Founded as a “cook your own steak” restaurant in an abandoned gas station in 1974, Quaker Steak & Lube has evolved into one of the nation’s most up-and-coming casual-dining chains, renowned for its award-winning chicken wings and flavorful — make that hot — sauces. But as much as the food offerings have changed at “The Lube,” the brand remains true to its gas station and vintage car-loving roots.
It is undeniable that fast-casual restaurant chains in North Florida and South Georgia are resuming their expansion plans. The local unemployment rate ended 2013 under 6%, home building permits jumped nearly 30%, and car sales climbed — all signs of an improving local economy.
Chicago — Aurelio’s Pizza has leased a 5,163-sq.-ft. store at 1212 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It will become Aurelio’s flagship location and first corporate-owned restaurant in downtown Chicago.
RKF’s Chicago office represented the landlord on the long-term lease. Baum Realty represented Aurelio’s.
Chicago -- The U.S. restaurant count increased by less than 1% from a year ago, reaching a total of 633,043 units, according to a recent restaurant census conducted by The NPD Group. Restaurant units increased by 4,179, or 0.7% over last year, based on NPD’s Fall 2013 ReCount, which is a count of commercial restaurant locations in the United States compiled in the spring and fall each year.
Schaumburg, Ill. — Caruso Development has awarded the property management contract for Barrington Square, a 101,500-sq.-ft. retail center in Hoffman Estates, Ill., to SVN Crossroads Management. Situated in high-traffic areas in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, Barrington Square’s tenants include America’s Bar and Grill, GiGi’s Playhouse and Poplar Creek Bowl.
Currently SVN Crossroads manages a portfolio of more than two million sq. ft.
Boston – A carbon monoxide leak at a Legal Sea Foods restaurant in Huntington Station, N.Y., is being blamed for the death of a manager and the sickening of 27 others. According to the New York Times, at around 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, police and other medical and emergency personnel responded to a call for a woman who had fallen and hit her head in the basement of the Legal Sea Foods in the Shops at Walt Whitman, and medical personnel recognized signs of a carbon monoxide leak.
Tucson, Ariz. — Sidecar, a craft beer and cocktail bar, will open in June in Tucson, Ariz., at Broadway Village plaza. The 963-sq.-ft. space will seat about 40 people inside and 12 or so people outside on the patio. Commercial Retail Advisors represented the landlord, CRI Broadway Village Partners in the transaction. Sidecar represented itself.
Morrisville, N.C. — Earth Fare, Pier I Imports, Blackfinn Ameripub and Charming Charlie have inked new leases at Park West Village in Morrisville, N.C., according to the center’s owner, CASTO.
Dallas - Corner Bakery Cafe has awarded its first multi-unit development agreement of 2014, and plans to open nine new restaurants in the Central Valley area of California with new franchise partner C&L Cafe, LLC. The group of veteran restaurant operators plans to open its first cafes in 2014 and the remaining sites over the next five years.
