Applebee's is leasing the site from Ashley/Karns/BakerProperties of Ft. Worth. Karen McCulley and Robin Barrow, both withthe commercial retail division of Dallas-based Weitzman Group,handled negotiations for Applebee's. Robert Baker of Karns RealEstate Co. of Kansas City, a division of the seller, representedhis firm.

Ground has just broken for the restaurant. Delivery is set forspring 2002, says McCulley, who has a handful of contracts pendingfor more locations. The sit-down eatery is known for itsfamily-style meals and casual atmosphere.

In a 6,070-sf signing, the Mexican restaurant, Ojeda's, will beopening in Oakridge Plaza, a neighborhood center located at 3112 N.Jupiter Rd. in Garland, a suburb north of Dallas. The site marksthe fourth location in the Dallas area for the restaurateur. ChrisThomas, Richard Polishuk and Jon Wales, all of the Weitzman Group,negotiated the long-term lease. NEC Beltline & Jupiter owns thecenter.