Restaurant

With plans to double in size over the next two years, the fast-casual Newk’s Eatery chain is on the fast-track. And it is testing a new design prototype to help it accomplish its goal.

Dubbed the "Generation Two" design, the new concept represents a fresh, on-trend look for the brand, and is designed to resonate in new markets and elevate the overall guest experience.

Texture Plus, the largest U.S. manufacturer of high-impact textured faux wall panels, urged the United States Senate and House of Representatives to quickly pass the “Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act.”

“Retailers and restaurants depend on remodeling their locations every five years to stay competitive,” said Brian Kampe, CEO. “The standard 39 year depreciation for building remodeling makes those improvements a difficult tax burden.”

New York -- The Feil Organization announced the completion of Nassau Mall and Kohl's Plaza complex renovation in Levittown, New York. The renovation consisted of a new façade and re-tenanting the centers, which resulted in four new leases totaling approximately 11,000 sq. ft. and 100% occupancy at both centers.

Buoyed by the launch of new menu offerings and increases in store traffic, Starbucks Corp. brewed up another strong quarter, with revenue and profits meeting Wall Street expectations. The coffee giant also continues to set a torrid pace for store expansion.

Starbucks intends to open 1,800 new stores globally during fiscal 2016, with licensing driving a large portion of the growth. This includes 700 stores in the Americas (half licensed), 900 in China/Asia-Pacific (two-thirds licensed), and 200 primarily licensed stores in Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA).

Fast-casual dining chain Johnny Rockets is expanding its range to include customers in the countries of Italy, Paraguay and Canada.

As part of its strategy to double its global footprint by 2017, Johnny Rockets has signed agreements for 49 new restaurant locations in those three new markets. Some locations will open as early as 2016.

Ridge Hill Shopping Center, developed by Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC), is expanding.

During the course of the last month, Yonkers, New York-based Ridge Hill added nine new retailers and attractions to its roster of tenants. In the first half of 2015, the center added a total of 50,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurants, with an additional 15,000 sq. ft. of office space. Seasonal offerings will account for another 14,000 sq. ft. and the center is poised to add 10,000-sq.-ft. of permanent retail before the year ends.

New York -- Howard Hughes Corporation announced McNally Jackson Books will open a new location in 2017 at the iconic Seaport District in New York. The independent New York bookstore will set up shop in Schermerhorn Row along the cobblestoned streets of the historic district and bring a new literary experience to the Seaport with a refined and carefully curated selection of books, free interactive event programming, a café with outdoor seating and a family-friendly reading area for children to engage the growing residential community.

Montgomery, Ala. -- Jim Wilson & Associates announced the addition of Doug Jeffords, VP of construction, and Evan Conder, development director.