Hospitality

An early November announcement that an area of downtown Atlanta would become the site of a multi-modal transit hub was welcome news to anyone who has ever sat in the southern city’s many traffic snarls.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced a joint venture with Woodmont Outlets and EWB Development to develop, lease and manage St. Louis Premium Outlets, a new upscale outlet center in Chesterfield, Mo. 

The new outlet center, which was announced in October as Spirit of St. Louis Outlets, will be comprised of 55 acres and will anchor Chesterfield Blue Valley, a mixed-use development to include office space, hotel, restaurant and entertainment venues. 

Bethesda, Md. -- Streetsense announced that Founding Farmers restaurant has opened a 7,000-sq.-ft. location at Park Potomac, an 110,000-sq.-ft retail center that is part of a mixed-use community developed by Foulger-Pratt of Rockville, Md.

The new restaurant, which is described as “barnyard chic” and featuring natural ingredients, is joined by Harris Teeter grocery store, as well as Elevation Burger, Emily Grace Fashion Boutique, Love Couture Bridal, Wine Harvest, Zoe's Kitchen, and other shops and services.

Los Angeles -- A report released Tuesday by CBRE Group said that New York City remains the world’s most expensive shopping destination as retailers focus on the major fashion capitals.

“Retailers continued to expand their store networks to gain market share during the third quarter despite concerns regarding consumer confidence,” said Anthony Buono, CBRE executive managing director of retail services.

Willow Grove, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust announced that Bravo! Cucina Italiana has opened at Willow Grove Park.

The 7,500-sq.-ft. restaurant is the first of its kind in the region, according to PREIT.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin' Donuts announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with father and son team, Jim and Drew Cownie for 12 new restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa.

The first restaurant is slated to open in 2012 and the remainder by 2018.

Cherry Hill, N.J. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Bobby’s Burger Palace is now open at Cherry Hill Mall, in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Acclaimed cef Bobby Flay’s BBP joins Bahama Breeze, California Pizza Kitchen, Maggiano’s Little Italy and Seasons 52 along the mall’s Bistro Row, facing Route 38 near the new Nordstrom.

Beaverton, Ore. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that regional vitamin and supplement retailer Super Supplements has leased 4,165-sq.-ft. of space at Walker Center, located in Beaverton, Ore.

The new store is slated to open for business in spring 2012.
 
The 89,609-sq.-ft. shopping center features national retailers such as Massage Envy, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches.