Zach’s Corner
Zach’s Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Tampa’s High-Speed Future Takes Shape with Brightline’s $400M Bond Push
TAMPA, FL — The dream of zipping from downtown Tampa to Orlando in just one hour is moving closer to reality. Brightline, Florida’s only high-speed rail service, has officially kicked off a $400 million bond initiative aimed at funding the long-anticipated extension of its route to Tampa. With public interest and regional support at a high, the project is more than just a train—it’s a signal of transformation for Tampa Bay’s transit, economy, and urban landscape. Brightline’s $400M Expansion Plan Brightline is raising $400 million through tax-exempt private activity bonds, including a $150 million tranche at a fixed 6.5% interest rate over 28 years, to extend service from Orlando to Tampa. The project is a centerpiece of the company’s broader strategy to create a seamless high-speed corridor across the southern half of Florida, linking Tampa to key cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Brightline CEO Mike Reininger highlighted the strategic importance of Tampa: “It’s a big part of our future, right? We love Tampa. Tampa’s the next big market for us. You connect Tampa to the rest of this system and suddenly 75% of the state is within close proximity to a Brightline train. We like…
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Why Tampa Is the #1 Summer Travel Destination in the U.S.
By Zach Ellis, Extended Reach Florida Tampa is officially having its moment. According to a recent report by Kayak, searches for Tampa, Florida are up a whopping 85% year-over-year, making it the top-trending U.S. travel destination for Summer 2025. From waterfront trails to world-class cuisine, sports, and easy beach access, Tampa is drawing national attention—and for good reason. Iconic Waterfronts & Urban Trails No trip to Tampa is complete without a walk along the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk. This scenic corridor links downtown to the waterfront with dining spots, art installations, people-watching opportunities, and even water taxis. Whether you’re out for a morning run or catching sunset views, the Riverwalk remains one of Tampa’s signature attractions. Photo provided by Lilac Restaurant – https://www.lilacrestauranttampa.com/photos Arts, Culture & a Foodie Paradise Tampa’s culinary and cultural rise is also contributing to its travel buzz. With Michelin-rated restaurants, hidden gems like Supernatural Food & Wine, and cultural institutions like the Tampa Museum of Art, the city offers a blend of elevated dining and immersive experiences. Whether you’re sampling Ethiopian dishes at Lilac Restaurant or browsing Ybor City’s historic streets, Tampa caters to every palate and interest. Tampa Museum of Art Sports & Entertainment Year-Round Few…
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Pasco County in Motion: A Surge of Growth and Investment Opportunity
Once known as a quiet, suburban enclave north of Tampa, Pasco County is now surging ahead as one of Florida’s most exciting commercial real estate frontiers. Thanks to sweeping developments across industrial, residential, and infrastructure sectors, investors and developers alike are turning their attention to this thriving region. Booming Industrial & Commercial Growth Pasco County’s industrial pipeline is overflowing with activity. One of the most ambitious projects is the Double Branch development at SR 52 and I-75. Phase 1 includes over 482,000 square feet of industrial space, with plans for a 1.6 million-square-foot distribution center, office, and retail space, and up to 3,500 residential units—all expected to deliver between mid to late 2025. Elsewhere, Gary Plastic Packaging is investing nearly $80 million into a new manufacturing facility at the North Tampa Bay Industrial Park, projected to create 150 jobs. Meanwhile, Brazilian-based Bauducco Foods is establishing a U.S. production and distribution hub on 72 acres in Zephyrhills, bringing 600 jobs and over $200 million in capital investment. Lifestyle, Housing & Recreation on the Rise Pasco’s growth isn’t just commercial—it’s lifestyle-driven. The upscale Two Rivers community is adding a $27 million social club known as The Landing, featuring pools, pickleball and tennis…
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Fatburger’s Sizzling — A Bold 40-Store Expansion Across Florida
