Hospitality

St. Louis -- A majority (74%) of U.S. contractors are unaware of upcoming 2015 regional standards for unitary air conditioning and heat pump systems, according to a survey by Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. Nearly 80% of contractors were unaware of 2015 part-load efficiency requirements for light commercial split, package and rooftop systems, and 84% are unaware of the 2015 chiller standards. Unlike the 2005 regulation changes, the 2015 changes will affect both residential and commercial efficiency standards.

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.

Purchase, N.Y. — KicksUSA, a regional retailer offering athletic footwear and family apparel, has opened a 4,600-sq.-ft. store at CooperTowne Center in Somerdale, N.J., according to National Realty & Development Corp., the owner of the center.

Wal-Mart Supercenter, Cinemark Theatres and LA Fitness anchor CooperTowne Center.

Redmond, Wash. -- PlayNetwork, a leading innovator in branded entertainment media experiences, is expanding its global reach with the announcement of its new Hong Kong office.
 
The Hong Kong office joins PlayNetwork locations around the globe, with teams in London, England; Columbus, Ohio; Sherman Oaks, Calif.; New York City; and the company's corporate headquarters in Redmond, Wash.

Oakville, Canada – Tim Hortons is unveiling a strategic four-year growth plan for 2014-2018 called “Winning in the New Era.” The plan, which has specific segments for the Canada, U.S., and international markets, includes the opening of 300 new U.S. locations by 2018.

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.

Austin, Texas — CBRE has announced three more Austin-area locations for local fast casual restaurant VERTS, bringing its store count to 10. In 2014, VERTS plans to open 13 new locations, including expansions into Dallas and Houston.

The newest locations are in North Austin. Locations in Round Rock and Cedar Park will open in the next two months.

Madison, Wis. --  Solomo Technology Inc. has launched Solomo Exchange 2.0, a comprehensive platform for location analytics and mobile engagement enabling rapid implementation and management of smart locations. With a smart location, retailers can activate devices and sensors to realize analytics, build and measure campaigns and enhance engagement across a facility, multi-floor building or entire organization. Consumers are given complete control of their personal identity and location information.