Development/Redevelopment

Smart & Final celebrated the one year anniversary of its public stock offering by telling investors a growth story about differentiation and new store expansion.

Smart & Final, a uniquely positioned operator of 266 warehouse style stores, has plans to open 100 new stores in the Western United States during the next four years. CEO Dave Hirz dropped that bombshell while he and other senior members of the company were at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the opening bell to commemorate the one year anniversary of the company’s listing.

Ross Stores Inc. is continuing an aggressive growth strategy for both its Ross Dress for Less and DD’s Discount banners. The new store openings are part of the retailer’s 2015 expansion program, totaling approximately 90 new locations during the year.

Ross Dress for Less will open four new stores on Oct. 10. These include two new stores in the Chicago area: a 25,000-sq.-ft. store in Palatine located in the Deer Grove Centre, and a 24,000-sq.-ft. Joliet store is located in Joliet Commons.

Burr Ridge Ill. -- Trademark Property Co. announced the start of construction on its multi-million dollar renovation of the Burr Ridge Village Center in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Enhancements will include upgraded amenities, renovation of common areas and roadway modifications.

“We are excited to evolve Burr Ridge Village Center by investing in these upgrades, which will create a more welcoming environment for guests,” said Weston Graves, VP, design and construction, Trademark.

Wawa managed to beat the clock in Philadelphia, opening a flagship location just in time for the Pope’s visit.

The convenience store operator opened the 4,000-sq.-ft. store nearly two months ahead of schedule, and in time for the crowds in town to see Pope Francis.

The new Wawa features an entirely new store design, colors, graphics and other one-of-a-kind features. It was designed in collaboration with Interbrand Design Forum, Dayton, Ohio, and Cuhaci and Peterson, locally based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Charlotte, N.C. -- The Chambers Group, an X Team International partner and full-service real estate brokerage firm announced that Jenn Olevitch-Roberson has joined the company as partner to lead the company’s second location in Raleigh, North Carolina. The office will open Oct. 1, and, over the course of the next 12 months, The Chambers Group will add approximately six new and seasoned brokers to their team in Raleigh.

Woodbridge, N.J. -- Levin Management announced that T.J.Maxx has joined St. Georges Crossing in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The 23,000 sq. ft. free-standing T.J.Maxx store will anchor the fully leased, 340,000 sq. ft. shopping center.

St. Georges Crossing is located at the intersection of Routes 1 & 9 and 35. The center includes a mix of retail, restaurant and service tenants: ShopRite, P.C. Richard & Son, PetSmart and Pier 1 Imports, Golf Galaxy, AutoZone, Bertucci’s and Wine Country.

Johnny Rockets is launching a fast-casual concept that the company hopes will appeal to time-starved millennials on the run.

Called Johnny’s Burger Factory, the 1,000-sq.-ft. eatery is located at the Walden Galleria mall, in Buffalo, New York, and will open on Sept. 26.

Orlando, Fla. -- Even though tropical storm Erika threatened Orlando, Florida, in advance of the ICSC Florida Deal-Making event earlier this month, attendees’ moods weren’t in the least dampened by the occasional rain showers. Attendance was strong and interest was high, as shopping center companies showed their wares to prospective tenants.