Category: Retail News

Deluca’s Pizzeria Set to Open at Breckenridge Village Shopping Center Oct 2!

Posted on 08/29/24

Surely by now, you’ve heard the big news…Deluca’s Pizzeria, renowned for its authentic New York-style pizza, is expanding to Little Rock! Set to open on October 2nd at the recently revamped and rapidly growing Breckenridge Village Shopping Center, Deluca’s will bring its famous 18-inch pizzas, handmade pasta, and other Italian delights to a spacious new location.

For more details about what you can expect from this highly anticipated opening, check out the full article here.

Keep an eye out for more exciting updates about Breckenridge Village Shopping Center!

Up and Coming Restaurant, La Bamba, is Shaking Up Hurricane Creek Village with Bold Flavors and Big Vibes

Posted on 08/19/24

Get ready, Benton—La Bamba is about to bring the fiesta to Hurricane Creek Village, and it’s going to be epic! Slated to open in the last week of September or the first week of October, this new hotspot is the brainchild of Edgar Castorena, a restaurateur with roots in both Mexico and Arkansas.

Edgar isn’t a newbie to the restaurant game—he also owns El Nopal Tapatio in Searcy, AR. So, when it came time to plant the flag for La Bamba, he knew he needed the perfect location. That’s where Kelley Commercial Partners (KCP) stepped in. Brooke Miller, one of KCP’s partners and a seasoned commercial real estate agent, took on the project of finding the perfect space for Edgar’s new venture. “Brooke was determined to find a building that suited my needs. There was never pressure; she understood the importance of picking the right location.”

The Perfect Vibe in the Perfect Place

Hurricane Creek Village, a thriving retail center with high traffic volume, was the ideal choice for La Bamba. Edgar saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the area, bringing authentic Mexican flavors to Saline County. “I’m a fan of Saline County and wanted to put something here,” Edgar shared. With no other Mexican restaurant in the shopping center, La Bamba is sure to become a local favorite.

The restaurant’s ambiance will be as vibrant as its menu, featuring artsy décor with cultural murals, fun music, and a welcoming atmosphere. The sugar skull logo and other design elements throughout the space are a nod to Edgar’s Mexican-American heritage.

Get Ready to Feast

So, what about the menu at La Bamba? Think authentic Mexican dishes with a twist of Tex-Mex goodness. Standout plates include the Bamba Plate, the Cazuelon, and fajitas that’ll make you want to dance.

From Pizza to Tacos: A Transformation Tale

The space Edgar chose for La Bamba used to be a pizza restaurant. Turning a former pizza joint into a Mexican restaurant wasn’t the easiest transition, but he was up for the challenge. “We faced everything from kitchen redesigns to equipment swaps. But you know what? The hard work makes it all the more rewarding,” Edgar said. “Those sweat-soaked days of scrubbing floors and patching walls without AC—those are the memories that’ll stick with me.”

One Last Chance to Join the Party

La Bamba is almost here, but there’s still one spot left at Hurricane Creek Village, and trust us—you want in on this action. We’re talking about a 1.39-acre outlot facing I-30, a prime piece of real estate just waiting for the right business to make it pop.

If you’re ready to be part of this bustling retail hub, now’s the time to move. Kelley Commercial Partners has got your back, just like we did for Edgar and La Bamba. Let’s make it happen! Click here to view more info about this location.

Don’t miss out—contact us today to snag this last available spot and bring your business vision to life. And when you get there, tell Edgar we said “Hola!”

Site Selection: Key Elements in Finding the Right Commercial Space

Posted on 08/24/23

Brands include Church's Chicken, Costco, Bloomin' Brands, Jersey Mikes, Dillard's, Five Below, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls.

By Brooke Miller

You know the old saying: “Location. Location. Location.” In the commercial real estate game, well-designed business plans, solid funding, and meticulous execution are all necessary pieces of the puzzle, but without the right location, success can be elusive. Finding the right commercial space for your business plays a pivotal role in determining its fate. The perfect location can be the catalyst for exponential growth, while a poor choice can lead to stagnant sales and missed opportunities. When it comes to selecting the right site, making an informed decision is paramount.

The site selection process involves a thorough evaluation of numerous factors to identify the most optimal location for a particular commercial use, be it a retail store, restaurant, office building, or industrial facility. Engaging the services of a trusted commercial real estate firm that is familiar with the local market can prove to be a prudent choice, as it can streamline the process and will likely yield potential cost and time savings. To kickstart the site selection journey, the first crucial step involves defining the project’s unique requirements and clear-cut objectives. This encompasses determining the ideal property size, type, location, budget, and project timeline. Armed with this comprehensive information, a commercial real estate agent can get to work to find options that make the most sense for a client.

Factors to Consider in the Site Selection Process:

Suitability: A site’s prime suitability almost always revolves around its accessibility to customers, employees, and suppliers. A strategic location near major roads, highways, and public transportation can be crucial. Additionally, the availability of utilities to the site as well as environmental considerations can often play a vital role in evaluating suitability. And of course, understanding the site’s zoning is essential, as it determines the permissible uses in the area. If zoning adjustments are needed to align with the intended use, an experienced commercial real estate agent can help navigate municipal requirements for a smooth process.
Demographics: A comprehensive evaluation of the surrounding area’s demographic profile is also imperative to ensure it supports the intended use of the property and aligns with the needs of the community and workforce in the area.
Market Conditions: Thorough analysis of real estate market conditions helps gauge the demand for properties or businesses similar to the one under consideration. This information is vital for predicting the potential return on investment. An in-depth market analysis includes studying current trends, the availability of land or commercial spaces in the desired location, traffic counts, and property values.
Competition: The presence of similar businesses or developments in the area also should be evaluated to determine the expected level of competition and the potential for market saturation.

