Retail ReCap

In this episode, Jeremy, Will, and Rob dive into the latest tools, trends, and opportunities shaping the real estate and restaurant industries.

Jeremy introduces Permit Hound, an innovative platform created by Blaine Garrick that provides streamlined access to open permit data across Texas. Think of it as “CoStar for permits.” The team discusses how this type of data can help investors better understand what is actually being developed, where capital is being committed, and how upcoming projects could impact a potential acquisition.

Jeremy also shares a real-world example of using Permit Hound to evaluate development activity near a property in South Dallas, helping address concerns about future competition and providing greater confidence around the investment.

Try Permit Hound Here: permithound.io/industrialist

From there, the conversation shifts to quick-service restaurant trends, including the latest QSR rankings, restaurant growth and closures, and the impressive performance of brands like Chick-fil-A, which continues to generate industry-leading average unit volumes while pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy.

Jeremy, Will, and Rob also discuss broader Dallas real estate trends, the importance of using data to make better investment decisions, and why understanding what is being built, opened, closed, and redeveloped can help investors stay ahead of changing market conditions.

If you work in commercial real estate, development, retail, or investing, this episode offers a practical look at the data and trends that can help uncover opportunities and reduce risk.

In this episode, Nick Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Group, joins Will, Rob and Bob to share the story behind two beloved Dallas restaurant concepts: Blue Goose Cantina and Aw Shucks.

Nick discusses the family business’s evolution, its approach to thoughtful expansion, and the patience and discipline required when entering new markets. He also offers an honest look at today’s restaurant industry—from rising costs and shifting consumer behavior to site selection, employee retention, and maintaining quality while growing.

The conversation also explores the Peterson Group’s commitment to its employees and the local community, including the charitable initiatives that have remained central to the company’s identity.

Whether you work in hospitality, commercial real estate, or a family-owned business, this episode offers valuable insight into building a lasting brand without losing sight of what made it successful.

⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Retail ReCap, Jeremy Mercer, Rob Franks, and Bob Moorhead break down the latest developments shaping retail real estate, consumer spending and investment activity across the country.The conversation covers tightening inventory and cap-rate trends for 7-Eleven, Starbucks and Chipotle properties, along with the continued impact of interest rates and bonus depreciation on buyer demand. They also discuss major retail and restaurant headlines, including Kroger’s proposed $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle, the Bed Bath & Beyond and Container Store partnership, GameStop’s pursuit of eBay, Hopdoddy’s acquisition by Founders Table, and KFC’s effort to compete with Raising Cane’s and Chick-fil-A through its new Saucy concept.The episode also explores H-E-B and Kroger’s continued expansion across Texas, Costco’s growing DFW presence, Jersey Mike’s potential IPO, changing consumer spending patterns and the challenges facing retail brands such as H&M and T-Mobile dealers.Jeremy, Rob, and Bob close out the episode with a candid discussion about real estate investing, sponsor accountability and investor risk before ranking some of the best burger spots in Dallas–Fort Worth.Topics include:- 7-Eleven, Starbucks and Chipotle cap-rate trends- Retail investment demand and interest-rate volatility- Kroger’s $1.65B Giant Eagle acquisition- Bed Bath & Beyond’s partnership with The Container Store- GameStop’s potential pursuit of eBay- Hopdoddy’s acquisition and growth outlook- KFC’s Saucy concept and the chicken wars- H-E-B, Costco and Kroger expansion in DFW- Sponsor accountability and investor risk- The top burger restaurants in Dallas–Fort WorthSubscribe to Retail ReCap on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.Follow the guys:

⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn⁠

The full Retail ReCap crew is back together.

In this episode, Rob Franks, Bob Moorhead, Jeremy Mercer, and Will Narduzzi break down the biggest stories shaping retail real estate, economic development, and commercial markets across Texas and beyond.

The group discusses why Dallas currently leads the nation in retail construction, the economic impact the upcoming World Cup could have on North Texas, and the continued wave of corporate relocations fueling job growth throughout the region. They also cover major development projects, changing retail tenant strategies, restaurant expansions and closures, emerging technology trends, and what investors should be paying attention to in today's market.

Topics include:

• Dallas accounting for nearly 10% of the nation's retail construction pipeline
• The World Cup's potential impact on North Texas businesses and real estate
• Corporate relocations and job growth across Texas
• Retail tenant activity from brands like Starbucks, Chipotle, and 7-Eleven
• The future of AI, robotics, and innovation
• New restaurant openings, closures, and local market trends
• Dallas development projects and challenges facing downtown areas

Whether you're an investor, broker, developer, retailer, or simply interested in where the market is headed, this episode delivers a fast-paced overview of the trends shaping today's commercial real estate landscape.

