Deals

Columbia, S.C. -- Edens & Avant has announced the promotion of Carol Hall to VP portfolio management. In her new position, she will be responsible for creating value through the delivery of technology-enabled process and analytical tools to the investment management, property management and leasing teams.

New York City -- Some landlords, vendors and other unsecured creditors of Blockbuster are objecting to Blockbuster's plan to sell itself because they fear they won't be paid what they are owed, according to the Associated Press.

A hearing to approve the stalking horse bid and auction was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed late Tuesday until March 10 while the judge considers the objections.

New York City -- Target has partnered with two local developers to purchase a 7.9-acre United States Postal Service site in the Throgs Neck section of Bronx, N.Y., for $35.2 million, where they plan to build a 300,000-sq.-ft. mall, according to New York Read Estate News.

Geneva, Ill. -- Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.-based Mid-America Asset Management said that Five Guys Burgers and Fries recently signed a lease for 2,158 sq. ft. at Geneva Commons in Geneva, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago.

The new restaurant will open at the 437,650-sq.-ft. lifestyle center in the spring.

In other Geneva Commons news, the following retailers recently renewed their leases at the lifestyle center: Chicago Home Fitness, Francesca's Collections, Kay Jewelers, Learning Express and Stride Rite.
 

New York City -- Forest City Enterprises announced Tuesday that, as part of the company’s succession planning process, current president and CEO Charles A. Ratner will become chairman of the board, and will be succeeded as president and CEO by David J. LaRue, currently executive VP and COO.

The changes will be effective following Forest City's annual meeting of shareholders on June 10.

Ossining, N.Y. -- Tarrytown, N.Y.-based Infill Development, LLC, affiliate of DLC Management Corp., announced the groundbreaking of a new development project in Ossining, N.Y. A stand-alone Walgreens will be constructed on the site of a former strip center, a New York State Brownfields site which is scheduled to undergo demolition shortly.

The new 9,483-sq.-ft. Walgreens store is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Watchung, N.J. -- RAS Brokerage announced that it has secured a lease for Buffalo Wild Wings at BJ’s Shopping Center, located in Watchung, N.J.

Buffalo Wild Wings has signed a lease for a 5,856-sq.-ft. end-cap at the Vornado Realty Trust-owned center.

AMPAL Restaurant group d.b.a. Buffalo Wild Wings opened its first unit at the Monmouth Mall in 2010. The Watchung store will be its second and will open on March 7. 

RAS Brokerage is the restaurant division of Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based Fameco Real Estate, LP.

Coppell, Texas -- CiCi's Pizza announced Monday that it has signed agreements for the addition of 16 units over the next five years and hired Wingstop veteran Bruce Evans to lead franchise sales.

The moves are part of CiCi's growth initiative, with the goal of adding 500 restaurants in the next eight to 10 years.

Rockville, Md. -- Federal Realty Investment Trust said Monday that The Fresh Market will open a new store at Congressional Plaza, a 332,000-sq.-ft. regional shopping center in Rockville, Md.

The store, the specialty grocer’s first in Montgomery County, will measure 19,860 sq. ft. Recent openings at the center include Last Call Studio by Neiman Marcus and Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro.

Acquired by Federal Realty in 1965, Congressional Plaza is a regional shopping destination anchored by Buy Buy Baby and The Container Store.

Wayne, N.J. -- A New York Post report on Saturday said that Toys “R” Us is considering an initial public offering in April to raise around $800 million, although a final decision has not been reached.

The retailer shelved IPO plans in 2010; it has not commented on the latest report that IPO talks have resurfaced.