Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook

Jim Babinchak and Kevin Kern with architecture firm Cooper Carry talk about their role in helping Northwood Investors transform the Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, NC into a vibrant mixed-use project known as The Bowl at Ballantyne. They discuss the design vision of creating a communal and walkable environment with a blend of retail, residential, and entertainment spaces. Key features include family-friendly amenities like the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten, a large outdoor amphitheater, and experiential design elements seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The conversation highlights the challenges, sustainability efforts, and long-term vision for the development. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Phil Colicchio is an attorney and real estate consultant known for his work representing celebrity chefs and helping to pioneer the Las Vegas restaurant boom. Phil talks about the food and beverage industry in Las Vegas, the evolution of food halls, and the integration of entertainment into dining experiences. Phil also speaks about working with his cousin Tom Colicchio and his experiences negotiating licensing agreements for other celebrity chefs. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Keisha Virtue is Retail Research Manager for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Mickey Papillon, who heads tech strategy for Irvine Company, shares insights on how technology transforms the shopping experience. He delves into the integration of EV charging stations in shopping centers to attract customers. The discussion also revolves around AI's role in enhancing retail operations and customer engagement. Furthermore, he highlights the significance of mobility data in understanding consumer behavior and improving tenant relationships, as well as the growing trend of robotics in retail environments to streamline operations.

Matt DuPlessie is founder and CEO of Level99, a real-world gaming venue designed for adults. He covers the origins of Level99, its unique concept of combining various physical and mental challenge rooms with high-quality dining, and plans for growth, including upcoming locations in Tysons, Virginia, Hartford, Connecticut, and Disney Springs in Orlando. Matt also discusses the technology and design process behind the games, the importance of integrating local art, and the investment in Level99 by Ron Shaich's Act 3 Holdings.  James Cook is the director of retail research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Brandy Mathie is Director of Site Acquisition and Portfolio Management at Electrify America, the largest open hyper-fast electric vehicle charging network in the U.S. Mathie explains the company's growth, future goals, and the logistics of deploying charging stations in retail locations. She also covers customer experience, ideal site locations, and the increasing demand for EV infrastructure.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Keisha Virtue is Retail Research Manager for JLL. James Cook is the director of retail research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Kien Tsoi, regional director of leasing for Dollar Tree, talks about what it takes for a retailer to surpass 9,000 stores in North America. Kien talks about his background in retail brokerage and the unique shopping experience that Dollar Tree offers. He also speaks to the competition he faces for retail spaces and the impact of economic conditions on value retail.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Keisha Virtue is Retail Research Manager for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Andy Weiner, President of RockStep Capital discusses his unique strategy of involving local investors and community bank lending to invest in open air and enclosed shopping centers. Andy shares insights from his background in retail and explains how RockStep mitigates risks by fostering strong local partnerships. He also delves into the company's principles, known as 'Rock Steps,' which guide their operations and culture. The conversation covers the evolution of retail real estate, the benefits of community alignment, and strategies for maintaining successful retail centers in hometown markets.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Jennifer Schuler, CEO talks about the storied history of  Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, from Alice Handel's dedication to quality ice cream starting in 1945 in Ohio, to today's franchise-driven expansion. Jennifer shares her own career journey from General Mills to Wetzel's Pretzels, highlighting her passion for the food industry. The conversation touches on the Handel's growth strategy, focus on quality, and the hands-on approach to ice cream making. She also discusses the nostalgic and emotional connections people have with ice cream, the importance of the right real estate, and the challenges of the labor market. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Don Tepman, aka 'StripMallGuy,' is the founder of Town Center Capital, known for revitalizing neighborhood strip malls with mom-and-pop tenants. He candidly shares his journey from anonymous real estate commentator to social media sensation, revealing his strategies for selecting properties and the joys of supporting local businesses. Don discusses the challenges of managing strip centers, the complexities of environmental hazards, and the evolution of the retail market. He also emphasizes the power of authentic sharing on platforms like LinkedIn to connect with the real estate community.

James Cook discusses the successful collaboration between the city of Yorba Linda, California, and Zelman Development in creating the Yorba Linda Town Center. Featuring insights from Colleen Callahan, the Economic Development Manager for the city, and Brett Foy of Zelman Development, the conversation explores the project’s conception, early challenges, and the cooperative efforts that led to its realization. The episode also delves into post-completion roles, the impacts of COVID-19 on the development, and practical advice for developers and city officials looking to collaborate effectively.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.