Hospitality

One of the most fascinating developments over the last several years in our industry has been the explosion of new and different types of dining concepts. And it’s not only the restaurants chains evolving and emerging, but also about the way that dining preferences are changing.

Friendswood, Texas — The 1.2-million-sq.-ft. Baybrook Mall in Houston is getting another 550,000 sq. ft. The mall owner, General Growth Properties, and the landowner, a CDC Houston-managed entity, have formed a joint venture to carry out he project. Work will begin in early May and completed by the 2015 holiday season.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets has opened its second restaurant in Galerias Merida, Mexico. The 1,798-sq.-ft. location is situated in an upscale two-story shopping mall.

Galerias Merida is the fourth Johnny Rockets location for Johnny Rockets Guadalajara Group, who also operate three franchises in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Two additional Johnny Rockets locations are scheduled to open in Mexico later this year, one in Chihuahua and another in Mexico City.  

Fort Worth, Texas and Napa, Calif. — A joint venture of Trademark Property Co. and Zapolski Real Estate LLC, the $30 million Napa Center transformation started in September 2013 with upgrades to common areas. Changes include new energy-efficient roofing, paint and façade upgrades, new architectural elements, expanded and updated walkways, new seating areas, landscaping, ambient lighting and signage.

New York -- Urban Outfitters will unveil a new concept, Space Ninety 8, on April 4, in the hip Willliamsburg section of Brooklyn, N.Y.

The five-level space is located in a renovated warehouse and has an industrial look, complete with exposed ceilings and brick walls. The basement will house a rotating series of pop-ups, while the first floor will showcase independent designers and vendors, according to the Village Voice. The first floor will also be home to a vintage shop, called Urban Renewal.

New York -- Modell’s Sporting Goods will open a store in midtown Manhattan, near Madison Square Garden, on April 4.

The store is the retailer’s 156th location.

New York — Pita Grill has signed a 12-year lease for 2,700-sq. ft. in Greenwich Village at 496 LaGuardia Place between West Houston and Bleecker Streets. The space includes 1,350 sq. ft. on the ground floor and 1,350 sq. ft. on the lower level. The quick-service restaurant will be the chain’s ninth location since if first opened a few blocks away at West 4th Street in 1994.

New York — Pita Grill has signed a 12-year lease for 2,700-sq. ft. in Greenwich Village at 496 LaGuardia Place between West Houston and Bleecker Streets. The space includes 1,350 sq. ft. on the ground floor and 1,350 sq. ft. on the lower level. The quick-service restaurant will be the chain’s ninth location since if first opened a few blocks away at West 4th Street in 1994.