Episode 11 – Retail Recap: Live from ICSC Red River
Retail Expansion, Global Brands & Texas Momentum
In this special episode recorded live from the show floor at ICSC Red River in San Antonio, Will Narduzzi, Rob Franks, and Secure Net Lease’s Bob Moorhead, along with several industry leaders discuss retail expansion, emerging restaurant concepts, and why Texas continues to attract national and international brands.
With thousands of attendees and retailers from across the country in town, the conversations highlight how tenants, developers, and investors are approaching growth in 2026.
From T-Mobile real estate strategy to international restaurant brands entering the U.S., the episode captures the energy and momentum across today’s retail landscape.
Key Topics Covered:
ICSC Red River: Why Regional Shows Still Matter
The team shares observations from the conference floor, where attendance and activity were strong once again. While the national ICSC conferences remain the industry’s largest gatherings, many retailers believe regional shows like Red River are where real deals and relationships take shape.
T-Mobile’s Retail Strategy
Zach from T-Mobile joins the show to discuss how the company is approaching store expansion and relocations across Texas and the southern U.S.
The conversation touches on:
- The ongoing “carrier competition” for top retail corners
- Why A+ shopping centers and high-traffic trade areas remain the priority
- How proximity to competitors can actually benefit store performance
Nando’s: A Global Brand Entering Texas
Ryan from Nando’s PERi-PERi discusses the international fast-casual brand’s expansion into the United States.
With more than 1,300 restaurants globally, Nando’s is still in the early stages of its U.S. growth. The brand recently opened in Dallas and Houston, with additional locations planned as it builds a long-term presence in Texas.
The conversation dives into what makes the concept unique—and why the company is taking a patient, community-focused approach to growth.
Wagamama’s U.S. Growth Strategy
Souk Singh joins the episode to talk about Wagamama, the popular London-based Pan-Asian restaurant brand.
With a strong following overseas, the company is now refining its strategy for the American market—adjusting everything from restaurant design to service style.
Texas is one of the key markets under evaluation as the brand looks toward its next phase of U.S. expansion.
Development & Retail Trends
The episode also features insights from Abe Pacetti with Regency Centers on the development side of retail.
Topics include:
- Grocery-anchored retail expansion
- The long timelines behind major developments
- Why Texas continues to lead the country in retail growth
Texas Remains a Retail Powerhouse
Throughout the episode, guests highlight the same theme: Texas remains one of the most attractive retail markets in the country.
Population growth, strong consumer spending, and continued development activity are drawing new concepts and brands into the state—many of which see Texas as their entry point into the U.S. market.
This live episode from ICSC Red River offers a behind-the-scenes look at the retailers, developers, and industry leaders shaping the next wave of retail growth.
To hear the full conversations and insights from the show floor, listen to Episode 11 below.
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