Zach’s Corner
Zach’s Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Chick-fil-A Is Bringing More Chicken to Brandon: Here’s What You Need to Know
Brandon, FL — Big news for local chicken lovers: Chick-fil-A is expanding once again, with a remodeled new location coming soon to 101 S Hilltop Road, just off W Brandon Blvd.
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In-N-Out Burger Is Coming East & It Needs to Bring Its Magic to Southwest Florida
Big news for burger fans: In-N-Out Burger, the legendary West Coast fast-food icon, is officially making a major move eastward with plans to open its first Tennessee location in Nashville by 2026. This expansion marks the furthest east the beloved chain has ever ventured — a major milestone for loyal fans craving Double-Doubles and Animal-Style fries beyond California, Nevada, and Texas.
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New Rooftop Bar in Tampa: Maru Opens May 2 with Stunning Views and Nikkei Cuisine
Tampa’s culinary scene continues to rise — quite literally. Opening May 2, Maru is the newest rooftop destination making its debut atop Bayshore Gardens at 2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd. With sweeping views of Tampa Bay, a modern indoor/outdoor atmosphere, and a menu rooted in Nikkei cuisine, Maru is poised to be one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2025. Images Provided by MaruTampa.com A Taste of Nikkei Cuisine At the heart of Maru’s culinary identity is its Nikkei-inspired menu — a dynamic fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. Born from the migration of Japanese communities to Peru in the early 20th century, Nikkei cuisine seamlessly blends refined Japanese techniques with the bold, vibrant flavors of Peruvian fare. Expect visually stunning and flavor-forward dishes: from sashimi with citrus-infused accents to artistically presented seafood plates and umami-rich creations designed to surprise and delight. Conceptual rendering of the rooftop restaurant and bar at Bayshore Gardens | Rendering via Asana Partners Elevated Atmosphere with Rooftop Appeal Maru is more than just a place to dine — it’s a full sensory experience. With 60 indoor seats and 30 on the outdoor terrace, the space balances cozy elegance with rooftop charm. Whether…
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St. Petersburg Approves $4.5 Million Investment for Affordable Housing in 2,084-Unit Sky Town Development
St. Petersburg is making a bold move to address the region’s housing crisis with the approval of a $4.5 million investment to support Sky Town, a major mixed-use development in the Skyway Marina District. The project blends luxury and affordability to create an inclusive new neighborhood in South St. Pete. Renderings from DeveloperRenderings from DeveloperRenderings from DeveloperRenderings from DeveloperSky Town – Future VisageRenderings from DeveloperRenderings from Developeran aerial of the ceridian campus prior to demolition of the surrounding structures.Renderings from DeveloperRenderings from Developer What’s Coming to Sky Town? Developed by Altis Cardinal, this public-private partnership is set to transform the area with a projected investment exceeding $10 million. Key features include: 2,084 residential units across six five-story buildings 121 affordable housing units in Phase 1 Units reserved for residents earning up to 80% and 120% of Area Median Income (AMI) Over 80,000 square feet of retail space, including a Sprouts Farmers Market 119,160 square feet of self-storage space 22,500 square feet of office space 4,000 parking spaces This development aims to do more than add housing — it seeks to create an entirely new, walkable neighborhood with integrated amenities for residents and businesses. Why This Project Matters Sky Town is…
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Chick-fil-A and More Coming to North Manatee: A Surge in Quick-Service Restaurants Near Moccasin Wallow
Manatee County continues to experience rapid commercial development, particularly along the Moccasin Chick-fil-A and Other Quick-Service Restaurants Expanding in North Manatee County Manatee County, particularly the areas surrounding Moccasin Wallow Road, is experiencing significant growth in quick-service restaurant (QSR) developments. Here’s an overview of the upcoming establishments: Chick-fil-A Near Moccasin Wallow A new Chick-fil-A is under development at the intersection of Moccasin Wallow Road and 71st Avenue East in Palmetto. This location is part of a 12-acre retail project that also includes a McDonald’s, a gas station, a coffee/donut shop, and other retail spaces. The development is strategically positioned across from the Regency Oaks subdivision and is expected to feature a new traffic signal to manage increased vehicular flow. Additional QSRs Coming to the Area McDonald’s: A new McDonald’s is under construction at 2425 69th St E, Palmetto, as part of a larger retail plaza. This development also includes a Circle K gas station with a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru. Wendy’s: A 2,575-square-foot Wendy’s is planned near the Seaire development, a master-planned community of over 3,000 homes. The restaurant is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026. Taco Bell: A new Taco Bell has recently opened…
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Bulla Gastrobar Coming Soon To UTC
Bulla Gastrobar, the acclaimed Spanish-inspired restaurant, is set to bring its vibrant culinary experience to the Sarasota-Bradenton area with a new location in the West District at University Town Center. Known for its modern take on traditional Spanish cuisine, Bulla Gastrobar offers a variety of tapas, paellas, and craft cocktails, aiming to provide a lively dining atmosphere reminiscent of Spanish tapas bars. New Location Details: Address: 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34243 Phone: (813) 773-8626 Location Website: https://utcsarasota.com/places/dine/bulla-gastrobar/ Company Website: https://bullagastrobar.com/ Situated near the Sarasota-Bradenton border, the new restaurant is poised to attract both local residents and visitors seeking a unique culinary experience. The expansion into this area signifies Bulla Gastrobar’s commitment to bringing authentic Spanish flavors to more communities in Florida. As the opening date approaches, anticipation builds for Bulla Gastrobar’s arrival in the Bradenton dining scene. The restaurant’s emphasis on quality ingredients, innovative dishes, and a convivial atmosphere is expected to make it a popular destination for food enthusiasts in the region. For more information and updates on the opening, you can visit Bulla Gastrobar’s official website or follow their social media channels.
