Even with Tampa Bay's total retail inventory of 62.4 million sf,"it seems there [still] may not be enough prime retail space toaccommodate every eatery looking to open or expand in the Tampa Bayarea," says John M. Crossman, senior vice president, Southeastretail investment sales, Trammell Crow Co. "As more restaurantssearch for space, the rental rates for prime locations are going ata premium."

The weighted average rent for all retail in the Tampa Bay regionis $13.52 per sf. Prime outparcel space can often rent for 50%more, area brokers tell GlobeSt.com.

National restaurant chains "will not settle for mediocrelocations," Crossman told a recent International Conference ofShopping Centers convention in Orlando. For example, he says"Chipolte [Mexican Grill Co. of Dayton, OH] has been looking in themarket for 18 months and is now preparing to open the first areastore on Westshore Boulevard, across from Westshore Mall."