Fatburger is cooking up something big in the Sunshine State. The iconic California-based burger chain, known for its made-to-order patties, hand-scooped milkshakes, and legacy swagger, has announced an ambitious 40-location expansion across Florida. After a decades-long hiatus and a recent successful reintroduction in Orlando and Tampa, Fatburger is going all-in — partnering with seasoned franchisee Whole Factor Inc. to roll out stores over the next 10 years. From West Coast Classic to Florida Fixture Fatburger’s journey back to Florida began in 2021 when it quietly planted its flag with 14 new stores, initially in Central Florida. That soft relaunch was more than a test — it was a taste of things to come. Locations in Celebration and Riverview didn’t just perform well — they exceeded expectations, drawing lines of loyal fans hungry for what the brand dubs “The Last Great Hamburger Stand.” Now, Fatburger is turning up the heat. With a plan to open four restaurants per year on average, the chain’s footprint is set to stretch from Jacksonville to Tampa, with other key Florida metros in the mix. The first Jacksonville-area location — at 348 Blanding Blvd. in Orange Park — is slated to open later this year in…
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Dank Burrito Launches in Largo — First Pinellas County Location, More Florida Expansion Coming in 2025
LARGO, FL — July 3, 2025 | The long-vacant, graffiti-wrapped former Boston Market at the high-traffic intersection of East Bay Drive and Belcher Road is getting a flavorful new lease on life. Dank Burrito, the Southeast-born fast-casual chain known for bold, globally-inspired street food, is officially opening its first Pinellas County location this year in Largo. This upcoming 3,100-square-foot restaurant at 4001 East Bay Drive will be the brand’s first Clearwater/Tampa Bay outpost and the latest chapter in Dank Burrito’s growing Florida expansion. With a vibrant 90s hip-hop ambiance and an edgy street-art aesthetic, the Largo location promises to deliver what the brand calls “flavor bombs”—a culinary mashup of international fusion and urban flair. 🍴 Inside Dank Burrito: What to Expect The Menu:Dank Burrito brings an exciting rotation of global flavors, drawing inspiration from Caribbean, Asian, Mexican, and American street food cultures. Fan favorites like the Jerk Chicken Burrito with pineapple-mango salsa, Pork Belly Bowls topped with kimchi or banh mi pickled veggies, and seafood tacos filled with crispy mahi or fried shrimp are just the beginning. Every dish is brought to life with house-made sauces like teriyaki, dill cocktail, and their signature honey truffle buffalo. Sweet Tooth?Dank doesn’t stop…
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Chick-fil-A Opens New Location in Bradenton Amid Nationwide Expansion Surge
From Grand Opening Event – Sourced from Bay Shore Gardens Chik-fil-A Facebook & Instagram Pages BRADENTON, FL — May 2025 | A brand-new Chick-fil-A officially opened its doors in Bradenton this May, bringing with it the chain’s trademark Southern hospitality, lightning-fast drive-thru, and chicken sandwiches that have become a national craving. Located in a high-traffic corridor near SR-64 and I-75, the new Bradenton location is already making waves—welcoming hundreds of cars through its dual-lane drive-thru and receiving glowing local reviews for service and efficiency. The opening isn’t just another restaurant launch—it’s part of a strategic expansion wave that highlights Chick-fil-A’s unstoppable momentum. While many fast-food giants battle for relevance, Chick-fil-A has quietly (and now loudly) built one of the most efficient, high-revenue restaurant models in America. The Bigger Picture: A Decade of Unmatched Growth Since 2015, Chick-fil-A has grown from a regional Southern favorite to a $21 billion national brand, with more than 3,200 U.S. locations and counting. It consistently ranks #1 in customer satisfaction, despite remaining closed every Sunday—a rarity in the fast-food world. 2024 Systemwide Sales: $21B+ Average Unit Volume: ~$8.7 million per store — the highest in the industry Total Locations (U.S.): Over 3,200 Days Closed Each…
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Aldi to Replace Winn-Dixie at Northdale Promenade in Tampa’s Carrollwood Neighborhood
TAMPA, FL — A familiar site in Tampa’s Carrollwood community is getting a new lease on life. Aldi, the popular discount grocer, is taking over the former Winn-Dixie location at Northdale Promenade, located at 15692 N Dale Mabry Highway. This high-traffic corridor near Carrollwood is the latest target in Aldi’s sweeping Florida expansion strategy. The transformation is part of a much broader retail shift statewide. In 2024, Southeastern Grocers—the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys—agreed to divest more than 400 stores, many of which were acquired by Aldi. The Northdale location closed in spring 2024, and Aldi has announced plans to reopen by late 2025 following extensive renovations. Aldi’s growth in Florida has been nothing short of aggressive. Over the last five years, the company has doubled its presence in the Sunshine State, now operating more than 230 stores. This includes numerous conversions of former Winn-Dixie and Harveys locations. For residents of Northdale and Lake Magdalene, the shift represents not just a change in signage but a change in how they shop. “It’s bittersweet to see Winn-Dixie go, but Aldi’s prices make it easier to feed a family,” said Carrollwood resident Sandra Lopez, reflecting the mixed reactions within the community.…
