Episode 18 – Retail ReCap
Starbucks Is Closing Stores. Chipotle Can’t Build Fast Enough. Here’s Why.
Retail Expansion, Net Lease Trends & the Changing Restaurant Landscape
In this episode of Retail ReCap, Rob Franks and Secure Net Lease’s Bob Moorhead take the mic for a discussion covering the latest developments in retail real estate, investment sales, and restaurant expansion across Texas and beyond.
With Jeremy Mercer and Will Narduzzi out this week, Rob and Bob share their perspectives on current market conditions, major retailer activity, and the trends influencing commercial real estate investment decisions.
The conversation covers everything from national tenant strategies and shifting consumer preferences to emerging development opportunities and the continued growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth market.
Key Topics Covered:
Net Lease Investment Market Update
Rob and Bob kick off the episode with a look at the current net lease market, discussing investor demand, available inventory, and the impact of changing interest rates.
The conversation highlights activity surrounding several major national tenants, including 7-Eleven, Starbucks, and Chipotle, along with the factors influencing investment sales and buyer decisions.
Starbucks, Chipotle & Changing Retail Strategies
While Starbucks continues to evaluate its store portfolio and invest in existing locations, Chipotle is expanding its footprint with an increased focus on its Chipotlane model.
The team discusses how these different approaches reflect the changing retail landscape and what they could mean for property owners, investors, and developers.
Retail & Restaurant Headlines
From established retailers making a comeback to restaurant brands introducing new concepts, the industry continues to evolve.
Topics discussed include:
- 7-Eleven, Starbucks, and Chipotle investment activity
- Interest rates, Treasury yields, and buyer demand
- Walgreens, CVS, and changing pharmacy formats
- The return of Toys “R” Us and GameStop
- Restaurant expansion, closures, and new store prototypes
- Retail development and emerging opportunities across DFW
- What property owners should consider when facing lease terminations
The team also touches on recent developments involving KFC, Chili’s, and other restaurant concepts, along with the changing strategies influencing retail growth.
Dallas-Fort Worth Development & Market Opportunities
The conversation shifts to North Texas, where continued population growth and development activity are creating opportunities for retailers and restaurant operators.
Rob and Bob highlight several markets gaining momentum outside the traditionally popular northern suburbs, including Mansfield, Waxahachie, and other growing communities throughout the Metroplex.
Behind the Business: Rob & Bob’s Retail Real Estate Journey
The episode wraps up with a more personal conversation as Rob and Bob reflect on their backgrounds in retail real estate, how their careers developed, and the experiences that helped shape their paths in the industry.
From national retail brands to investment sales and brokerage, the two share stories from their years in commercial real estate and how those experiences continue influencing their work today.
Whether you’re an investor, broker, developer, retailer, or simply interested in the trends shaping commercial real estate, this episode offers a look at the latest market activity and opportunities across the industry.
Tune in to hear the full conversation and find out what Rob and Bob are watching as the retail real estate market continues to evolve.
