The former McDonald's at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood's Red Mill Shops is slated to become an Arby's. A construction permit valued at more than $500,000 has been issued for the project, and the chain has been reported to be aiming for an opening before the end of 2026.
The permit, reported by The MoCo Show, marks another significant step toward opening for the long-anticipated project. According to Rockville Nights, construction has begun on the future Arby's restaurant at the Red Mill Shops site, with workers so far focused on gutting the interior of the former McDonald's.
The Changeover at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road
Arby's signed a lease for the location before McDonald's permanently closed on March 15, according to an earlier report by The MoCo Show. The outlet also reported that crews began clearing the former restaurant over the summer and that “Coming Soon” signage appeared on the building.
Arby's previously told The MoCo Show that it hoped to begin construction after Labor Day and open before the end of 2026, while cautioning that the schedule could change. The company has not announced an updated opening date.
The Site's Earlier Restaurants
The building dates to 1985 and has housed several fast-food restaurants, according to The MoCo Show. Before McDonald's, the site was home to Roy Rogers and Hardee's.
What the Planning Record Says About the Area
A separate Montgomery County Planning Board forest-conservation case identifies the property at 7100 and 7106 Muncaster Mill Road as part of the Derwood Policy Area and the 2004 Upper Rock Creek Master Plan area. That case concerns a different property from the Arby's site at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road, so it does not establish what the plan envisions for the restaurant parcel.
If it opens as planned, the restaurant will mark Arby's return to Montgomery County.
