Restaurant

Nashville, Tenn. -- GBT Realty Corporation announced it acquired a 13.1-acre site along Memorial Blvd in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for $2.4 million. The company plans to develop the site into The Shoppes of Northgate, a 98,000-sq.-ft. center anchored by a 30,000-sq.-ft. Sprouts Farmers Market, along with retail tenants PetSense, Liquor Barn and Newk’s Eatery. The construction of the $16 million retail center is expected to begin this month with store openings set for spring 2016.

Consumers are increasingly using their mobile phones for one specific retail-related purpose.

According to the Deloitte 2015 Global Mobile Consumer Survey, the use of mobile devices to make in-store payments has nearly quadrupled in the past year. In-store mobile payments have increased from 5% of total in-store payments 2014 to 18% in 2015.

Design firms and in-house retail design teams from around the globe are invited to submit projects for the Retail Design Institute’s 45th annual international store design competition.

The competition celebrates exceptional retail experiences across more than 20 categories from full-line department stores and specialty shops to restaurants and pop-ups. In addition, a single "Store of the Year" will be chosen from among the winning entries.

Bobrick Washroom Equipment has acquired the commercial youth seating line (high chairs, boosters and infant cradles) of Central Specialties, Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Koala Kare Products (KKP) Centennial, Col., a division of Bobrick, will be responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of the product line with its current offering in the foodservice and hospitality markets.

San Juan, Puerto Rico -- Taubman announced eight new shopping and dining options will debut at The Mall of San Juan located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, before the end of 2015, seven of which are exclusive to the market. Additional more than 20 stores and restaurants are scheduled to open in 2016.

“We’re bringing a taste of New York, Tuscany and Florence to the island with the addition of three new dining experiences,” said Marnie Marquina, marketing and sponsorship director for The Mall of San Juan.

Dallas -- Trademark Property Co. begins construction on the unfinished parking garage at Victory Park in Dallas.

The construction is part of phase I redevelopment efforts and will add an additional 22,030 sq. ft. of street-level retail and restaurant space to Victory Park, as well as, a 2,600-sq.-ft. second-floor covered patio connected to a signature restaurant at the northeast corner of the garage, making two sided retail on Victory Park Lane a reality with in downtown Dallas. Completion is slated for summer 2016.

Bridgeport Landing Development, a subsidiary of The RCI Group announced that Connecticut’s first Bass Pro Shops has opened at Steelpointe Harbor located in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

The Steelpointe Harbor Bass Pro Shops is a 150,000 sq. ft. store featuring Uncle Bucks Fish Bowl and Grill restaurant, Black Widow Billiards™ parlor complete with two tournament pool tables, a bowling alley with 12 full lanes, an archery range and aquarium.

Olive Garden is adding a new omnichannel twist to its traditional Italian dining experience.

The casual dining chain has completed rollout of Ziosk tabletop tablets at more than 800 restaurants nationwide. Ziosk's seven-inch touchscreen tablets allow Olive Garden customers to browse the menu, order drinks, appetizers and desserts, and pay checks. The tablets also feature interactive activities such as trivia games.