CHANDLER, AZ—In the East Valley, where population and housing growth are driving retailer success, vacancy rates are now in the single digits, especially for the quick service restaurant segment. One of those success stories is Black Rock Coffee Bar . Based in Portland, OR, Black Rock Coffee Bar currently operates 32 company-owned and franchise stores in Oregon, Washington and California. It is expanding in each of these markets and expanding the Black Rock concept in other Western states with new locations in Arizona and Idaho. As part of the initial Arizona market entry, Black Rock Coffee Bar's first three coffee shops will be located in Chandler and Mesa, AZ. Each will offer specialty coffee beverages, along with breakfast and lunch options, delivered in a neighborhood-centric atmosphere. “Our teams are fueled by serving people,” said Black Rock Coffee Bar Arizona regional manager Bobby Kaufmann . “That makes every new store–and especially an expansion into an entirely new state–a true honor. We look forward to building our presence in Arizona, establishing quality connections with its residents and becoming a part of their stories.” Black Rock Coffee Bar's first Arizona stores are located at 4050 S. Alma School Rd. in Chandler (Alma School and Ocotillo roads), opening October 2016, 5329 S. Power Rd. in Mesa (Power and Ray roads), opening November 2016, and 1150 S. Arizona Ave. in Chandler (Arizona Avenue and Loop 202), opening March 2017. The company is still actively looking for additional locations in Phoenix, with plans to open several more stores in the Valley during the next 12 months. “Black Rock has selected three excellent locations for their Arizona roll-out,” said JLL senior vice president Tyson Switzenberg , who represented Black Rock Coffee Bar in its three Arizona leases. “Each is a highly visible, free-standing or end-cap drive-through location, in the heart of an active community and surrounded by popular retailers. They have successfully planted their flag in Arizona, with more locations to come.” Black Rock store interiors feature an industrial, modern and clean aesthetic. Each location serves single-origin coffee roasted in small batches and medium to dark blends. In addition to coffee, Black Rock Coffee Bars offer local pastries, smoothies, drinks for kids, juices and blended coffee drinks. Switzenberg tells GlobeSt.com: "With vacancy rates now in the single digits, metro Phoenix retail is hitting its stride. This is particularly true for restaurant space, and even more so for the QSR segment. Black Rock is entering our market at an exceptional time and in an exceptional submarket, the East Valley, where population and housing growth are driving retailer success."

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Metro Phoenix Retail Hits its Stride

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