Huntington Beach, Calif. — DJM Capital Partners has sold its ownership stake of Bella Terra, a 1 million-square-foot mixed-use development in Huntington Beach. DJM has managed and co-owned the property since 2005. The property is now fully owned by PGIM Real Estate, DJM’s long-term partner in Bella Terra. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Lexington, Ky. — Cheeseburger slider concept Smalls Sliders has signed a franchise agreement to open four new units in Kentucky — dubbed Cans — marking its introduction to the state. Local entrepreneur Bradley Scott and his team will own and operate the restaurants. Founded in 2019, Atlanta-based Smalls Sliders currently has 350 Cans open or under development and is active across 30 states. The first of the four restaurants is scheduled to open in early 2026, according to a company representative.
Allendale, N.J. — Fitness studio Ritual Fitness has signed a 3,206-square-foot lease at Allendale Town Center in Allendale, bringing the property to full occupancy. Azarian Realty Co. leases and manages the 79,374-square-foot retail center, which comprises 20 tenant spaces, as well as an 11,290-square-foot freestanding building. Acme Supermarkets anchors the property. Kevin Pelio of Azarian represented both the landlord and the tenant in the lease negotiations.
New York City — Fabrics and crafts retailer JOANN, which operates roughly 800 stores in 49 states, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking its second filing within a year. JOANN first filed for bankruptcy in March 2024. According to a statement issued by the company, JOANN has faced “significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment,” as well as “constrained inventory levels.” The retailer’s current debt totals $615 million, according to CNN. The company is now planning to sell all its assets, with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners — …
Cranberry Township, Pa. — Supermarket chain Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has announced plans to open a new store in Cranberry Township, roughly 21 miles outside Pittsburgh. This marks the chain’s first location in metro Pittsburg. Designed and constructed by Sippel Development Co., the115,000-square-foot store will feature a bakery, seafood department, meat, produce, deli and cheese options and a selection of wine and beer. Situated on 13 acres, the new store will be a part of the larger Cranberry Springs mixed-use development. Wegmans currently operates 111 stores along the East Coast.
Plano, Texas — JCPenney and SPARC Group have announced plans to merge, forming Catalyst Brands. Catalyst Brands launches with 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees, more than $9 billion of revenue and $1 billion of liquidity. JCPenney and SPARC Group have created a joint venture in an all-equity transaction to form the combined organization, with Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corp., Authentic Brands Group and Shein as shareholders. The combined portfolio features six retail banners — the SPARC Group’s Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica and JCPenney. Marc Rosen, …
Macon and Warner Robins, Ga. — Cheeseburger slider concept Smalls Sliders has signed a franchise agreement to open three new units in Georgia. PAR Concepts will own and operate the restaurants, which will be located in Macon and Warner Robins. This marks PAR Concepts’ second franchise agreement with Smalls Sliders, bringing its portfolio to nine units — dubbed Cans — under development in Georgia. The first of the nine restaurants is scheduled to open early this year. Founded in 2019, Atlanta-based Smalls Sliders currently has 350 Cans open or under …
New York City — A&G Real Estate Partners has announced plans to auction 695 Party City store leases in 44 states in its capacity as real estate advisor to the retailer. Party City Holdco Inc. (PCHI) first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2023 and announced in December 2024 that it would be liquidating and closing all stores. The leases range in size from roughly 7,000 to 46,000 square feet, with the spaces available for immediate occupancy. The bid deadline and auction are scheduled for early February. According …
Bethesda, Mass. — Food services provider Sodexo has announced plans to have roughly 100 Food Hive stores open at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. by 2026. Sodexo is currently underway on its previously announced plans to open approximately 30 campus stores during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Food Hive concept is designed as a cashless convenience store, with a focus on products from local, minority and women-owned businesses. Universities and colleges with open or planned Hive stores include Morehouse College, University of Illinois Chicago, Northern Arizona University, Texas Christian …
Henderson, N.C. — Variety Wholesalers Inc. has announced plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, in the midst of the retailer’s bankruptcy proceedings. North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers will acquire the stores, which it will operate under the Big Lots brand, through Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. Gordon Brothers has entered into a sale transaction with Big Lots that will enable the transfer of assets — including stores, distribution centers and intellectual property — to other retailers and companies, including Variety Wholesalers. Big Lots first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy …
