Restaurant-driven developments serving up new projects all across the Valley
By Peter Madrid
Cushman & Wakefield
Look around the Valley and it’s not hard to see what’s trending as the new anchor tenant for development.
In Gilbert’s Heritage District it’s Barrio Queen, Joyride Tacos, Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles and Zinburger.
In Midtown Phoenix it’s Churn & Windsor, Culinary Dropout at the Yard, Southern Rail and Taco Guild.
Trendy restaurants have become the catalyst for some of the hottest Valley projects, serving as a magnet for residential and commercial growth in the downtown area, midtown, and even in the suburbs. Serving up their secrets for success at the August meeting before a packed house were two developers and one restaurant owner.
Chris Gerow, Senior Vice President, NAI Horizon, served as moderator. Panelists featured Daniel “Buzz” Gosnell, Owner, DWG Phoenix LLC; Matt Pool, Owner, Matt’s Big Breakfast in Downtown Phoenix; and Lorenzo Perez, Owner, Venue Projects.
Stepping up the microphone as a guest speaker was U.S. Sen. John McCain, who gave an update on policy issues affecting development and opened the floor to a Q&A session. He was introduced by former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods, who couldn’t wait for the December breakfast to begin his barrage of hilarious banter.
What makes a successful development? Customers, of course. And when it comes to the many culinary options that exist in the Valley, customer is king. What are developers looking for when it comes to building a dining establishment?
> “We’re very interested in emerging markets,” Perez said. “Finding places with good bones. Finding a place where the tenant is the right match. The culinary scene is sprouting here in Phoenix. And you’re seeing lots of camaraderie and collaboration.”
> “Neighborhoods, either new or established,” Gosnell said. “Places where there’s room for growth.”
> “I just want to do Matt’s Big Breakfast very well,” said Root, who is opening a second location at 32nd St. and Camelback.
Community project update
Exciting news about the 2015 Community Project was shared with the partners. The Phoenix Suns are coordinating a raffle to benefit the Florence Crittenton Girls Ranch Campus. The details are as follows – 1st prize: Game suite (14 guests) with $500 food & beverage credit & 3 parking passes; 2nd prize: Game tickets (flexible dates); 3rd prize: Autographed jersey; 4th prize: Autographed basketball.Tickets are $100 apiece or 3 for $250. Tickets will be sold at the Sept. 25 breakfast or by calling Valley Partnership at 602-266-7844. Tickets will also be sold at the Oct. 23 breakfasts with the raffle winners announced that day. Winners need not be present to win.