Chicago, Ill. — McDonald’s plans to expand its presence to comprise 50,000 restaurants by the end of 2027. This will mark the fastest period of growth for the brand according to the company, which announced the planned expansion in its Investor Update and a subsequent press release. Part of McDonald’s “Accelerating the Arches” strategy, the growth will include an expected 1,000 gross restaurant openings in the United States and internationally in 2027.
Bolingbrook, Ill. — McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) has announced plans to test CosMc’s, a new smaller format concept featuring a beverage-led menu with new food and drink items. The first location will open this month in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, where the first McDonald’s franchise location opened in 1955. By the end of 2024, the company plans to open 10 pilot locations for the concept, with target markets set to include the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metropolitan areas. CosMc’s will offer digital and drive-thru ordering formats only, with dynamic menu …
New York City — Brazilian restaurant Fogo de Chão has signed a 5,009-square-foot lease in Manhattan in New York City. Situated within The Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center, the venue is scheduled to open in 2024. Harrison designed the space, which will feature an expansive dining room and open churrasco grill. This marks the ninth location for the brand in metro New York City.
Newport Beach, Calif. — California-based Mountain Mike’s Pizza has signed a franchise deal for the development of 10 restaurants in Washington, marking the brand’s entrance into the state. Locations will include Arlington, Bellevue, Bellingham, Burlington, Kirkland, Lake Stevens, Lynwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Northgate and Redmond, with the first opening scheduled for next year. Franchisees Gurjot and Yashraj Thind will develop and operate the restaurants.
Harrisonburg and Winchester Va. — Slim Chickens has signed a franchise deal for five new locations in Virginia. Franchisees Oubab and Lama Khalil of Khalil and Hamoudi S.L. Cos. will develop and operate the restaurants, which will be located in Harrisonburg and Winchester. Slim Chickens currently has more than 1,150 units in development.
Fort Worth, Texas — First Watch has signed a lease at Waterside, a 63-acre mixed-use property located in Fort Worth. Scheduled to open early next year, the restaurant will be located near REI, Yoga Six, Club Pilates and Cycle Bar. Other tenants at the development include The RIM, CAVA, Whole Foods Market, F45 and Piattello Italian Kitchen.
Mansfield, Texas — Five restaurants have signed new leases at The Shops at Broad, a retail center located in Mansfield. Portillo’s, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Boomer Jack’s Grill and Chuy’s are scheduled to open next year at the property. Sam Kartalis of Younger Partners and John R. Weber of Weber & Co. arranged the leases on behalf of the landlord, Trez Capital.
San Antonio, Texas — Texas-based fast-casual chain Whataburger has announced plans to expand into South Carolina. Beginning in summer 2024, the brand will open restaurants in Greenville, Mauldin, Irmo, Spartanburg, Anderson, Boiling Springs, Lexington, Duncan and Easley. Current plans include a total of 10 restaurants.
San Rafael, Calif. — JLL Capital Markets has negotiated the $3.3 million sale of a single-tenant building located in San Rafael, roughly 20 miles outside San Francisco. El Pollo Loco, a fast-casual restaurant chain, occupies the 2,626-square-foot building on a triple-net-lease basis, with 13 years remaining on the lease. Eric Kathrein and Warren McClean of JLL brokered the transaction. El Pollo Loco occupies the building in San Rafael, California.
Cooper City, Fla. — Three tenants have opened at The Shoppes at Monterra Commons, a 153,618-square-foot mixed use property in Cooper City. Culver’s, First Watch and The Learning Experience now occupy 4,300; 3,700; and 10,000 square feet at the development, which was completed in August. Cali Coffee, Playa Bowls, Gyromania, Oaxaka, Tide Cleaners, Blueprint Cookies, Jonari Dental, Kami Nail House, Huey Magoos and AA Mint have also signed leases totaling 16,330 square feet at the property. Diversified Realty Development is the landlord and developer.