Construction of the complex's 110,924-sf BJ's store, which will also sport a gas station island, will cost an estimated $3.8 million. Bethesda, MD architectural firm Bignell, Watkins and Hasser are on board to design the facility, and general contractor EDC will handle the construction. The new outlet will be the company's seventh store in the state.

BJ's expansion is in line with its standing as one of the most successful companies amidst this currently less-than-stellar economy. It was among Cleveland, OH-based investment firm McDonald Investments' list of the top 12 highest performing stocks for 2002. "With practically no debt on the balance sheet, an excellent management team, exciting new growth opportunities and a proven business model, BJ's is poised for excellent financial performance over the next year," McDonald Investments first vice president John A. Caldwell notes in the report.