Bright Realty - The Realm

Voodoo Brewing Co. Pours Magic Into a New Market, Opens in Lewisville, Texas

Bright Realty — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:23:50 +0000

Voodoo Brewing Co., the high-energy, less than traditional brewpub franchise, has more growth on the horizon with its upcoming opening in the Castle Hills community of Lewisville, Texas. The new brewpub, located at 4400 State Hwy 121, will open in February 2025 under the ownership of husband-and-wife franchisees Fahad and Manal Keen.

“This is just the next step in our growth plans,” said Matteo Rachocki, Chairman of the Voodoo Brewing Co. Board. “We are pumped to be growing in Lewisville, and we know the Keens will do a great job representing the brand and creating that communi-ty-first brewpub feel we all know and love.”

The Keens, both of whom have backgrounds in finance and data analytics, will be leading the brand’s expansion in Lewisville. When looking for a new business oppor-tunity, they came across Voodoo Brewing Co. and were immediately intrigued by the brand’s unique “unfranchise franchise” culture.

“We didn’t want to move from one structured corporate environment to another; we wanted something that aligned with our passions,” Manal said. “[The founders of Voodoo] left corporate life to start something driven by passion. It felt relatable and inspiring. Restaurants, bars and pubs were never on our radar during our research, but something about Voodoo just spoke to us.”

The Lewisville deal is the fifth in Texas, a major milestone for the brand. Like all Voo-doo Brewing Co. locations, the Castle Hills brewpub will feature a customized logo, consistent community events and the brand’s iconic “liquid gold” craft beer, craft cock-tails and hard seltzers. The Keens are definitely making the new location their own with an eclectic Mediterranean-inspired menu.

“We really want to position our pub as an entertainment hub with live music, trivia nights and a space that’s welcoming for kids, families — everyone,” Manal said. “It’s all-inclusive.”

Currently, Voodoo Brewing Co. is at capacity for new franchisees. Future locations are being awarded selectively, with a waitlist available for potential openings.

“At Voodoo Brewing Co., we remain dedicated to creating spaces where communities can gather, enjoy great beer and make lasting memories,” said Rachocki. “Each new location is an opportunity to expand our mission of quality, creativity and connection.”

With a dedicated franchisee, the iconic Voodoo Brewing Co. experience can be curated in a range of communities. The team is focused on partnering with the right people who bring ideals and a level of passion in line with the Voodoo Brewing Co. mission.

ABOUT VOODOO BREWING CO.

More than just a brewery, Voodoo Brewing Co. is a community of passionate beer lov-ers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Alongside world-renowned “liquid gold,” provided directly from the brewery, local owners offer killer food, craft cock-tails and hard seltzer in their community-focused brewpubs. Each location has a cus-tomized store icon, locally inspired menu and consistent local events, allowing Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise partners to become truly immersed in their communities. With over 30 locations across multiple states, Voodoo Brewing Co. has already captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide and has proven itself as the fastest-growing brewpub franchise in the world. Now, it is on track to quickly grow roots across the nation. For more information, visit https://voodoofranchising.com/.

By Chris Irby, 1851 Franchise

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Rev Your Engines – Retro Rides Are Cruising Back to The Realm at Castle Hills!

Bright Realty — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:44:23 +0000

Buckle up, car lovers! The Classic Car & Truck Show is shifting into high gear at The Realm at Castle Hills on Sunday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event welcomes spectators of all ages to enjoy a showcase of some of the finest classic cars and trucks in the region. The event is FREE for attendees.

Get ready to fuel your passion for vintage rides as car enthusiasts from near and far park their prized possessions for a day of horsepower and hot rods at The Realm. Meet the owners, hear the stories behind these stunning cars and trucks, and capture the perfect Instagram-worthy shot with these timeless beauties! Take a pit stop at one of The Realm’s fantastic eateries and refuel with delicious bites! Sit on the patio and enjoy a classic slice at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or grab a refreshing beer at Voodoo Brewery.

Time Machine Car Shows features the area’s finest hot rods, classic cars and trucks, several with the latest technology. If you want to show off your classic beauty you can pay a $10 entry fee and be eligible to win awards and prizes in categories such as Castle Hills Pick, Best of Show Car and Best of Show Truck. Registration is from 8-10 am. The show is from 9 am-1 pm with awards starting around 12:30 pm. Those interested in showing cars can get more information from Brittany at 940-600-9651 or Ray@TimeMachineCarShows.com.

Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at The London Baker, famous for its Food Network-featured treats. Keep your engines running with a visit to The Monk’s, RT Bakery & Café, Ked’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats, and Marble Slab/Great American Cookies, all now open and ready to serve up something delicious!

In the event of inclement weather, please visit Castle Hills Community Facebook page for event updates.

About The Realm at Castle Hills

The Realm at Castle Hills is a 324-acre mixed-use development consisting of office, retail and multi-family which blends the sophistication of an urban lifestyle with unique outdoor activity and event spaces. The project at completion will consist of over 5,000 multi-family units; 1.5 million square feet of retail, office and restaurants; a boutique hotel; an extensive trail system; and an outdoor entertainment district. It is located on State Highway 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway, just two minutes from Grandscape and Nebraska Furniture Mart; four minutes from Legacy West, Toyota HQ, Liberty Mutual, FedEx and JPMorgan Chase; and 15 minutes from DFW Airport.

About Castle Hills

Castle Hills, an award-winning Bright Realty development, is a 2,900-acre master-planned and mixed-use community located in Lewisville, Texas. Since welcoming its first residents in 1998, Castle Hills has continued to evolve as a community for people to live, work, play and thrive. With a convenient location that is close to freeways, airports and major corporate headquarters, Castle Hills has expanded to include two large mixed-use communities, The Realm at Castle Hills and Crown Centre at Castle Hills. The community continues to be recognized as one of the premier communities in north Dallas with abundant office, living, shopping and dining. www.CastleHills.com.

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The Realm at Castle Hills in Lewisville adds 8 new dining options

Bright Realty — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:53:08 +0000

By Teresa Gubbins, CultureMap Dallas

A mixed-use development in Lewisville is adding a slew of new food & beverage spots: The Realm at Castle Hills, a 324-acre mixed-use development along SH 121 in Lewisville, is expanding its eating and drinking lineup with beer, pastries, coffee, pizza, gelato, tacos, and more.

According to a release, eight new concepts will come to the development. Once complete, The Realm will be almost an entire city unto its own, with 5,000 multifamily units; 1.5 million square feet of retail, office, & restaurants, a boutique hotel; a trail system, and an outdoor entertainment space.

The goal: To. position The Realm as a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

“We’re excited to be able to offer a range of options to the surrounding area,” says Britton Lankford, development manager for Bright Realty. “We’ve created a dynamic hub at The Realm, and as foot traffic increases, it’s indicative of the vibrant community we have here.”

New openings coming soon include:

RT Bakery: The 1,507-square-foot European-style bakery will offer a variety of pastries and coffee.

The Monk’s: Discover authentic flavors from China and India at this 3,869-square-foot restaurant, where dishes are expertly braised, blended, tossed, tempered, and stirred up.

Voodoo Brewing Company: Immerse yourself in the craft beer scene at this 4,346-square-foot brewery, founded in 2005.

Haraz Coffee: Be transported to the village of Haraz through the flavors of Yemeni coffee in this new 1,800-square-foot space complete with drive-thru for on-the-go options.

Pizza Twist: Stateside-style pizza takes on the flavors of India with traditional, veggie, halal, vegan and gluten-free options in this 1,115-square-foot pizzeria.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato: Tifa Chocolate & Gelato offers a selection of handcrafted gelato in the 1,390 square feet restaurant, artisanal coffees, rich chocolates, and other sweet treats. It’s your go-to coffee house fused with the warm, inviting charm of a neighborhood bistro.

Fox House Bar & Grill: A welcoming atmosphere in a sprawling 3,689-square-foot eatery with a diverse menu of classic American dishes, craft beers, and specialty cocktails.

The Dream Tacos: A 3,354-square-foot global fusion taco joint and cocktail lounge that blends French, Japanese, southern BBQ, southern East Asian and Mexican cuisine and infused a breakthrough tacos.

These new retailers will join current Realm tenants the Food Network-featured The London Baker; Little India, Indian grocery store and fine dining restaurant; Mochinut, a combination of an American doughnut and Japanese mochi; and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, offering coal fired, brick-oven pizza and calzones.

Plus other recent additions that include bagels, ice cream, Mexican food, and brunch:

Marble Slab Creamery/Great American Cookies: Indulge in freshly made small-batch ice cream and cookies. The 1,600-square-foot shop offers ice cream cakes shakes and cookies!

Bagel Bar: Enjoy handcrafted bagels, tasty spreads and a variety of beverages in the 1,186-square-foot retail space.

Ked’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats: Local boutique ice cream shop serves in regular and exotic flavors plus crepes, waffles, coffee, and boba tea. (There’s also locations in Plano and Frisco.)

Cocinero Mexican Restaurant: Restaurant serves Mexican, Tex-Mex, as well as American basics like burgers, plus a full bar, in a 3,800-square-foot space.

Bluebonnet Brunch House: A 2,479-square-foot eatery known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast and brunch offerings.

The Realm also features Crescent Park, which has shaded seating, a water feature, and green space; plus an entire host of office buildings, rentals, condos, and apartments: Offices at the Realm, a nine-story office building with first-floor restaurants; Cottages at The Realm, an all-rental community with 72 single-family houses; Sojourn at The Realm, 80 condos over first-floor retail; and Valor at The Realm, Tapestry at The Realm, Discovery at The Realm and Olivian at The Realm, multifamily communities that include apartments and townhomes for rent and convenient first-floor retail.

Founded in the 1950s by the late H.R. “Bum” Bright, Bright Realty is the full-service commercial and residential real estate arm of parent company Bright Industries. Led by a family legacy of integrity and dedication, the Bright Realty team acts as developer, owner and operator of its residential and commercial developments. Best known for the highly successful 2,900-acre, master-planned residential community, Castle Hills, in Lewisville, Texas, Bright Realty also specializes in mixed-use, office, retail and multi-family development and brokerage.

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Bright Realty-Owned Retail Building Offers Prime Opportunity at High-traffic Intersection

Bright Realty — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:31:14 +0000

Bright Realty has put a prime retail building with a drive-thru on the market at the southwest corner of Windhaven Parkway and Josey Lane in Lewisville, known as The Realm Gateway. This property is part of the 324-acre master-planned development known as The Realm and is already home to three successful retailers: Bahama Buck’s, HOTWORX, and Bagel Bar (opening June 2024). Each of these businesses has an established and loyal customer base, ensuring a steady stream of visitors to the location. The Realm’s strategic planning and development efforts have significantly enhanced the area’s appeal, making it a desirable location for both residents and businesses.

This bustling intersection at The Realm is rapidly evolving into a local hot spot, drawing attention for its strategic location and high visibility. This area, already walkable for many residents, is poised for even greater growth with the construction of a 760-unit multifamily development across the street and the recent addition of 86 townhome lots. These developments are set to significantly increase foot traffic and boost the local economy, making this intersection an ideal spot for retail investment.

“We are thrilled to see the continued growth at The Realm” said Britton Lankford, Bright Realty development manager. “The Gateway’s key placement makes it an ideal spot for businesses, and with the ongoing developments, we anticipate even more growth in the area.”

Two national and well-known brands anchor the retail space. Bahama Buck’s is known for its tropical shaved ice and frozen treats, attracting families and individuals looking for a refreshing break. HOTWORX, a popular fitness studio offering innovative infrared workout sessions, caters to health-conscious residents seeking convenient exercise options. The Bagel Bar, a recent addition, is sure to become a favorite for breakfast and brunch enthusiasts, offering a variety of fresh bagels and gourmet coffee.

For investors, this property presents an opportunity to establish or expand their presence in a dynamic and rapidly growing area. The location, coupled with the established tenants, ensures a stable and profitable investment. The ongoing development in the vicinity promises further appreciation in property value and increased business opportunities.

“The available retail property at this prime intersection presents a fantastic investment opportunity,” said Lankford. “With established tenants like Bahama Buck’s and HOTWORX, investors can expect a steady stream of customers and significant ROI as the area continues to expand.”

Interested buyers looking to capitalize on this retail opportunity should reach out to Strive at 469-844-8030 for more information.

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Retail Market Conditions Favor Household Names

Bright Realty — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:32:37 +0000

Everybody loves a good underdog success story, but sometimes the Goliaths of the world just have too much going for them to get beat by the Davids.

All retail owners worth their salt recognize the unique draws that boutique, original concepts bring to their shopping centers. But landlords’ fiduciary responsibilities often dictate that they bring in heavier proportions of national credit tenants that can afford top-dollar rents — all other factors being held equal. And in a market defined by (relatively) high costs of capital, low vacancy, healthy demand for space and rising operating expenses, established brands have the edge.

“The market definitely favors national credit tenants that are well-financed and have hundreds if not thousands of locations,” says Will Majors, senior vice president in CBRE’s Austin market. “At minimum, it favors franchised locations with national corporate offices that support the franchisees.”

According to data from CBRE, the direct availability rate for retail space in Dallas (not the metroplex as a whole) stood at 4.8 percent at the end of the first quarter, essentially unchanged from a year ago. In Austin, the availability rate currently clocks in at 3.4 percent, just 10 basis points higher on a year-over-year basis. Asking rents for retail space in Dallas and Austin increased 2 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively, during that 12-month stretch. Houston remains slightly more navigable at 5.4 percent availability and 1.8 percent year-over-year growth in asking rents.

Considering that all three of those cities cracked the Top 10 for volume of new deliveries of retail space in the first quarter, according to CBRE, this data is even more remarkable in terms of showcasing healthy demand.

Landlords need those higher rents to offset increases in ancillary costs such as insurance, debt service and tenant improvement (TI) allowances.

Matt Knagg, advisor at brokerage firm SVN/J. Beard Real Estate — Greater Houston, notes that in addition to their deeper pockets, landlords like the corporate guarantees that often accompany leases with national retailers. These users also have more physical units over which to allocate risk.

“Because the [corporate] entity guaranteeing the lease is stronger, the risk from the landlord’s perspective is generally much lower,” he says. “National credit tenants have significant operational experience and efficiencies as well as numerous stores that can float their total revenue. So if you have multiple stores with corporate-guaranteed leases, if one location is struggling, the others could cover the rent. This keeps owners and their partners satisfied, as well as their lenders.”

How We Got Here

Trends in brick-and-mortar real estate often seem to unfold and become entrenched — and subsequently uprooted — with blistering speed. The dynamic of national credit tenants gaining the upper hand on their mom-and-pop counterparts is no exception, as it was just a few years ago that the opposite was largely true.

Under siege from an exploding e-commerce movement, retail owners in the years leading up to the pandemic sought and courted the quirky, unique tenants that nobody else had, eager to avoid the perception that their centers were cookie-cutter properties. New concepts, particularly within internet-resistant categories like food, fitness and entertainment, began to proliferate, much to the delight of consumers and landlords lucky enough to land them.

Then COVID-19 happened. And while the initial fallout from the pandemic involved more pain for brick-and-mortar retail, the ensuing inflation and interest rate hikes set the table for the paradigm shift in retail leasing philosophy that is now taking root.

“Coming out of COVID, sensitivity of tenant credit profiles was heightened,” says Knagg. “Landlords increasingly had to consider if tenants could sustain economic downturns and competition from online sales competitors when underwriting deals. Experiential retail concepts also emerged as a result of the pandemic. The reality is national groups tend to have more bandwidth for marketing and research to continuously refine how to operate a store versus somebody starting out for the first time.”

To their credit, however, retail owners and operators alike learned good lessons from all the disruptive events. Perhaps the most important of those lessons is the fact that brick-and-mortar stores and online sales platforms can not only coexist, but elevate one another.

“Retailers have had to figure out how to have a blend of brick-and-mortar and e-commerce [platforms], and many have now gotten it right and successfully developed multiple channels of distribution,” says Daniel Taylor, executive managing director and Texas market leader at Colliers. “It’s no longer just a matter of having a 30,000-square-foot storefront for selling a certain product, because many products can now be purchased in different places.”

It’s no coincidence that the golden age of mom-and-pops overlapped with the era of cheap money, says Majors.

“Five to 10 years ago, when you had more mom-and-pop tenants going into centers, they could borrow money for their build-outs at much lower rates,” says Majors. “As interest rates have risen, there’s been a flight to national credit tenants that have large bankrolls and can pay cash for build-outs to open their stores.”

Allowances for build-outs have indeed become bigger sticking points in retail and restaurant lease negotiations in recent years. Again, the pandemic bears the brunt of the blame for this dynamic, as disruptions in global supply chain activity added significant time and cost pressures to materials and services needed to make those projects happen. Tenants responded by asking landlords to pony up heftier TI packages.

“With tenants paying more rent, TI numbers have grown significantly,” says Majors. “If you have shell space or new construction, those TI amounts have gone from $40 to $50 per square foot to an average of about $70 per square foot [over the past 18 months or so]. For restaurants, it’s probably more like $100 to $120 per square foot to make those deals work. But demand for space is there, and national and regional tenants are both vying for it.”

Knagg says that landlords have shown some willingness to grant higher TI allowances to well-established credit tenants. By the same logic, when it comes to deals with smaller tenants that are startups, TI dollars can often be the element of the lease negotiations that sinks the deal. Once again, this pattern is a reflection of broader macroeconomic conditions within commercial real estate.

“Owners are typically more willing to give out higher TI packages in exchange for higher rent for credit tenants, knowing that there’s less risk of that tenant going out of business,” he says. “Interest rate hikes also factor in pretty heavily in terms of smaller tenants not being able to finance build-outs. That’s why build-out costs have been the biggest deal killers of late, both with regard to what landlords have to provide in TI allowances, but even more so in terms of what the remaining balance is that the tenant has to cover.”

Guaranteed Success

It’s no surprise that in an inflationary environment, TI allowances can often be thorny elements of lease negotiations. But as the costs of running a retail or restaurant operation has increased alongside rising rents, landlords have begun seeking more guarantees on their leases, whether personal or corporate.

Sources say this has become a serious point of contention in dealmaking.

“Tenants are paying more attention to items like limiting their guarantee or inserting COVID language that covers closures due to pandemic-like events,” says Majors. “So there are some new battles that are being fought with tenants that five years ago weren’t such a big deal. Tenants are trying to be more cautious in their Armageddon scenarios if they have to get out, so limited guarantees is a big one.”

Knagg notes that the inability of some mom-and-pop tenants to provide personal guarantees is yet another factor that plays to the advantage of national tenants in these scenarios.

“There’s room in the market for mom-and-pop and startups, but you have to have strong personal guarantors on the lease, strong business plans and something that’s a new and exciting concept and already has a following,” he says.

“Those opportunities are there, but they’re tough, and most landlords are going to side with national credit tenants for higher rent and better guarantees on the lease if they have the option,” Knagg continues. “Landlords would rather assure their investors that they have a 10 or 15-year lease with a corporate guarantee that they likely won’t have to think about until renewal comes up.”

Nathaliah Naipaul, CEO and partner at XAG Group, a retail development and brokerage firm based in the Houston area, says that a smaller tenant’s unwillingness to personally guarantee a lease is a dealbreaker. However, as an experienced landlord, this can be a teaching moment with an inexperienced tenant.

“Personal guarantees are a big one that we go back and forth on; nobody wants to personally guarantee a lease because they’re scared, especially if it’s a first-time business owner,” she says. “We work to comfort and explain the underwriting process and importance of financial stability needed to support a business. Sometimes, we may have to tell a tenant they’re not ready to open a store.”

While the company would undoubtedly prefer to maximize occupancy and cash flow in the short run, Naipaul says it’s not worth the risk if the underwriting doesn’t make sense based on the standards of the company, which takes pride in not having a high rate of tenant turnover.

“We don’t ‘use’ tenants just to build-out or fill a space — we’re known for not being that type of landlord,” she explains. “With that said, we want a tenant to succeed, and we can look at options of a one-year rolling guarantee after the first five-year term.”

It’s Not Absolute

Despite national credit tenants currently having some advantages over mom-and-pop retailers, owners readily acknowledge just how crucial original, startup concepts are to creating identities within shopping centers.

“There’s always going to be a place in real estate for smaller, local shops; we’re just seeing, in brokerage specifically, a move away from local market delivery to more of a regional or national scope. That’s because brokers previously relied on a local model, whereas now brokers need a larger platform to service their client’s needs,” says Taylor of Colliers. “We’re in the relationship business, and we have to trust a tenant before we do business with them, whether they’re small or national. But in order to sell bigger business these days, you’ve got to be a brand name, because those groups create a sense of comfort.”

No two centers are identical, and key leasing decisions must ultimately be driven by the surrounding market’s needs.

Ipso facto, owners of centers in more affluent locations can be a little choosier with regard to curating tenant mixes, including gambling on a lesser-known, yet innovative startup concept over a proven one.

“We really like local tenants if they’re creditworthy because those local regional tenants contribute to the personality of your center, and you have to make [leasing] decisions based on what’s best for your center, including taking flyers on some smaller tenants,” says Ward Kampf, president of Dallas-based owner-operator Northwood Retail. “But it’s gotten trickier in recent months as retailers and landlords have all faced higher costs of capital.”

Some of Northwood’s recent leasing activity exemplifies this push-and-pull dynamic. Last fall, the company welcomed three new tenants to its Hillside Village shopping center in northeast Dallas. JuiceLand is a regional tenant that has only been around about a dozen years but has grown to over 40 locations in Texas. Los Angeles-based veterinary clinic Modern Animal also operates on a regional basis but continues to target new openings in Texas.

The third tenant, cosmetics retailer Sephora, is a global brand with more than 2,500 stores across 35 countries, many of which are in Kohls stores. And prior to those deals being inked, Northwood brought in Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the fastest-growing grocers of the last decade, as a new anchor tenant at Hillside Village.

Kampf offers insight on the strategy behind the deals with the national users.

“Sephora is a tenant you’d typically find in a [Class] A mall or center, and Sprouts tends to be in wealthy neighborhoods that can support specialty grocers,” he says. “When you have that kind of credit and are such a strong player, it allows you to keep growing. And if you’re looking for growth, those stronger retailers can lower [your] cost of capital, and those that generate high margins tend to win out. That’s kind of what we’re seeing play out.”

Role of the Franchise

Britton Lankford, development manager at metro-Dallas-based owner Bright Realty, says that he is seeing more franchised concepts circling his market and looking to take advantage of macroeconomic conditions. Bright Realty is perhaps best known for The Realm at Castle Hills, its flagship mixed-use development in the northern Dallas suburb of Lewisville.

“There are a lot of franchise operators coming in because they see a demographic that makes sense to them,” Lankford says. “Inflation is a factor and can be a hindrance for tenants that don’t have big-picture plans or precise expectations for sales, margins and costs of occupancy.”

Lankford adds that against that backdrop, Bright Realty is constantly learning about new concepts and different dynamics that are trying to capture the hearts and wallets of younger consumers. In terms of specific categories, he says that ethnic grocers are making aggressive pushes in his market, as are restaurants of both the national and local variety.

“Back in the day, your grocery anchors and good small shops primarily drove traffic, but restaurants have now really started to take the lead,” he says. “We’ve got some new boutique operators coming in too in the clothing and jewelry spaces that make for a more complete shopping and dining experience.”

Bright Realty recently announced that nearly a dozen food-and-beverage concepts have either signed leases or opened restaurants at The Realm at Castle Hills. Unsurprisingly, the lineup features a mix of profiles, including:

• Marble Slab Creamery/Great American Cookies (1,600 square feet);

• Indo-Chinese restaurant The Monk’s (3,869 square feet);

• RT Bakery (1,507 square feet);

• Voodoo Brewing Co. (4,346 square feet);

• Bagel Bar (1,186 square feet);

• Ked’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats (1,893 square feet);

• Cocinero Mexican Restaurant (3,800 square feet);

• Bluebonnet Brunch House (2,479 square feet);

• Tifa Gelato & Chocolate (1,390 square feet); and

• Pizza Twist (1,115 square feet)

Multiple sources interviewed for this story also said that they are seeing some retailers occupy a sort of gray area between true mom-and-pop status and franchised operations. They are expanding and standardizing their real estate footprints and business plans as per the franchise model, but not actually formally franchising their concepts.

“Some of the mom-and-pop tenants have sort of become first-time franchisees,” says Lankford. “We have some groups that are sitting on capital and want to diversify their businesses but need a plan that makes sense for them. The franchise-driven model has those parameters in place for new operators that have less experience.”

Naipaul of XAG Group sees operators in certain categories taking similar steps in her market.

“We’re seeing more franchise concepts like restaurants, fitness or coffeeshops coming in, and we still have donut shops, nail salons, sushi restaurants and other food concepts, just to name a few that are growing independently,” Naipaul says. “They have a franchise model but retain a mom-and-pop essence. This allows them to leverage economies of scale, compete on cost and have higher margins.”

This dynamic attests to the ability of mom-and-pop users to recognize some of the disadvantages they face and adapt

accordingly.

Taylor Williams, REBusiness Online

— This article originally appeared in the May 2024 issue of Texas Real Estate Business magazine.

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10 new places that opened at The Realm Castle Hills in 2023

Bright Realty — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 18:36:04 +0000

Several new businesses have opened at The Realm Castle Hills in Lewisville.
There were 10 new businesses that opened in 2023. There are 10 more scheduled to open in 2024, including:

Einstein’s Bros. Bagels
Voodoo Brewing Co.
Bluebonnet Brunch House
Discover Strength
Bagel Bar
Ked’s Artisan Ice Cream
Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
White Tiger Taekwondo
Fursat Mediterranean Restaurant
Solomon & Co.

What they’re saying
“The Realm epitomizes the ‘live, work, play’ lifestyle people crave today,” said Britton Lankford, development manager at The Realm Castle Hills. “At full build-out, it will consist of approximately 750,000 square feet of high-rise office, over 2,500 luxury multifamily units, and over 180,000 square of restaurant and retail space. We saw a lot of leases and retail openings at The Realm in 2023, and now that Solomon, Voodoo and Fursat are joining the lineup, that will continue into 2024. With the recent closure of El Patio, we anticipate the arrival of a Tex-Mex replacement. The openings of office tenants like McAdams and EverAg add to the dynamic landscape, leaving only 6,400 square feet of office space available. We envision The Realm continuing to expand in the coming years to include more office spaces, retail wonders, international restaurants and a hotel.”

