Zach’s Corner
Zach’s Commercial Realestate Corner. Features news, thoughts on Florida’s Commercial Real Estate and more.
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Extended Reach and Ten-X Explore New Opportunities Following ICSC Atlanta
Combining National Digital Exposure, Targeted Marketing and Personal Relationships to Expand Commercial Real Estate Opportunities Throughout the Southeast By Paul RutledgeExtended Reach USA | October 21, 2026 Our recent trip to Atlanta for the 2026 ICSC@SOUTHEAST conference provided another excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and explore new approaches to commercial real estate marketing. One of the highlights of our visit was a meeting at the Atlanta offices of Ten-X with Corey Prefontaine, where we discussed opportunities to expand marketing reach and potentially collaborate on commercial real estate transactions throughout the Southeast. Ten-X, which operates within the CoStar Group family alongside LoopNet, brings substantial digital marketing resources and online auction capabilities to commercial real estate transactions. For Extended Reach, these capabilities complement the marketing model we have developed to provide our clients with greater exposure, stronger buyer engagement and broader market participation. Paul Rutledge Visiting CoStar Group The Power of One Million Views Our recent experience marketing properties for RaceTrac and other represented clients demonstrates the potential of combining national platforms with targeted marketing. Through our LoopNet marketing efforts, our team generated more than one million views within a 30-day period. That level of exposure demonstrates the extraordinary reach…
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Whole Foods Market to Open First Manatee County Location in Bradenton on November 5
BRADENTON, FL — Whole Foods Market is expanding its Florida footprint with a new 42,000-square-foot grocery store scheduled to open November 5, 2026, at Marketplace at Heritage Harbour in Bradenton. Located at 7295 State Road 64 East, the new store will mark the company’s first location in Manatee County and its 40th store in Florida. The opening represents another major retail addition to the rapidly developing State Road 64 corridor. New Store to Feature More Than 450 Florida Products The Bradenton Whole Foods will feature more than 450 locally sourced products from over 115 Florida-based suppliers, offering shoppers a variety of fresh produce, specialty groceries, prepared meals and organic products. The store will include full-service meat and seafood counters, an artisan cheese department, a bakery, hot food and salad bars, freshly prepared sushi, and specialty beverages. Florida businesses featured at the location include Tampa Bay Brewing Co., Coppertail Brewing Co., Green Bench Brewing Co. and Fort Myers-based Norman Love Confections. Heritage Harbour Continues to Attract Retail Investment The new Whole Foods Market further strengthens the commercial appeal of the Heritage Harbour area, which has experienced significant residential and retail development along State Road 64. As eastern Manatee County continues attracting…
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Little Manatee South Development Raises Questions About Future Interstate 75 Interchange in Hillsborough County
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Plans for the Little Manatee South development in southern Hillsborough County are drawing attention to the area’s transportation infrastructure, particularly the possibility of a future interchange along Interstate 75. The proposed development and surrounding growth could significantly reshape the southern portion of Hillsborough County, where large tracts of undeveloped land remain near major transportation corridors. However, the construction of a new interstate interchange would require coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), along with extensive traffic studies, environmental reviews and regulatory approvals. Transportation Access Is Critical to Future Development Interstate 75 serves as one of Florida’s most important north-south transportation corridors, connecting the Tampa Bay region with Sarasota, Bradenton and Southwest Florida. As development continues south of Tampa, access to the interstate has become an increasingly important consideration for residential communities, commercial developers and industrial users. A potential interchange serving the Little Manatee South area could improve regional connectivity and influence where future development occurs. However, a proposed interchange should not be considered an approved or funded transportation project until the necessary government approvals and funding commitments are secured. New Infrastructure Could Influence Commercial Real Estate Major transportation improvements often play a significant role in…
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Florida Announces $54 Million Truck Parking Expansion Along Florida’s Turnpike
