— By Tony Hunsoo Ahn — A bakery concept that features delicious design and a tasty layout. Store design and layout are pivotal to making a favorable first impression — and to maintaining the feeling for returning guests. Walk into any TOUS les JOURS (TLJ) location across the U.S., and you’ll find an inviting ‘cafeteria-style’ grab-and-go environment with a large display of individually wrapped pastries, encouraging customers to add their items — all-time favorites and new desires — to a tray as they approach the register. TLJ is committed to …
construction and design
Fort Worth, Texas — Westwood Contractors, Inc. is adding Ron Winchek as project manager. Winchek has more than 7 years of experience in the construction industry including estimating, onsite construction management and project management. Most recently, Winchek served as the director of project management & preconstruction services for Kuhns Group, a restaurant-focused general contractor which provides turn-key services for remodeling or new construction projects. In his role with Kuhns Group, Winchek led a team of five project managers and estimators, increased sales from $11 million to $16 million with implementation …
Photos courtesy of Albert Law San Leandro, Calif. — Ghirardelli Chocolate Company will reopen its flagship store, the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, at Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, on July 13, 2023. After a 6-month renovation of the historic building, the store celebrates Ghirardelli’s history and craftmanship as a U.S. chocolate pioneer and the company’s legacy in San Francisco dating back to the 1850s. The new design features North America’s largest flowing chocolate wall, the original, 19-foot “G” from the historic marque Ghirardelli sign, a replica San …
Brentwood, Tenn. — CenterSquare Investment Management has recently completed renovations at Brentwood Corners (formerly Lakeside Center), a 22,268-square-foot Essential Service Retail (ESR) property located in Brentwood, Tenn., a Nashville suburb. The property has undergone several enhancements, including a newly milled and repaved parking lot, freshly painted facades and awnings, a complete roof replacement, revitalized landscaping, and the installation of LED lighting in both the shopping center and the surrounding parking area. In addition to the range of physical improvements implemented, the property has also undergone a change in ownership and …
— Interview with Tom Real — How restaurants and retail stores can capitalize on the post-pandemic revival. Although brick-and-mortar stores and restaurants were among the real estate sectors that suffered the most during the pandemic, these sectors also came roaring back as the crisis subsided. Owners of retail and restaurant properties are now looking for enticing amenities and engaging experiences that will pique investor and customer interest. We spoke with Tom Real, vice president of engineering and preconstruction at OTL, a leader in water features, rockwork and themed environments, about …
Sandy Springs, Ga. — INKED Tacos and The Original Hot Chicken have opened a dual concept location in Sandy Springs, Ga., near Atlanta. Both INKED Tacos and The Original Hot Chicken are portfolio concepts of Atlanta-based Experiential Brands. The grand opening took place on June 29th. “We are excited to expand our presence in Atlanta and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here,” says a restaurant representative. “We strive to create memorable food experiences that will keep guests coming back for …
New York City — Atomic Wings, a 15-unit brand specializing in flavorful chicken wings, is starting off 2023 with a bang. In first quarter, the New York-based franchise experienced strong sales numbers, opened a new store in Utica, N.Y., and sold two new Area Representative agreements, in both Dallas and Northern California. The company has an additional 10 locations under construction, with plans to open throughout the year, bringing Atomic Wings to new states, including Arkansas, Nevada, Indiana and Texas. Atomic Wings also is launching its first two drive-thru locations …
— By Kristin Harlow — Owners are incorporating new uses and tenants in their retail redevelopment projects that help foster an environment where consumers want to linger. The future of retail has been questioned many times in the last few years, but the sector continues to evolve and overcome the obstacles that arise. Today’s consumers want a gathering place to dine, drink and be entertained, especially after the isolation and stay-at-home mandates they endured throughout the pandemic. With that in mind, owners are redeveloping many underutilized retail properties …
Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General plans to open its first store in Montana in fall 2023, which will give the major retailer a presence in its 48th state and complete its continental U.S. presence. Dollar General’s expansion to Montana comes after the company’s recent first international store opening in Mexico and complements its fiscal 2023 real estate plans. “Breaking ground on each new Dollar General is meaningful…[but] announcing plans for Montana has an extra element of excitement because our expansion in the Treasure State will complete our presence throughout the …
Richmond, Va. — Buc-ee’s New Kent, LLC has purchased 27.686 acres in New Kent, Va., from Kent Farms Holdings Company, LLC for $6.5 million to build a new Buc-ee’s Super Center. Nathan Shor is the exclusive tenant representative for Buc-ee’s in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and also represented the seller in this transaction. Construction on the New Kent location is expected to be completed within 24 months. The new Buc-ee’s Super Center will be comprised of more than 75,000 square feet of retail space, 120 fueling positions, multiple EV chargers …