The details
The following businesses opened in 2023. This list is not comprehensive.
1. 206 Luster Grill
4680 Windhaven Parkway, Ste. 300, Lewisville
www.206lustergrill.com
2. Bahama Bucks
4622 Windhaven Parkway, Ste. 100, Lewisville
www.bahamabucks.com
3. Blank Slate Therapy
4400 SH 121, Ste. 208, Lewisville
www.blankslatetherapy.com
4. Cachet Salons and Spa
4400 SH 121, Ste. 200, Lewisville
www.cachetsalons.com
5. Cheeky Monkeys
3964 SH 121, Ste. 700, Lewisville
www.cheekymonkeys.us
6. Epic Nail Bar
4440 SH 121, Ste. 45, Lewisville
www.epicnailbar.com
7. GNC
4690 Windhaven Parkway, Ste. 100, Lewisville
www.gnc.com
8. Grimaldi’s Coal and Brick Oven Pizzeria
4440 SH 121, Ste. 70, Lewisville
www.grimaldispizzeria.com
9. Little India and Kakatiya Lounge & Kitchen
4440 SH 121 Ste. 5, Lewisville
www.littleindia.us
10. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
4690 Windhaven Parkway, Ste. 300, Lewisville
www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Cody Thorn, Community Impact

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Little India brings groceries and more to Lewisville

Bright Realty — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 08:00:34 +0000

Little India opened in Lewisville in May. It is located within The Realm at Castle Hills at 4440 SH 121 Ste. 5. Little India offers a variety of services such as a grocery store, juice bar and dine-in restaurant. The restaurant, Kakatiya Lounge and Kitchen, has a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 90 people, according to Little India’s website. Little India also offers catering services. 214-407-8222.

Destine Gibson, Community Impact

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In Search of Scones at The London Baker

Bright Realty — Sat, 01 Jul 2023 08:00:14 +0000

The London Baker is an English-influenced bakery that recently opened a new location in The Realm in Lewisville. This spot serves the full slate of coffees, teas and pastries we’d expect in any Dallas cafe, along with British favorites, which is what attracted us. Google on June 10 celebrated scones, the classic British afternoon tea treat, so, naturally, we went hunting.

Piloting this concept is baker Elizabeth Rowe, a wedding cake designer whom you may know from the Food Network show Cake Wars. Rowe opened the first London Baker location in Lewisville in 2018 at Castle Hills.

The large cafe has high ceilings, big plush booths and lounge seating centered on a faux (but cute) fireplace. Walls are bathed in a trendy bluish-gray hue illuminated by a mix of gold chandeliers, straddling the line between posh and classy.

Lattes are served in All Hail the Queen mugs (we won’t tell them if you don’t), and pastries are served on real plates, not just shoved in a paper sleeve. All very proper.

The craft espresso menu uses beans from Dallas’ own Cultivar. The caffeinated options here are extensive. From lattes (such as the crème bru-latte and butterbeer latte) to mochas, cappuccinos and macchiatos, we counted 17 different options, flavored with from-scratch syrups. All are served hot or iced, your choice. Frappes? Check. English teas? Of course.

Our heads spinning with the plethora of choices, we finally settled on the nonalcoholic vanilla whiskey latte ($6), honey lavender latte ($4.70) and honey rosemary latte ($4.70). All were iced, and all had varying degrees of flavor. The whiskey latte had a subtle hint of whiskey, the rosemary latte was even more subtle, and the honey lavender was the most noticeably flavored of the three. But we enjoyed them all.

We tried three of the six scones available: the bacon and cheddar ($4), sun-dried tomato and Parmesan ($4) and, for a sweet touch, the lemon blueberry ($3.75). Also offered are the classic English, strawberry and cream, and Earl Grey and lavender. The savory sun-dried tomato and Parmesan scone was the biggest crowd-pleaser at the table.

But the show-stealer this afternoon was the country sausage pasty pillow ($4). Flaky dough encases a warm center of sausage gravy. This creation had us right back in line, where we promptly wiped out the last three in the case, getting them to go so we could have them for breakfast the next day. We also recommend the croissant-wrapped sausage roll ($4.50) and spinach and feta Danish ($3.85), but truth be told, everything in the case was enticing.

Like the drink menu, the snack options here are plentiful. Artisan deep dish cookies, cupcakes, cake truffles and brownies are available, as are breakfast items like a bacon, egg and cheese muffin sandwich topped with poppy seed glaze and Westminster waffle cakes served with a house-made syrup.

The London Baker, 4440 State Highway 121, No. 60, Lewisville. Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Monday.