Once potential sites have been selected, a tour of each site usually follows to help investors determine the best possible option.

How Kelley Commercial Partners Can Help

Over the years, we’ve helped numerous major brands and businesses navigate the complexities of site selection, so if you’re looking to embark on a successful commercial venture, Kelley Commercial Partners’ team of knowledgeable agents possesses the expertise to guide you through every step of the process. We understand that “location” is the cornerstone of prosperity, and our thorough evaluation process ensures we find the most optimal site tailored to your unique business needs. With a keen eye on suitability, demographics, market conditions, and competition, we meticulously identify prime locations that can serve as catalysts for exponential growth. You can trust KCP to provide unwavering support in achieving all of your business goals.

Brooke Miller Agent | Partner

Kelley Commercial Partners has an award-winning team of real estate professionals with the experience and knowledge to ensure you maximize your potential and reach your financial goals. Let us help you create a clear plan and provide the guidance you need to confidently move forward. Contact us today or click here to explore available properties.

Simmons Tower Lobby Perks Up

Posted on 11/29/22

Things are perking up in the lobby of Simmons Tower. Italian Coffee Corner opened in early November, and it is quickly becoming a regular stop for a morning boost, lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Owners, Bruno Muskaj and wife, Yuliia Kornytska had just opened Coffee Corner in Maumelle when they learned about lobby space available in Simmons Tower. Brooke Miller and Brandon Sheard of Kelley Commercial Partners met with the couple and showed them the space in the southeast corner of the lobby. The couple decided to go for it and open a second location. They placed their order for another Italian-made Lavazza espresso machine and waited three months for its arrival. The Lavazza finally arrived, and she is a beauty! With Bruno in charge and using Lavazza’s 100 percent Arabica beans, the results are smooth, rich, and oh, so gratifying.

Yuliia and Bruno met while working on a cruise ship and dreamed of opening a coffee shop of their own. They were about to open one in Saranda, Albania when Covid hit and a friend asked them for help in his restaurant in Arkansas. Arkansas? Bruno grew up in Albania and never thought he could live away from the sea, but when he saw Arkansas, he loved it. “It’s beautiful here. Lots of trees. Plenty of water,” Bruno said.

Bruno Muskaj, co-owner of Italian Coffee Corner

Bruno’s love for coffee began at a very early age when his Italian grandmother showed him how to make espresso. His favorite drink is the ristretto, which is a concentrated, short espresso shot. Yuliia’s Ukrainian roots influence the pastries they serve — buttery, flakey, and delicious.

Now with two shops, Yuliia manages the very busy Maumelle location while Bruno manages the downtown shop. Bruno prefers being in the center of the city with lots of activity. Their menus differ slightly but both offer plenty of options ranging from the crowd-favorite chocolate danishes to savory sandwiches served on their freshly baked, buttery croissants.

So, next time you’re downtown and need a little something to get you going, visit the Italian Coffee Corner in Simmons Tower. They’re open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.* Coffee Corner in Maumelle is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon.

* Hint: If you don’t happen to work in or near Simmons Tower, the southeast entrance nearest the intersection of 6^th and Spring Streets will lead you directly to Italian Coffee Corner. Metered parking is almost always available on 6^th St.

Tenant Estoppel Certificates

Posted on 11/08/22

Are you a tenant? A landlord thinking about selling? Or an investor looking to buy a leased property? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is important that you understand what a tenant estoppel certificate is and the benefits and protections it offers.

What is a tenant estoppel certificate?

A tenant estoppel certificate is a legally binding document signed by a tenant verifying the current status and terms of a lease and specifying any modifications to the original agreement, defaults by the landlord, or other issues relating to the lease. Typically, an estoppel certificate is requested by the landlord as part of the due diligence process before closing on the sale of a property. This statement of facts regarding the lease and the premises estops either party from making a claim that contradicts those facts post transaction.

If you lease, own, or want to purchase a tenant-occupied property, it’s important to understand how a Tenant Estoppel Certificate can protect you.

Most commercial real estate lease agreements include a provision requiring a tenant to complete an estoppel certificate within a specified amount of time after receiving the Landlord’s request. However, only a landlord wishing to sell or refinance the property would request the estoppel. If a lease does not have a provision requiring a tenant to complete an estoppel certificate, it is in the best interest of the tenant to carefully review and complete the estoppel certificate to verify all pertinent lease information.

Why sign a tenant estoppel certificate?

From the tenant’s perspective, an estoppel certificate informs and certifies to the purchaser of the property (i.e., the new landlord under the lease) and, in the event of financing, the lender of any existing issues they will need to address after closing. For lenders and purchasers, the estoppel certificate verifies information presented by the landlord regarding the tenant, the premises, and certain material terms of the lease, which helps prevent any costly surprises after closing.

As a full-service commercial real estate firm, Kelley Commercial Partners provides landlord and tenant representation. And no matter which side we represent, we are committed to successfully guiding you through the process from the beginning through closing. For all your commercial real estate needs, let us be your partner to success.