Subscribe to Retail ReCap on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Rob Franks interviewed two special guests live on the floor at ICSC Las Vegas.

Rob's first interview is with Melinda Nettlebeck - Head of Design and Real Estate at Nando’s Restaurant Group.

Rob's second interview is with Trystan Halpert - Vice President, North American Restaurant Development at Northland Properties.

Please note this was recorded on a busy show floor so there are some parts of the audio that might be a little inconsistent.

Fresh off the floor from ICSC Las Vegas 2026, Jeremy Mercer, Will Narduzzi, and Rob Franks break down the biggest conversations shaping retail real estate right now. From packed developer meetings at the Wynn to evolving retailer demand, the crew dives into what they saw firsthand at the industry’s largest commercial real estate event.

They discuss why Dallas continues to lead the country in retail growth, the return of institutional capital to the sector, and how rising rents, shrinking lease footprints, and experiential retail concepts are changing development strategies. The conversation also explores emerging trends across retail and restaurants, including the rapid expansion of chicken concepts, the impact of GLP-1 medications on food and alcohol sales, and why entertainment-focused retail continues gaining traction.

Beyond retail, the episode takes a deep dive into how AI tools like Claude are beginning to transform underwriting, lease negotiations, operations, and even the future of prop tech itself. Jeremy and Will share how they’re integrating AI into their day-to-day business and why they believe the next generation of real estate professionals must become fluent in these tools.

The group also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the week, including networking wins, memorable dinners, developer conversations, and lessons learned from navigating one of the busiest ICSC events yet.

If you want an inside look at where retail real estate, development, and commercial investing are heading next, this episode delivers a candid, boots-on-the-ground perspective from the middle of the action.

⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn⁠

In preparation for next week's episode release of Retail ReCap reporting back from ICSC Las Vegas 2026 - we are re-releasing last years episode. to get you warmed up!

⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠

⁠⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn

On this episode of Retail ReCap, hosts Rob Franks, Bob Moorhead, and Will Narduzzi sit down with Jeremy Hudson, VP of Real Estate at Raising Cane’s, to talk about what it actually takes to build a career in real estate.

Jeremy Hudson has worked across major brands like RadioShack, Sally Beauty, and Starbucks, and now oversees national growth for Raising Cane's. His perspective is rooted in experience, execution, and long-term relationships.

The conversation breaks down what really matters in this business:

• Why relationships are everything in real estate
• How to find your lane and stay focused
• The importance of reputation and doing what you say you’re going to do
• Negotiating hard—without burning bridges

Jeremy Hudson LinkedIn

⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠

⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠

Will Narduzzi LinkedIn

⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn

Everyone wants to expand.

Very few do it well.

In this episode, Ryan Redus from Hopdoddy shares how they approach growth—from understanding the customer before the site, to building repeatable systems for evaluating new locations.

The guys unpack what actually drives successful restaurant expansion—and why most brands get it wrong.

A must-listen for anyone in retail, restaurants, or real estate.

Ryan Redus LinkedIn

Rob Franks LinkedIn

Bob Moorhead LinkedIn

Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn

The conversation at ICSC 2026 delves into the current trends and strategies within the retail and restaurant industries, featuring insights from T-Mobile, Nando's, and Wagamama. Will Narduzzi, Bob Moorhead, Rob Franks and a few special guests discuss the importance of prime real estate, community integration, and adapting to consumer preferences in a post-pandemic world. Each brand shares its unique approach to growth and market presence, highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry. The conversation explores the strategic expansion of restaurant brands in the U.S., particularly focusing on Wagamama's growth in Texas and Florida. It highlights the importance of ICSC events for networking and deal-making, while also discussing the challenges and successes in retail development. Everyone emphasizes the positive outlook for the retail market in Texas, driven by new brands entering the market and a strong demand for retail space.

Thank you to our special guests:

Abe Pacetti with Regency Centers

Ryan Welch with Nandos

Zach Spletter with T Mobile 

Suk Singh with Wagamama

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ICSC 2026 and Guests

03:05 T-Mobile's Market Strategy and Expansion

05:58 Nando's Unique Brand and Growth Plans

09:00 Wagamama's Expansion and Adaptation in the US

43:57 Strategic Expansion in the U.S.

47:14 Insights from ICSC Events

01:00:18 Development Challenges and Successes

01:10:20 The Future of Retail in Texas

The guys LinkedIn Pages:

Rob Franks LinkedIn

Bob Moorhead LinkedIn

Will Narduzzi LinkedIn

Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn