New York City — Global coworking provider WeWork has closed on its $850 million purchase of the Lord & Taylor Building, a landmark Midtown Manhattan asset located at 424-434 Fifth Ave. in New York City.
Norfolk, Va. — On February 14, 2019, Jersey Mike’s Subs opened in Norfolk, Va., aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in the Main Navy Exchange food court. Franchise owners Martin Anderson and Clark Stallings, along with operating partner Tristan Lee, will celebrate with a fundraiser for The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
— By Aaron Hartung — The vinyl flooring market is evolving: Here’s what you need to know in 2019. If you’ve read about the commercial vinyl flooring market lately, then you know demand for vinyl flooring products is growing at a good clip. The vinyl flooring market is expected to grow to nearly $50 billion within the next 5 years. And as the market for vinyl expands, it’s worth exploring how this evolution will impact the products themselves by taking a look at recent design and technology trends facility managers …
Atlanta — SRS Real Estate Partners has brokered two new leases for Hobby Lobby in empty Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in greater Atlanta. The first location, the former Toys”R”Us/Babies”R”Us in the Akers Mill Shopping Center in Atlanta, is 58,907 square feet. The second location is in the North Point Market Center in Alpharetta. This location spans 50,275 square feet.
Greensboro, N.C. — Biscuitville Fresh Southern® has named Stephen Swoap creative director. In his role at Biscuitville, he will continue to evolve and elevate the look of the brand and oversee the execution of its visual identity across its media platforms along with experiential branding opportunities to enhance in-restaurant experiences for guests.
Manhattan Beach, Calif. — Skechers USA, Inc., a global footwear leader, has tripled its retail store presence in 5 years and has surpassed the 3,000-store mark with the opening of its new superstore in Shenyang, China — now the brand’s largest store at more than 32,000 square feet.
Denver — Mark Lohmann, a former senior executive with Qdoba Restaurant Group, has been named chief brand officer of REGO Restaurant Group, the fast-casual restaurant platform backed by High Bluff Capital Partners that includes Quiznos and Taco Del Mar. The news follows the recent appointment of President and CEO Tim Casey, as REGO looks to expand its brand portfolio through strategic acquisitions.
Dallas-based MUTTS Canine Cantina brings a unique concept to unique real estate spaces. — By Katie Lee — Imagine the coolest dog park and the coolest dog-friendly restaurant — together in one place. Like a beer garden with your dog. Or a dog park with adult beverages. Then, imagine no more because it actually exists. MUTTS Canine Cantina is an innovative new concept from Dallas-based FreeRange Concepts, led by co-founders Kyle Noonan (left) and Josh Sepkowitz (right), with two locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. With over 100 franchisee …
— By Steve Tudhope — AutoZone goes the extra mile to reduce energy usage and drive the future. Memphis, Tennessee-based AutoZone is the leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories with more than 6,200 retail stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico. In 2003, AutoZone’s corporate leaders challenged its maintenance team to research the drivers of store utility expenses and find ways to reduce energy costs without detracting from the store environment. AutoZone’s primary objectives were to: Improve energy efficiency and reduce energy usage and costs. Develop …
Porter Ranch, Calif. — With opening a couple months away, The Vineyards already is generating anticipation as Southern California’s newest upscale and pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment center. What’s more, The Vineyards will also feature some of the region’s latest and most sustainable operating systems and eco-friendly fixtures.