PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Hai Hai: Hola Arepa’s sibling is off to a busy start with long wait times and a tropical vibe

The team behind Hola Arepa has switched gears and opened a South-Asian restaurant in the up-and-becoming trendy Northeast Minneapolis. Hai Hai is in a fairly underdeveloped area at 21st and University, which would normally…

Sweet Chow: Fast-casual restaurant in North Loop has right feel, food and, most importantly, profit centers

I am always intrigued by “polished fast-casual” concepts— restaurants with counter service but a little more personal service and also higher price points that can attract customers with the ability to generate higher check…

Real Estate and the New Tax Law: Great Opportunities Abound

One of the biggest winners under the new tax law is real estate, particularly restaurant real estate. Purchasing sites, making improvements, entering into sale-leasebacks, making renovations and remodels are all constant themes in our…

Fig + Farro: Can a fifth eatery make it in the Figlio space? This plant-forward comfort food concept says yes

The third time wasn’t the charm, so now we have what amounts to the fifth try at the Calhoun Square restaurant space in Uptown. Figlio, a Parasole restaurant, had a 20-plus-year run in this…

Tax Reform and Tax Planning for Restaurant Operators

The tax reform legislation is teeming with new rules, but I’d like to focus on how the new law affects the restaurant industry and how operators should respond to the changes. Along the way,…

Jeff Shea and Pat Weller Discuss New Tax Bill’s Impact on Real Estate Industry

In the February issue of Minnesota Real Estate Journal, Jeff Shea and Pat Weller consider the impact of the new tax reform bill on commercial real estate industry. The article discusses expensing increases under Section…

Martina: Taking over someone else’s place can be challenging until you make it your space

There are a few chefs in town with the ability to take over an existing restaurant space that didn’t hit its numbers and turn it around. Obviously, the master in this town is Kim…

The Right Way To Do Refranchising

Over the years, our firm has been involved in many refranchising programs and seen both good and bad approaches. One of the most problematic programs was the Applebee’s refranchising, which was initiated to pay…

Intellectual Property: Opening Up New Sources of Capital

Strong branding allows successful restaurants to rise above the fray, remain recognizable in a crowded field of competitors and resonate with loyal customers. The essential elements of a strong brand include not only a…

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