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Tampa Bay Rays Enter Sale Talks at $1.7 Billion Valuation
In a move that could reshape the future of Major League Baseball in the region, Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg is negotiating the sale of the franchise for approximately $1.7 billion. Sternberg, who purchased the team in 2004 for around $200 million, has signed a letter of intent with a Florida-based investment group led by Patrick Zalupski, CEO of Dream Finders Homes. Other notable investors involved include Bill Cosgrove, Ken Babby, and several Tampa Bay community figures. Though a letter of intent has been signed, the agreement is not final, and negotiations remain fluid. However, this exclusive window of talks reflects mounting pressure on the franchise to stabilize its future, both financially and geographically. The sales discussions come at a critical time. A major stadium project proposed for St. Petersburg’s Historic Gas Plant District—valued at $1.3 billion—collapsed due to funding delays and extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton in 2024. The storm also inflicted significant damage on Tropicana Field, the Rays’ longtime home, forcing the team to temporarily relocate to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the 2025 season. Behind the scenes, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has reportedly encouraged Sternberg to pursue a sale, increasing speculation that…
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Layne’s Chicken Fingers Awards 35 New Franchise Units in Q2 2025, Signaling Rapid National Expansion With 15 New Locations In South Florida
From: LaynesChickenFingers.com 15 New Locations In South Florida, Including: Fort Lauderdale, Broward, Miami, and Palm Beach County Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a fast-growing name in the chicken finger franchise world, is making major waves in Q2 2025. The brand has awarded 35 new franchise units this quarter—an impressive milestone that reflects the growing interest among entrepreneurs and signals strong national momentum. Q2 Franchise Surge: What’s Fueling the Growth With 35 new franchise agreements awarded, Layne’s is demonstrating high demand from both first-time franchisees and experienced multi-unit operators. This surge includes a standout four-unit deal in Ohio, signed by two Latin American entrepreneurs, along with new store openings planned in Mission Bend and Nacogdoches, Texas. Geographic Expansion & Market Strategy Layne’s continues to push into key growth markets across the Sun Belt and Midwest. Texas remains a hotspot with new locations opening in Houston, Tyler, and Mission Bend. These markets are ideal for the brand’s fast-casual model, which offers franchisees a lower startup cost and faster return on investment compared to more capital-intensive food concepts. Source: Layneschickenfingers.comSource: Layneschickenfingers.comSource: Layneschickenfingers.comSource: Layneschickenfingers.comSource: Layneschickenfingers.comSource: Layneschickenfingers.com Why Layne’s Is Resonating with Franchisees The appeal of Layne’s is rooted in its focused, high-demand product—premium chicken fingers. This singular…
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Bealls to Open New Home & Apparel Store at Gateway Commons in Palmetto, FL
Bradenton-Based Bealls Expands with New Gateway Commons Location Bealls, the beloved Bradenton-based department store known for clothing, accessories, and home goods, is expanding its footprint with a new store in Palmetto, Florida, at the Gateway Commons shopping center. This marks a significant move for the local retail scene and offers residents a convenient new shopping option. Source: Google Maps Prime Location: Gateway Commons at Moccasin Wallow Road Located near the high-traffic intersection of Moccasin Wallow Road and U.S. 41, the new Bealls store is set to become an anchor tenant at Gateway Commons, a growing retail destination in Palmetto. Its strategic placement is expected to draw both local families and commuters traveling through the region. 🛍 What Shoppers Can Expect Apparel & Accessories: Stylish, budget-friendly clothing for men, women, and children. Home Décor & Essentials: Furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and seasonal items. Value-Driven Deals: Promotions and clearance events reflect Bealls’ reputation for affordability. The new location is positioned to serve local shoppers who previously traveled to Bradenton or Ellenton for their Bealls experience—a welcome convenience for the Palmetto community. Construction Timeline & Anticipated Opening In a press update published yesterday, Bealls confirmed that construction has begun at Gateway Commons, with the store expected to open…
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