Many fast-casual restaurants are expanding in the Valley, but there aren't many Class-A sites left, says Velocity Retail Group principal Andy Kroot. Concepts like Pizza Five85 (which has create-your-own pizza, pastas, and salads) are looking to follow some of the other fast-casual leaders like Chipotle and Five Guys into grocery-anchored or high-traffic locations. But finding such locations is like "a dog fight," Andy says, with fast turnaround needed and not much room for negotiation in the deals. In addition to Pizza Five85, eateries Andy reps include Krispy Kreme, Togo's, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Denny's, and Carl's Jr. (Basically, all of the wrappers littering our car's front seats.)
Andy just helped the pizza concept—from the same group that brought Ono Hawaiian BBQ and Nubi Yogurt—ink two 2,400 SF deals, a store at the Chandler Pavilions (I-10 and Ray Road, rendering above... the pizza must be good, because it seems ghosts come back for it in the afterlife) and the Scottsdale Crossing Shopping Center (Scottsdale and Thomas roads). Initially, Pizza Five85's rollout will include 10 to 12 stores. In addition to the eateries, Andy also exclusively reps Goodwill of Central Arizona and serves on the Board for the Phoenix Suns Charities, which held its Jump Ball Gala last Saturday in support of local youth and families.
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