— By Jennifer Morris — Fast-casual concepts breathing new life into historic buildings. In the competitive restaurant industry, it’s often a challenge for concepts to break away from the pack. The dining experience and brand identity aren’t solely limited to the cuisine and culinary approach, but rather also developed through the site, decor and ambiance. Looking to differentiate themselves, many fast-casual concepts are taking the approach of choosing older, historical buildings to invest in, as opposed to commercial space that is new, modern or sleek. In the process, …
remodels
Craton, Calif. — Taco Bell’s Las Vegas flagship cantina, located in the heart of The Strip, is a world apart from the traditional, tiny Taco Bell drive-through. The cantina is a two-story restaurant with a large central atrium that looks more like a hot dance club than a fast food outlet, and is pumped full of music to match. Upstairs is the wedding chapel, a more brightly lit dining room with flat screens on the side walls, and an enormous backlit graphic at the far end of the room with …
The Woodlands, Texas — Market Street – The Woodlands has completed a comprehensive makeover of the award-winning shopping, dining and entertainment destination just north of Houston known for its collection of first-to-market retailers and restaurants as well as Class A office space. Designed by noted architect 505Design, the 8-month project revitalized Market Street’s Central Park, the focal point of the 560,000-square-foot mixed-use property. Natural grass has been replaced with weather-resistant and ecologically sustainable synthetic turf to create a setting suitable for year-round festivals, concerts and other gatherings. New seating areas, …
Arlington, Texas — Weitzman’s management division will soon begin the redevelopment of Fielder Plaza, a 157,575-square-foot retail center in Arlington, Texas. The project will include a remodeling of the interior of the 52,000-square-foot anchor space occupied by grocer Tom Thumb, as well as a complete remodeling of the property’s exterior elements. The center, which is home to other tenants such as CVS, Starbucks, Pet Supermarket, Mathnasium, Edible Arrangements and Batteries Plus, opened in 1978. The architect for the remodel is Hodges & Associates. — Taylor Williams
Batavia, Ill. — With more than 1,800 stores across the country, ALDI is in the midst of an accelerated growth plan, investing more than $5 billion to remodel and expand its store count to 2,500 by the end of 2022. Currently, the company is more than halfway through its remodel investment.
Las Colinas, Texas — Pei Wei fans in and around Las Colinas, Texas, will be the first to experience the leading fresh Pan-Asian brand’s new prototype restaurant. The Las Colinas restaurant is the Pei Wei Restaurant Support Center’s flagship location. The restaurant recently closed for dine-in business during its massive interior remodel project and is now back open for business.
Pompano Beach, Fla. — JAE Restaurant Group, one of the largest multi-unit franchisees of Wendy’s, has acquired 34 Wendy’s restaurants throughout Knoxville, Tenn., making JAE Restaurant Group a major employer in Knoxville with a total of 1,150 employees.