The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) issued a stop work order at the future Silk Route restaurant in downtown Bethesda, the second such order at the site since construction began.
The order targets 4839 Del Ray Ave., where the Persian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant is under renovation, blogger Robert Dyer reported Monday, Oct. 19. The WSSC order cites code Section 105.5.2, and the inspector noted that "Work started before permit issuance."
Dyer wrote that the code section typically indicates plumbing or gas work that contradicts code requirements, even when a permit or approved plan from the utility is active. WSSC oversees water and sewer connections in Montgomery and Prince George's counties, a separate jurisdiction from the county's building-permit authority.
The first stop work order came from Montgomery County inspectors in spring 2026. Construction resumed after that order was resolved, and as of early October, interior walls and doors were nearing completion, Dyer reported Oct. 6. The restaurant was also hiring staff at that point.
Workers had just applied a fresh coat of white paint when the WSSC order arrived.
Silk Route is taking over the 3,472-square-foot space that housed Tia Queta, the Mexican restaurant that closed after more than four decades in Bethesda. Nimi Chhina LLC, headed by Mantej Chhina, purchased the building for $2.1 million, The MoCo Show reported, citing Maryland Newsletters. Chhina was based in Dover, Delaware. A permit was issued for a $500,000 renovation of the space.
Silk Route has now received stop work orders from two separate agencies during its buildout. No opening date has been announced.
