How Restaurant Brands Actually Expand (with Hopdoddy’s VP of Real Estate)

FBF: ICSC Las Vegas 2025

In preparation for next week's episode release of Retail ReCap reporting back from ICSC Las Vegas 2026 - we are re-releasing last years episode. to get you warmed up! ⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfranks/] ⁠⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moorhead-8515043b/] ⁠Will Narduzzi LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-narduzzi-30196288/] ⁠⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mercer-sior-a3154358/]

How Raising Cane’s Went From 100 to 1,000+ Stores with Jeremy Hudson

On this episode of Retail ReCap, hosts Rob Franks, Bob Moorhead, and Will Narduzzi sit down with Jeremy Hudson, VP of Real Estate at Raising Cane’s, to talk about what it actually takes to build a career in real estate. Jeremy Hudson has worked across major brands like RadioShack, Sally Beauty, and Starbucks, and now oversees national growth for Raising Cane's. His perspective is rooted in experience, execution, and long-term relationships. The conversation breaks down what really matters in this business: * Why relationships are everything in real estate * How to find your lane and stay focused * The importance of reputation and doing what you say you’re going to do * Negotiating hard—without burning bridges Jeremy Hudson LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-hudson-a9a29421/] ⁠Rob Franks LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfranks/] ⁠Bob Moorhead LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moorhead-8515043b/] Will Narduzzi LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-narduzzi-30196288/] ⁠Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mercer-sior-a3154358/]

How Restaurant Brands Actually Expand (with Hopdoddy’s VP of Real Estate)

Everyone wants to expand. Very few do it well. In this episode, Ryan Redus from Hopdoddy shares how they approach growth—from understanding the customer before the site, to building repeatable systems for evaluating new locations. The guys unpack what actually drives successful restaurant expansion—and why most brands get it wrong. A must-listen for anyone in retail, restaurants, or real estate. Ryan Redus LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-redus-3368197?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bh3pxXtCwTFSTwRERNZmpLQ%3D%3D] Rob Franks LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfranks/] Bob Moorhead LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moorhead-8515043b/] Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mercer-sior-a3154358/]

ICSC 2026: The Brands Betting Big on Texas Retail

The conversation at ICSC 2026 delves into the current trends and strategies within the retail and restaurant industries, featuring insights from T-Mobile, Nando's, and Wagamama. Will Narduzzi, Bob Moorhead, Rob Franks and a few special guests discuss the importance of prime real estate, community integration, and adapting to consumer preferences in a post-pandemic world. Each brand shares its unique approach to growth and market presence, highlighting the dynamic nature of the industry. The conversation explores the strategic expansion of restaurant brands in the U.S., particularly focusing on Wagamama's growth in Texas and Florida. It highlights the importance of ICSC events for networking and deal-making, while also discussing the challenges and successes in retail development. Everyone emphasizes the positive outlook for the retail market in Texas, driven by new brands entering the market and a strong demand for retail space. Thank you to our special guests: Abe Pacetti with Regency Centers Ryan Welch with Nandos Zach Spletter with T Mobile  Suk Singh with Wagamama Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ICSC 2026 and Guests 03:05 T-Mobile's Market Strategy and Expansion 05:58 Nando's Unique Brand and Growth Plans 09:00 Wagamama's Expansion and Adaptation in the US 43:57 Strategic Expansion in the U.S. 47:14 Insights from ICSC Events 01:00:18 Development Challenges and Successes 01:10:20 The Future of Retail in Texas The guys LinkedIn Pages: Rob Franks LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfranks/] Bob Moorhead LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-moorhead-8515043b/] Will Narduzzi LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-narduzzi-30196288/] Jeremy Mercer LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mercer-sior-a3154358/]

Back in Business: Market Insights and Trends

In the first Retail ReCap episode of 2026, Rob, Bob, and Jeremy unpack the latest retail and real estate trends, from tenant activity and investment strategies to ICSC takeaways and the growing impact of the protein craze on fast food. They discuss retail momentum in Dallas, the return of power centers, challenges facing vacant and urban properties, recent bankruptcies, and what’s happening across the dining landscape—including new restaurant openings, franchise pressures, seasonal traffic, the comeback of card collecting, NFTs, rising rents, and what it really means to earn a Michelin star in Dallas.Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction 01:03 Market Trends and Tenant Updates 03:24 Chipotle and Starbucks Performance 08:06 Interest Rates and Financing Insights 10:07 Investment Strategies for Clients 17:26 Industry Events and Networking 21:24 Retail Market Dynamics in Dallas 25:20 Grocery Anchored Centers Growth 30:09 Emerging Retail Developments 36:40 Restaurant Trends and Consumer Behavior 44:30 GameStop and Retail Closures 50:55 Future of Retail and Market Predictions