California Centers Magazine serves retailers, developers, shopping center owners, investment sales brokers and tenant representation firms throughout the state of California.
Issue link: https://californiacenters.epubxp.com/i/472297
March 2015 | California Centers Magazine 31 C C Names in the News (NYSTRS). Each have provided $125 million in capital, which will fund acquisitions focused on grocery-anchored n e i g h b o r h o o d and community shopping centers, as well as power centers in high barriers to entry markets throughout Coastal California and the Pacifc Northwest. In the past three and a half years, J.P. Morgan Asset Management- advised investors and NYSTRS have invested a total of $450 million of growth capital with Donahue Schriber, which operates approximately $3 billion in shopping center assets. OPENINGS & CLOSINGS Pieology Pizzeria announced plans to open eight new locations throughout Southern California by April of 2015. Among cities targeted for new development are Culver City, Westlake Village, Korea Town, La Mirada, Whittier, Carlsbad, Cerritos and Monrovia. The company intends to open a total of 180 restaurants by the close of 2015, with commitments projected for 500. Yoshinoya announced the grand opening of a new fagship restaurant in Los Angeles in January that will test new design and menu elements. Under the banner Yoshinoya Japanese Kitchen, the fagship features an open kitchen, simplifed ordering system and upgraded interior featuring natural fnishes. Yoshinoya America Inc.'s Chief Marketing Offcer Bobby Williams said the goal is to test new elements with the relocation of a restaurant in the city's Westchester neighborhood. The new restaurant also has an expanded menu featuring chicken tenders, pulled pork, beef options, teriyaki chicken, Asian BBQ wings and tilapia. Similar tests launches are anticipated during the coming year as the chain works on a possible revamp. The company also recently announced that Jim Hicks, formerly of Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, has been named Vice President of Operational Services, and Marilyn Valentino, formerly of Arby's, has been named Vice President of Operations. PizzaRev opened the chain's 20 th location in January, the frst of eight locations due to be opened by the chain in the frst quarter of the year. Founded just two years ago, the company's future growth will entail entering the new market regions of San Diego, Bakersfeld, and Santa Barbara in California, in addition to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Retailer H&M; announced that it plans to open 400 new stores in 2015. The Swedish company reported that its annual proft grew by 17 percent in fscal 2014, prompting optimism for expansion into several new markets this year, primarily targeting China and the U.S. Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria announced an intent to open as many as 20 Bay Area restaurants over the coming several years as the company expands its presence beyond its Santa Barbara roots. The frst Bay Area location is due to open in Santa Rosa in March. Donahue The Passing of Lenny Goldman Leaves a Lasting Legacy The shopping center industry has recently lost one of its most interesting members. Lenny Goldman, president of Halloween Adventure, passed away in December 2014 due to heart failure. Having attended conferences all over the country as a member of ICSC for approximately 25 years, Lenny was a character until the very end. In a sea of sport coats and slacks, Lenny stood out like an orange pumpkin in an apple orchard. Customary handshakes were never in his business repertoire; rather, he was known as the man who gave hugs as his way of showing appreciation. Throughout his decades of years in the industry, during which he executed over 400 short term leases, Lenny certainly did a lot of hugging. Always focused on building personal business relationships in a world ruled by the almighty dollar, Lenny left a lasting impression on everyone that he met. It's been said that we should all focus on the wonderful legacy that he has left behind. It's a legacy founded on being honorable, caring, reputable, and most importantly, expressive of sincere generosity. Lenny Goldman valued all of his business relationships, to the degree that anyone who knew him could expect to receive several phone calls a year wishing the family a Merry Christmas, a Happy Thanksgiving, an easy feast for Passover or a personal birthday greeting. His rags-to- riches story inspired him to give back and pay it forward with good will and loving support. Regarding his family as his frst priority in life, Lenny did everything in his power to be an outstanding provider. Lenny Goldman, like Frank Sinatra, did things his way — the right way, the honest way. The business community will surely miss this one-of-a-kind entrepreneur. Maybe we should consider changing the name of Halloween to Lennyween; that's a concept he could wrap his arms around. The above memorial is a tribute to his father's memory written by Ryan Goldman, president of Phantom Halloween, refecting on his father's recent passing. Submit names in the news and transactions — email to getpublished@californiacenters. com