FLORIDA — Florida is making another major investment in transportation infrastructure, announcing nearly $54 million in funding to expand and improve commercial truck parking along Florida’s Turnpike. The investment is part of a broader $20 billion initiative to modernize and widen the state’s Turnpike system, improve traffic flow and support Florida’s growing freight and logistics industry. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the improvements in early October 2026, highlighting the state’s continued commitment to expanding transportation capacity as population growth and commercial development increase demand on Florida’s highways. Nearly 150 Truck Parking Spaces to Be Improved The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will invest approximately $53.8 million to expand and improve nearly 150 commercial truck parking spaces at two major Turnpike service plazas: Turkey Lake Service Plaza near Orlando Ocoee Service Plaza in Central Florida The improvements are intended to provide truck drivers with additional safe and reliable locations to park, rest and access essential services. Truck parking shortages have become a significant challenge for the transportation industry, particularly along major freight corridors where drivers must comply with federal hours-of-service regulations. By increasing designated parking capacity, Florida hopes to reduce unsafe roadside parking while improving the efficiency of commercial freight transportation. Florida’s…
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Construction Begins on 362-Unit Apartment Community in Bradenton’s Massive SeaFlower Development
BRADENTON, FL — Construction is officially underway on a new 362-unit apartment community in southwest Bradenton, marking another major milestone for the expansive SeaFlower master-planned development in Manatee County. The project, known as The Fields at SeaFlower, is being constructed by Bradenton-based NDC Construction and will introduce hundreds of new rental residences to one of the region’s growing residential communities. The development will feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with pre-leasing expected to begin in summer 2027. New Apartments to Feature Resort-Style Amenities The Fields at SeaFlower is designed to offer residents a variety of modern amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, dedicated yoga room and swimming pool. Additional features will include an outdoor kitchen, pickleball courts, dog park and designated trailer parking for jet skis. Residents will also have the option to lease individual garages. The project brings together NDC Construction, NDC Development and NDC Asset Management, allowing the companies to coordinate construction, development and long-term property management. NDC Asset Management will oversee operations once the apartment community is completed. SeaFlower Master-Planned Community Will Include 4,000 Homes The new apartment complex is part of the much larger SeaFlower master-planned community, a major mixed-use development taking shape…
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Starbucks Reportedly Exploring Acquisition of Chipotle in Potential $40 Billion Restaurant Industry Deal
SEATTLE, WA — Starbucks is reportedly considering one of the largest acquisitions in restaurant industry history, with the global coffee giant exploring a potential takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill. According to a report from the Financial Times, Starbucks has worked with financial advisers in recent months to evaluate a possible acquisition of the fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain. The potential transaction could bring together two of the most recognizable restaurant brands in the United States, combining Starbucks’ massive coffeehouse network with Chipotle’s growing portfolio of fast-casual restaurants. However, no formal acquisition agreement has been announced, and it remains unclear whether Starbucks has submitted an official offer. Still just a rumor – Full Store Footprint in Florida as of October 12th, 2026. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Has Strong Ties to Chipotle One of the most interesting aspects of the potential acquisition is the connection between Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol and Chipotle. Niccol served as Chipotle’s CEO from 2018 until 2024, overseeing a period of significant growth, restaurant expansion and increased investment in digital ordering. He joined Starbucks in September 2024, where he has focused on improving customer service, increasing restaurant efficiency and revitalizing the company’s traditional coffeehouse experience. A potential acquisition would…
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New Chick-fil-A Opening in Bradenton Near Costco with Free Food Giveaway on October 15
BRADENTON, FL — Chick-fil-A is expanding its presence in Manatee County with the opening of a new restaurant near Interstate 75 and State Road 64, adding another major national restaurant brand to one of Bradenton’s fastest-growing retail corridors. The new Chick-fil-A Heritage Harbour, located at 7283 State Road 64 East, is scheduled to officially open on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6 a.m. Situated near the entrance to Marketplace at Heritage Harbour, the restaurant will serve the surrounding residential communities and shoppers visiting the rapidly expanding commercial development. Free Food Giveaway Planned for Grand Opening To celebrate its opening, Chick-fil-A will host a special “Moove-In Party,” offering complimentary food to customers who arrive wearing cow-themed clothing or accessories. Guests dressed in cow attire can receive one free entrée or kids’ meal, with options including the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, chicken nuggets and select breakfast items. The promotion will be available inside the restaurant and through the drive-thru, with a limit of one complimentary item per eligible customer while supplies last. The restaurant will operate Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery and mobile-order pickup services. New Restaurant Bringing 50 Jobs…
