Panda Express built a multi-billion-dollar fast food empire on Orange Chicken & Chow Mein… but the real secret isn’t on the menu. It’s in the real estate strategy that makes nearly every Panda location a goldmine before the doors even open.What Retailers Want — Ray CRE Broker’s continuing saga exploring retailers and the real estate strategies behind their brick-and-mortar locations.In this episode, we break down:🍜 How Panda Express grew from a single food court stall to 2,400+ corporate-owned restaurants📍 Panda’s strict site criteria: drive-thrus, traffic counts, co-tenancy, and land ownership📊 A real-world case study at 11220 Huebner Rd in San Antonio (5-mile demographics, traffic counts, lifestyle segments, and nearby anchors like H-E-B, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Pei Wei)🥡 Why Panda dominates the Asian fast-casual category with almost no true competition🏢 What this means for real estate investors and site selection moving forwardPanda Express doesn’t just serve food — they’ve engineered one of the most successful site-selection formulas in the restaurant industry.👉 Do you think Panda will keep dominating Asian fast casual, or will another challenger step up? Comment below with your thoughts — and let me know which retailer I should cover next on What Retailers Want.#PandaExpress #WhatRetailersWant #RetailRealEstate #commercialrealestate -------Chapters0:00 - Intro0:47 - The Foundation2:39 - The Secret Recipe3:00 - Ingredient 13:38 - Ingredient 24:39 - Ingredient 35:48 - Ingredient 47:11 - Panda Expanding7:38 - Actual Location Case Study9:15 - Closing10:11 - Fortune Cookies Outro------🎥 Watch more What Retailers Want: • What Retailers Want 📩 Subscribe to Ray CRE Broker: / @raycrebroker 📈 Connect with me on LinkedIn: / raycrebroker 🌐 Learn more: https://www.raycrebroker.com👀 Recommended Playlists: • Retail Real Estate News & Strategy • CRE IQ Newsletter on LinkedIn: / cre-intelligence-quotient-7239351446058455040
Raising Cane's success with just chicken tenders shows the power of focus in the fast food industry. But, what happens when successful brands explore brand extension, and risk brand dilution? Let's explore the recipe for success, and why the best chicken tenders come from a simple menu.⸻What Retailers Want – Ray CRE Broker’s continuing saga exploring how top retailers choose their brick-and-mortar locations, and what it means for investors.Raising Cane’s has grown from one college-town shop in Louisiana to 900+ locations nationwide, with average unit volumes over $5 million. But they don’t pick sites at random. Their expansion is laser-focused — visibility, drive-thru capacity, fast-food frequency, and household demographics all play a role.In this episode, we cover:• The brand story: Todd Graves’ journey from rejected business plan to $5B brand.• Site criteria: traffic counts, demographics, and why Cane’s is obsessed with drive-thrus.• Case study: SW Military Drive in San Antonio — 1 million visits, median incomes ~$50K, 90% Hispanic trade area, and cross-shopping with South Park Mall + H-E-B.• Future growth: nearly 100 new stores opening in 2025, iconic sites coming in 2026 like SoFi Stadium (LA) and Fisherman’s Wharf (SF).• Investment profile: 15–20 year NNN leases, 10% rent bumps, $5M AUV, and 2025 cap rates in the 4.5%–5.0% range.📍 Featured Location: Raising Cane’s – 2525 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX💬 Who’s winning the Chicken Wars — Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, or Popeyes? Drop your answer in the comments, and let me know which retailer we should cover next on What Retailers Want.⸻📌 #RaisingCanes #WhatRetailersWant #CommercialRealEstate #RetailRealEstate #NetLease #ChickenWars⸻🎥 Watch more episodes of What Retailers Want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw25GSQLxGo&list=PLH-TFnCjG4vLFzE_Nj6Mhr7Hn2gj1gi55📩 Subscribe to Ray CRE Broker: https://www.raycrebroker.com📈 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker🌐 Learn more: raycrebroker.com
Chipotle site selection strategy explained. Why Chipotle real estate decisions matter, how Chipotle chooses locations like Potranco Rd in San Antonio, and why their $3M+ average unit sales make them one of the most powerful tenants in commercial real estate. In this episode of What Retailers Want with Ray CRE Broker, we break down Chipotle’s site criteria, the role of Chipotlanes, and what investors should know about Chipotle NNN leases.Chipotle makes more than $3 million per restaurant — outperforming McDonald’s and Starbucks. But their success isn’t just about burritos… it’s about real estate strategy.In this episode, we cover:• The Chipotle checklist: demographics, the 2,400 SF box, visibility, and the Chipotlane.• Why Potranco Rd in San Antonio is a perfect case study: 100K+ annual visits, $106K median household income, 28,570 daily cars.