Minneapolis-based Famous Dave’s of America Inc. is closing its 10-year-old Gaithersburg location and plans to open a new restaurant in nearby Germantown this fall.

“While its always difficult to close a restaurant, the relocation to Germantown is based on strategic decisions that support our future growth,” said director of operations John Spoon.

The Germantown location, at 20660 Seneca Meadows Parkway, will open Sept. 16. The Gaithersburg location, on Quince Orchard Road, will close Sept. 8.

Famous Dave’s also plans a new location in Timonium later this fall.

The barbeque chain opened its first Washington area restaurant in Columbia in 2000. It has nine area locations currently.