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Cold Stone Creamery Expands Across Tampa Bay with New Sun City Center and Bradenton Locations
SUN CITY CENTER, FL — Cold Stone Creamery is continuing its expansion throughout the Tampa Bay region, with plans to open a new ice cream shop in Sun City Center, adding to the growing number of national food and beverage brands establishing locations across Hillsborough County. The popular ice cream franchise is preparing to open at 3824 Sun City Center Boulevard, within Cypress Village Plaza, an established retail center serving the surrounding Sun City Center community. According to recently submitted development documents, Odeh Saad Enterprise LLC is behind the new location. A representative of the planned restaurant confirmed that the opening is expected within the coming weeks, although an official opening date has not been announced. New Location Coming to Cypress Village Plaza The upcoming Cold Stone Creamery will join several existing businesses at Cypress Village Plaza, including Old Castle Restaurant and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. Situated along Sun City Center Boulevard, the shopping center serves an established residential market in southern Hillsborough County. The addition of Cold Stone Creamery will introduce another nationally recognized dessert concept to the area, providing residents with additional dining and entertainment options. The brand is known for its freshly prepared ice cream, customizable mix-ins, signature…
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Golden Corral to Open First St. Petersburg Restaurant, Replacing Former Hooters Near Tyrone Square Mall
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Golden Corral is preparing to make its debut in St. Petersburg, Florida, with plans to transform a former Hooters restaurant near Tyrone Square Mall into a new all-you-can-eat buffet destination. The national restaurant chain is targeting 2250 Tyrone Boulevard North, marking its first location within St. Petersburg and a return to Pinellas County after several years without a Golden Corral restaurant. According to development plans submitted to the City of St. Petersburg, the company intends to renovate the existing 8,105-square-foot building, which previously housed Hooters before closing in late 2021. Former Hooters Property to Receive New Life The former Hooters operated at the Tyrone Square Mall property for approximately 15 years before shutting down amid changing consumer shopping patterns and declining mall traffic. Golden Corral’s proposed redevelopment will bring new activity to the vacant restaurant space, taking advantage of its established location within one of western St. Petersburg’s major retail corridors. Plans call for a restaurant accommodating approximately 254 guests, with a combination of booths, tables, a wood-top bar and an outdoor dining patio overlooking the parking area. The project represents another example of a national restaurant operator repurposing an existing commercial building rather than pursuing…
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Raising Cane’s Plans First Tampa Restaurant with Double Drive-Thru on Dale Mabry Highway
TAMPA, FL — Raising Cane’s is continuing its aggressive Tampa Bay expansion with plans to open its first restaurant within Tampa city limits, bringing its popular chicken finger concept to one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors. The Louisiana-based restaurant chain is targeting 1902 N. Dale Mabry Highway, where it plans to demolish a vacant building formerly occupied by Sunnyside Medical Marijuana Dispensary and Sweet Tomatoes. The approximately 1.2-acre property will be redeveloped into a nearly 2,800-square-foot Raising Cane’s restaurant, featuring a double-lane drive-thru designed to accommodate the chain’s high customer demand. $1.75 Million Redevelopment Planned According to reported construction permits, the new restaurant building is expected to cost approximately $1.75 million. The project will replace an existing 8,126-square-foot building with a smaller, more efficient restaurant footprint. Plans also include mobile-order pickup, outdoor dining and approximately 38 parking spaces. Located near Walter’s Crossing, a roughly 350,000-square-foot retail center anchored by major retailers including Total Wine & More, the property benefits from strong retail activity and visibility along Dale Mabry Highway. Raising Cane’s Continues Tampa Bay Expansion The proposed Tampa restaurant is part of a broader expansion strategy throughout the Tampa Bay region. Raising Cane’s already operates restaurants in Clearwater, St.…
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