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Straz Center’s $100M “Boundless” Expansion Ushers in a New Era for Tampa’s Arts Scene
The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa has commenced a transformative $100 million expansion project, aptly named “Boundless.” This initiative aims to enhance the center’s cultural offerings and community engagement. “This project reflects the greatness of the Tampa Bay region and our commitment to thoughtful and inclusive growth.” – Mayor Jane Castor Key Features of the Expansion New Dining and Entertainment Spaces: The project will introduce a fine dining restaurant, a café, a bar, and a bistro overlooking the Hillsborough River. An indoor-outdoor terrace under a grand arch will connect directly to the Tampa Riverwalk, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor experiences. Patel Conservatory Renovations: The expansion includes significant upgrades to the Patel Conservatory, enhancing educational and performance spaces for students and artists. Enhanced Public Areas: Plans feature updated lobbies, an arrival plaza, and an outdoor theater, all designed to improve accessibility and visitor experience. Community and Economic Impact The Straz Center has secured 92% of the necessary funding through a combination of private donations and public contributions, including $25 million from the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency and $2.5 million from Hillsborough County. The project is expected to boost workforce development by…
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Dutch Bros Expands into Florida, Targets Tampa Bay for Growth
Dutch Bros Coffee is accelerating its nationwide expansion, with Florida playing a key role in its ambitious growth plan. The company aims to surpass 2,029 locations by 2029 and has set a long-term goal of 7,000+ stores across the U.S. As part of this effort, Tampa Bay will soon welcome its first Dutch Bros locations, marking a significant milestone for the drive-thru coffee brand in the Sunshine State. The Tampa Bay expansion will include a new drive-thru-only location in South Tampa, situated at 3616 W. Ballast Point Boulevard, where it will replace an existing car wash. This site has been strategically selected for its high-volume traffic patterns and proximity to a dense residential population. Additionally, a second location is set for development at the corner of State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard in Lutz, furthering the brand’s reach into Pasco County. Dutch Bros’ presence in Florida was solidified earlier this year with the opening of its 1,000th store in Orlando. That milestone underscores the company’s strong interest in Florida’s growing consumer base and its commitment to gaining market share in high-demand metro areas. Several factors are driving this momentum. The company’s market entry approach is rooted in strategic site selection, prioritizing high-visibility, high-traffic areas to optimize customer…
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Big News in Lakewood Ranch! Lafayette Real Estate Unveils Exciting New Build-to-Rent Community
Lakewood Ranch is growing fast—and a brand-new housing development is about to bring even more opportunity to this thriving community. Lafayette Real Estate has announced plans for Lorraine Crossings, a new build-to-rent (BTR) community that’s set to add high-quality rental homes in one of Florida’s most sought-after regions. This project is part of Lafayette’s bold strategy to grow its BTR portfolio, with over 2,000 homes underway and $700 million in capital already committed to making it happen. What Lorraine Crossings Means for Manatee County Addressing Local Housing DemandLakewood Ranch ranks as one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the nation, and with more families and professionals moving in, the demand for rental housing continues to rise. Lorraine Crossings will help meet that demand by offering thoughtfully designed homes for today’s renters. Workforce Housing That Makes a DifferenceIn a boost to housing accessibility, 25% of homes in the community will be reserved for households earning up to 120% of the area’s median income. That means more working families will have access to affordable, high-quality living spaces right here in Manatee County. Supporting Economic and Community GrowthMore housing isn’t just good for renters—it’s good for the region. Developments like Lorraine Crossings help…
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Five Below Accelerates Growth with 150 New Stores Planned by End of 2025
Five Below, the popular specialty discount retailer known for selling products primarily priced at $5 or less, has announced ambitious expansion plans with 150 new stores scheduled to open by the end of 2025. According to Chief Financial Officer Kristy Chapman, 50 of these locations are slated to open by the end of March 2025, with the remaining 100 launching throughout the year. “Five Below’s aggressive expansion plan reflects our strategic commitment to capturing market share in the value retail sector while maintaining our core promise of delivering ‘wow’ products at accessible price points.” – Kristy Chapman, CFO of Five Below Strategic Market Positioning Founded in 2002, Five Below has built its success on a unique business model targeting tweens, teens, and value-conscious shoppers across various age demographics. The retailer offers a diverse range of trend-right merchandise across eight categories: Style, Room, Sports, Tech, Create, Party, Candy, and Now. This expansion strengthens Five Below’s position in the competitive discount retail landscape, where consumers increasingly seek affordable options amid persistent inflationary pressures. The company continues to differentiate itself by maintaining its core $5-and-below pricing strategy while selectively introducing higher-priced items through its “Five Beyond” sections. Show Image Five Below’s modern storefront…
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