 3, the same county licensing step that governs whether a new cafe with beverage service can open. The second location follows Neko Nook's September 2024 Gaithersburg debut and extends its footprint within the county.
Rockville diners who enjoy Japanese-style sandwiches will have a new downtown option once the cafe opens, though no date has been set. Residents can watch for the December 3 licensing hearing as a signal of how close the opening is.
The takeaway
Neko Nook's second Montgomery County location will bring its Japanese-style sandwich menu to Rockville's Courthouse Center, with the December 3 licensing hearing marking the next visible milestone before opening.
What happens next
Neko Nook's hearing with Montgomery County Alcoholic Beverage Services is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, and will determine the next step toward opening the Rockville location.
Further reading
For more restaurant openings and closings, see Openings & Closings in Rockville.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