Nick Reynolds, Dallas Observer

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Classic Car & Truck Show Rolls into The Realm at Castle Hills

Bright Realty — Thu, 11 May 2023 13:28:58 +0000

The Classic Car & Truck Show will be cruising to The Realm at Castle Hills on Sunday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Realm at Castle Hills is located at 4400 SH 121 in Lewisville. The event is FREE for spectators, and everyone is welcome!

The event will bring together car enthusiasts from all over the area for a day of classic cars, food, and fun. Attendees will have the opportunity to see some of the most impressive classic cars in the region, as well as meet and talk with the owners.

Time Machine Car Shows showcases an array of classic cars and trucks from various eras, including vintage hot rods, muscle cars, and more – some with cutting-edge technology. If you wish to display your classic beauty, registration is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. with an entry fee of $10. Participants in the car show have the opportunity to win prizes and awards in several categories, including Best of Show Car and Best of Show Truck. To learn more about exhibiting cars, please contact Ray at Ray@TimeMachineCarShows.com or 940-600-9651.

While your eyes are feasting on the gorgeous classic cars on display, indulge in some of the amazing retailers at The Realm: 206 Luster Grill, Seattle-style teriyaki-inspired dishes and sushi; El Patio Mex-Tex, a blend of authentic Mexican cuisine and true Texas barbecue; the Food Network-featured The London Baker; Worth the Pour, a high-end spirits retailer that offers tasting and unique products; Mochinut, a combination of an American doughnut and Japanese mochi; Bahama Bucks, neighborhood favorite known for its more than 100 flavors of shaved ice, smoothies and lemonades; Salubrious Juice & More, offering organic juices and juice cleanses, acai bowls, smoothies, paninis and avocado toast; and coming soon Food Morning and Grimaldi’s.

In the event of inclement weather, please visit The Realm at Castle Hills Facebook page for event updates.

About The Realm at Castle Hills
The Realm at Castle Hills is a 324-acre mixed-use development consisting of office, retail and multi-family which blends the sophistication of an urban lifestyle with unique outdoor activity and event spaces. The project at completion will consist of over 5,000 multi-family units; 1.5 million square feet of retail, office and restaurants; a boutique hotel; an extensive trail system; and an outdoor entertainment district. It is located on State Highway 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway, just two minutes from Grandscape and Nebraska Furniture Mart; four minutes from Legacy West, Toyota HQ, Liberty Mutual, FedEx and JPMorgan Chase; and 15 minutes from DFW Airport.

About Castle Hills
Castle Hills, an award-winning Bright Realty development, is a 2,900-acre master-planned and mixed-use community located in Lewisville, Texas. Since welcoming its first residents in 1998, Castle Hills has continued to evolve as a community for people to live, work, play and thrive. With a convenient location that is close to freeways, airports and major corporate headquarters, Castle Hills has expanded to include two large mixed-use communities, The Realm at Castle Hills and Crown Centre at Castle Hills. The community continues to be recognized as one of the premier communities in north Dallas with abundant office, living, shopping and dining. www.CastleHills.com.

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Engineering firm doubles workspace with new Lewisville office

Bright Realty — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:41:51 +0000

McAdams Co., a North Carolina-based engineering and design firm, is almost doubling its Lewisville operation in an office move.

The company is taking 30,000 square feet of offices in The Realm at Castle Hills ― a high-rise office project located south of State Highway 121 near Josey Lane. McAdams has about 65 employees at another Lewisville address and in Roanoke.

“This move is another opportunity for us to showcase our collaborative and innovative culture,” Bobby Dollack, McAdams regional vice president, said in a statement. “We’re creating a space that not only inspires creativity, collaboration and growth among our entire team, but also propels us to a new level of success.”

The company plans to make the move in the fall. Architect Gensler is designing the new office.

The Realm at Castle Hills is a nine-story mixed-use project with office, retail space and adjoining apartments. The building was developed by Bright Realty.

“We’re thrilled that McAdams has selected The Realm as their new home,” Lucas Patterson, executive vice president of commercial operations at Bright Realty, said in a statement. “Our vision has always been to create a mixed-use environment that would allow businesses to grow and employees to thrive.”

Taylor Dickerson, Kimarie Ankenbrand, Read Wyse, James Esquivel, Ashley Curry and Lauren Halstedt with Jones Lang LaSalle negotiated the lease.

McAdams has had an office in Lewisville for more than 30 years. The engineering firm has worked on North Texas projects, including Furst Ranch in Flower Mound, the Anna and Weston lagoon communities and the River Walk at Central Park in Flower Mound.

McAdams has been in business since 1979 and has offices in North Carolina and Texas.

Steve Brown
The Dallas Morning News

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