National Retailers Making South Florida Push

MIAMI—Prepare for the retail rush. Applebee's, Crunch Fitness, and the cinema eatery Flix Brewhouse are all on the hunt for retail space in South Florida.

CREC is on tap to help these brands find and negotiate leases for new locations in South and Southwest Florida. CREC vice president Chris Barney and co-director of retail leasing Sabrina Meerbott are jointly representing Crunch. Barney is managing the tenant representation assignments for Applebee's and Flix Brewhouse.

“Crunch Fitness, Applebee's and Flix Brewhouse are among the strongest brands in their respective sectors,” says Barney. “Their anticipated expansion in Florida is consistent with the growth we're seeing among retailers across the state. The gradually improving economy is prompting national and regional brands to expand into urban and suburban neighborhoods.”

Flix Brewhouse, a cinema that includes a food and beverage component and a microbrewery, is looking for new locations ranging from 37,000 to 42,000 square feet in free-standing properties and high-density shopping centers. Target markets are Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, as well as from Naples to Fort Myers.

Crunch Fitness is looking to beef up its presence in high-visibility shopping centers in certain areas of Miami-Dade and Broward, Naples up to Fort Myers and Cape Coral, as well as in the Orlando market. Crunch is seeking locations from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet.

CREC is representing Doherty Enterprises, which owns 38 Applebee's restaurants in Georgia and Florida. The firm is evaluating existing locations and identifying new ones in markets where no the brand is not yet present.

The focus is on the between Naples and Sarasota. The restaurant group is looking for pads, ground leases and opportunities to purchase parcels that can accommodate a 5,500 to 6,000-square-foot building with a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio and adequate parking.