Retail ReCap

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 areasWhether 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 LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeremy 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 LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Jeremy 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 estateHow to find your lane and stay focusedThe importance of reputation and doing what you say you’re going to doNegotiating hard—without burning bridgesJeremy Hudson LinkedIn⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠Jeremy 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 LinkedInRob Franks LinkedInBob Moorhead LinkedInJeremy 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 CentersRyan Welch with NandosZach Spletter with T Mobile Suk Singh with Wagamama Chapters00:00 Introduction to ICSC 2026 and Guests03:05 T-Mobile's Market Strategy and Expansion05:58 Nando's Unique Brand and Growth Plans09:00 Wagamama's Expansion and Adaptation in the US43:57 Strategic Expansion in the U.S.47:14 Insights from ICSC Events01:00:18 Development Challenges and Successes01:10:20 The Future of Retail in TexasThe guys LinkedIn Pages:Rob Franks LinkedInBob Moorhead LinkedInWill Narduzzi LinkedInJeremy Mercer LinkedIn

In the first Retail ReCap episode of 2026, Rob, Bob, and Jeremy unpack the latest retail and real estate trends, from tenant activity and investment strategies to ICSC takeaways and the growing impact of the protein craze on fast food. They discuss retail momentum in Dallas, the return of power centers, challenges facing vacant and urban properties, recent bankruptcies, and what’s happening across the dining landscape—including new restaurant openings, franchise pressures, seasonal traffic, the comeback of card collecting, NFTs, rising rents, and what it really means to earn a Michelin star in Dallas.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction01:03 Market Trends and Tenant Updates03:24 Chipotle and Starbucks Performance08:06 Interest Rates and Financing Insights10:07 Investment Strategies for Clients17:26 Industry Events and Networking21:24 Retail Market Dynamics in Dallas25:20 Grocery Anchored Centers Growth30:09 Emerging Retail Developments36:40 Restaurant Trends and Consumer Behavior44:30 GameStop and Retail Closures50:55 Future of Retail and Market Predictions