Tony Chen’s Post

For a while, there was nothing better than going to Boston Chicken and then Boston Market. This story really lays out how this once successful restaurant will soon disappear completely from the QSR landscape. #bostonmarket #bostonchicken #restaurant #qsr

Alright, let’s talk about why Miami River spots are practically unicorns—there’s rarely an opening, and it’s because this strip is prime real estate for restaurants that know how to make waves. Look at who’s already here: Seaspice, Kiki on the River, Habibi, Garcia Seafood, and Casa Neos. These places are crushing it, and it’s no secret why everyone’s been clamoring for a spot along the river. For the first time in a long time, there’s a fully-equipped, fully-permitted space on NW 5th just waiting for someone to jump in. This place is prepped to the nines with 74 indoor seats and 38 outside, so you can skip the multi-million dollar build-outs and years of waiting for permits. It’s set up to handle serious volume, with three hoods, four pizza ovens, and 20 burners—ready to serve not only the 112 patrons licensed to sit down but also all of downtown for delivery. And with Miami’s high season kicking in and the weather cooling down, this patio is screaming for brunches, wine nights, and pre-game dinners for anyone hitting up the river scene. Picture a packed house on game nights, a laid-back vibe on the weekends, and steady delivery runs every day. New lease, no key money, just the chance to bring your vision to one of Miami’s hottest areas. But here’s the thing—spots like this do not wait around. You know the Miami River doesn’t open its doors often, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. So…who’s ready to claim this space and make some serious noise on the river? Don’t let it slip through your fingers. #miamirealtor #miamiforlease #realestatemiami #southfloridarealestate #realestatemotivation #miamibroker #realestatemiamifl #miamihospitality #southfloridabrokerage #realestatelifestyle #southfloridabroker #miamicommercialrealestate #realestatecontent #realestateinspo #miamiforsale #newtomiami #dealclosed #miamifoodscene #miaminews #miamiforrent #miamibrokerage

The closure of City Club Raleigh after 45 years marks the end of an era for private and social dining clubs in downtown - it is happening all across America. While COVID played a role in business challenges, the broader decline of private dining clubs stems from various factors. The rise of for-profit restaurants in downtowns has reduced the demand for exclusive dining venues like private clubs. Keeping up with innovative dining entrepreneurs, including The James Beard Foundation winners, poses a significant challenge for traditional clubs that require periodic refreshing, demanding substantial investments. Moreover, the reputation and negative perception of discrimination have plagued many private dining clubs, contributing to their decline. Fortunately, City Club of Raleigh has been free of the discrimination issues. Transitioning from this setback, the City Club's space will now be occupied by the growth-focused law firm Smith Anderson, symbolizing a move forward for Downtown Raleigh. Raleigh's proactive efforts in reinvigorating the Fayetteville Street District post-COVID reflect a promising future. Source: [WRAL](https://lnkd.in/eKaATQj3) Highwoods Properties Downtown Raleigh Alliance Avison Young | US Capital Markets WRAL #PrivateDining #UrbanRevitalization #DowntownRaleigh #PostCovidLife #Investments #FayettevilleStreetDistrict #DiningClubs #RestaurantIndustry

Boston Market was a booming brand back in the mid-1990s, a pioneer of what we now know as the fast-casual landscape. It existed in a space diners were just realizing they wanted to be in, somewhere between the greasy burgers of fast-food drive-throughs and the sit-down production of an evening out at the Olive Garden or Bennigan’s. People flocked to its homey meals; its signature rotisserie chickens seemed fresh, even healthful, in that era of SnackWell’s cookies and Healthy Choice frozen dinners. After being founded in 1985 as Boston Chicken, it eventually expanded to more than 1,200 locations well beyond its namesake city. Now, only a few dozen remain; a report this month by the trade publication Restaurant Business put the number at 27, with more closures expected at every moment. Earlier this year, Massachusetts labor officials fined the chain for late payments to employees; last year, New Jersey issued a stop-work order for 27 locations over failure to pay workers. After the company paid $630,000 in back wages, they were allowed to reopen in the state, though it isn’t clear how many actually did. Boston Market’s Colorado headquarters was seized. The biggest blow came in the form of a lawsuit from supplier U.S. Foods over unpaid bills in which a judge in January ordered Boston Market to pay $15 million. It’s hard to imagine a time when rotisserie chickens weren’t ubiquitous, but looking back at news stories from the early to mid-1990s reminds us that, for a brief moment, they seemed, if not exactly chic, at least new — and exactly what diners were clamoring for. Headlines called them “the answer to dinner dilemma” and “a new spin on fast food.” “Everyone’s flocking to join the rotisserie chicken revolution,” the Chicago Tribune declared in 1994. Chains such as Kenny Rogers Roasters, Clucker’s and Muhammad Ali Rotisserie Chicken spread around the country, while KFC debuted its own spinoff called Rotisserie Gold. Boston Chicken, which changed its name in 1995, led the way. Eventually, though, the chain’s all-American, homestyle fare, often served in family-size portions, fell out of step with tastes. Diners were drawn to ultra-customizable bowls at Chipotle and the varied menu at Panera Bread, two leaders in the market now infiltrated by chains offering healthier options and global flavors, such as Sweetgreen and Cava. Modern customers are more fickle, notes restaurant analyst Aaron Allen. That creates a challenge for all brands, but legacy ones in particular. Diners today have a restless mind-set influenced by our experiences with consumer technology. After all, our iPhones get an upgrade every 20 months, so we come to expect that other things we spend money on should constantly evolve and modernize, too. “These days, the consumer gets tired a lot faster,” Allen says.

If you’re from Pickering, you’ve mostly eaten at the Big M, or atleast passed it on your way to the beach. It’s a staple to the city, but most don’t know it’s older than the city itself. Check out my article about the Big M to learn more about the company’s history and impact. https://lnkd.in/eRxFdTMQ

It's been on a downward trajectory for awhile but when even the acclaimed In 'n Out burger chain decides it's too dangerous to keep open their store there - well it really is an all-time low for Oakland, California. It seems the business is putting staff safety in front of profits....their car park has become a crime hotspot. Given this is the chain's first ever closure since it started in 1948 that's saying something. The closure marks a further decline for Oakland - a city that has, already this year, seen downtown Subway outlet and a Raising Cane restaurant shutter their doors - largely due to crime. They follow on from Starbucks, Denny's and Black Bear Diner and a host of retailers and are the 'tells' of an area - if not a city in a civic death spiral. Across 'the Bay' - the internationally famous San Francisco is having its own problems - with city's once prestigious San Francisco Centre (until recently owned by Westfield before they handed he keys back in June 2023), being renamed Emporium Centre San Francisco. But a slew of key brand tenants have gone - Lego, JHollister, Adidas and J Crew among them. They have now reportedly been joined by L’Occitane and Sephora. I term it 'brand flight'! But in the case of these two cities I call it 'brand mass evacuation'! Whatever is going on it's urban decay and it's a civic tragedy and I do wonder if there is a calling for some sort of International Civic Rescue Squad - much in the same way that Saudi Arabia has pulled in what I terms as a 'dream team' of designer, developers, digital eagles and those who can deliver a project. This would be a 'Civic Rescue' A-team who could turnaround the fortunes of troubled locations around the world. Who would be on such a team? I have a few ideas! https://lnkd.in/dahZANTf #InnoutBurger #Oakland #crime #urbandecay #urbangrain #California #civicdecay #brandflight #turnaround #SanFrancisco #Westfield #EmporiumCentreSanFrancisco #Civicrescue #retail #retailing #leisure

Call Cleveland Home! Why Cleveland? Here are just a few reasons: 💰 Affordable Living: One of the first things you'll notice is how far your dollar goes in Cleveland. Compared to other major cities, the cost of living here is remarkably affordable, offering quality housing options without breaking the bank. 🎵 Rich Cultural Scene: From the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland's cultural offerings are diverse and vibrant. Art, music, and history enthusiasts will find plenty to explore and enjoy. 🌳 Breathtaking Nature: Surrounded by the beauty of Lake Erie and numerous parks and nature reserves, outdoor adventures are never far away. Whether it's hiking, biking, or enjoying a sunset by the lake, nature's beauty is an integral part of life here. 💼 Thriving Job Market: With a growing economy and a reputation for innovation, especially in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors, Cleveland is a city on the rise. Cleveland is home to the #2 Hospital in the World according to Newsweek for the sixth consecutive year......Cleveland Clinic! ❤️ Warm Community: Perhaps the most compelling reason to move to Cleveland is the people. There's a genuine sense of community and warmth here that makes you feel welcomed and valued. It's a city where neighbors quickly become friends. Relocating to a new city is a significant decision but moving to Cleveland will been one of the best decisions you will ever make 💯. The city offers a perfect balance of professional opportunities, cultural richness, and a welcoming community. If you're considering a move, I encourage you to explore what Cleveland has to offer. Let's connect if you're curious to learn more about life in Cleveland or need tips for making the move 📞! #Cleveland #Relocation #NewBeginnings #Community #ExploreCleveland https://lnkd.in/erJa-EcK

When I visit my family in Texas, I always make a point to stop at Buc-ee's, Ltd. as we bounce between Austin and Waco. I know, right? Why would I be so crazy about going to a C-Store? Well, it can be summed up in a five-word phrase… Everything. Is. Bigger. In. Texas. From BBQ to Beaver Nuggets, an adorable mascot, and probably the largest wall of soda dispensers you’ve ever seen, Texas based Buc-ee's, Ltd. has truly evolved what it means to be a C-Store and has become a destination in itself. It’s simply massive. So it’s no surprise to see that the chain is attracting a higher share of weekend visits and a greater share of family households compared to its peers, as it has emerged as a favorite destination for families and individuals looking for somewhere to go on their days off. Great work by Samuel Roche and the team! Check out the C-Stores: From Convenient Stops to Go-To Destinations White Paper for more insights and to gain a better understanding of how C-Stores have become Go-to Destinations! Link in the comments below.

And we're done! Since Covid, so much about the restaurant industry has changed, especially in Downtown Oakland. Foot traffic, daytime demographics, night time habits, costs, tastes, prevalence of take-out... You adapt or you die. Not for lack of trying, we ended up taking door number 2. There's only so much time, energy, and money you can throw at something. And I am incredibly stubborn. Seven years ago I set out to build a restaurant group. We scraped together $100,000 and grew it into three concepts across 2 cities, employing 75 people and grossing $4,000,000. We offered healthcare, time off, and 401k matching. We bought a building. We fed a lot of happy customers. A year ago we closed Palmetto and I stepped away from daily operations. With only two locations - Little Hill Lounge and The Kon-Tiki, there weren't enough sales to justify my salary, and I returned my focus to Real Estate. Staring at a very empty pipeline, I made the switch from Commercial Properties in the East Bay to Single Family Homes in Marin. I joke that I traded Cap Rates and analytics for Breakfast Nooks and feelings. Starting over in a new geography and a new product type has been terrifying, but hopeful. Little Hill Lounge, in El Cerrito, is all that remains of what I had seen (up until March 2020) as a career change. We've been post-pandemic for longer than pre-pandemic. And I never quite figured out how to run a bar post-pandemic. I look forward to spending the next 6 months deciding whether my emotional attachment and pride of ownership outweighs the stress, uncertainty, and opportunity cost of hanging on to a scrappy little cocktail bar / music venue. Because I love that bar. In the meantime, 2025 is looking like a busy year for my real estate business. I am still working with clients in the East Bay, and I'm starting to pick up some business here in Marin. So long Oakland. It's been real.

"New City Program Aids in Reopening of Seattle Restaurant" Read the full article below..