• The consumer behavior data: 45% of adults eating fast food 9+ times a month, larger households (3.3 avg), and strong co-tenants like H-E-B, Starbucks, Whataburger, and LA Fitness.• The investment profile: 10-year corporate-guaranteed NNN leases, 7–10% rent bumps, and cap rates under 5.25%.📍 Featured Location: Chipotle, 14218 Potranco Rd, San Antonio, TX💬 Do you think Chipotlanes are the future of fast casual, or just a fad? Drop your take in the comments — and let me know which retailer you want me to break down next.__________Chapters00:00 Chipotle's Financial Success and Real Estate Strategy02:51 Site Selection Criteria for Chipotle04:45 Analyzing the Petrenko Road Location05:02 Future of Fast Casual and Audience Engagement__________🎥 Watch more What Retailers Want: • What Retailers Want 📩 Subscribe to Ray CRE Broker: / @raycrebroker 📈 Connect with me on LinkedIn: / raycrebroker 🌐 Learn more: https://www.raycrebroker.com👀 Recommended Playlists:• Retail Real Estate News & Strategy• CRE IQ Newsletter on LinkedIn: / cre-intelligence-quotient-7239351446058455040 __________Thanks to Chipotle, ESRI, Placer.ai, Crexi and other remarkable data sources.Thank you. Please Like, Subscribe and Share. It helps to make better videos and share better information with you.
What Retailers Want – Ray CRE Broker’s continuing saga in exploring retailers and what makes them choose the brick-and-mortar locations they’re in.We all love Chick-fil-A — and the proof is in those drive-thru lines wrapping around the block. From suburban shopping centers to freeway exits, their restaurants have become fixtures of American life.In this episode, we explore:• Chick-fil-A’s history – from Truett Cathy’s first sandwich shop in 1946 to over 3,000 locations nationwide.• Their real estate strategy today – why corporate chooses every site, how throughput drives design, and what makes them the most disciplined QSR in the country.• Site criteria that matter – traffic counts, lot size, drive-thru capacity, and co-tenancy.• Real-world case study – Chick-fil-A at 18120 San Pedro Ave in San Antonio, TX, with 47,000+ vehicles per day and a booming 5-mile trade area.• CRE investment profile – why Chick-fil-A ground leases are among the most sought-after in the triple-net lease market.Chick-fil-A isn’t just selling chicken — they’re engineering sites to maximize performance, capture peak dayparts, and drive industry-leading sales per unit.👉 What retailer should we cover next? Drop a comment with the brand and even a location in your neighborhood — it might be featured in a future episode of What Retailers Want.
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
Visit my homepage for more inquiries: https://www.raycrebroker.com______
What Retailers Want is back, this time focusing on Chick-fil-A and their real estate strategy. Chick-fil-A's focus on throughput and strategic locations are key to their success, making them industry leaders. The video explores how their real estate choices and focus on throughput help them earn the highest sales per store in the fast food industry, with drive thru lines wrapping around the block.
What Retailers Want – Ray CRE Broker’s continuing saga in exploring retailers and what makes them choose the brick-and-mortar locations they are found.In this episode, we break down Subway’s history, their shift from rapid expansion to strategic growth, and exactly what they look for in a site today. We’ll dive into their Fresh Forward 2.0 remodel program, explore the “why” behind their official site criteria, and connect it all to a real-world example at 2800 Thousand Oaks Dr, San Antonio, TX.You’ll learn:• How Subway grew from one sandwich shop in Connecticut to the largest restaurant chain in the U.S.• Why they’re focusing on quality over quantity in their store network.• What Fresh Forward 2.0 means for design, operations, and customer experience.• The role of traffic counts, demographics, and peak lunch/dinner hours in site selection.• Why the Thousand Oaks location hits every mark on their checklist.Subway's story is a true subway success story, rising to the top by opening stores everywhere. Now, they're shifting focus to quality control, aiming for fewer but better locations. The video explores this trend and what it means for the future of this fast food giant and its restaurants.📍 Want to see your favorite retailer featured? Comment with the brand name — and even a specific location in your neighborhood — and we might feature it in a future What Retailers Want episode.Connect with me on LinkedIn: / raycrebroker Visit my homepage at: https://www.raycrebroker.com
In this conversation, Ray Kang CCIM, a commercial real estate broker, delves into the strategic site selection criteria of Dutch Brothers, a rapidly growing coffee brand. He discusses the brand's unique operational model, target demographics, and the specific characteristics they seek in potential locations. The conversation also highlights a real-world case study of a Dutch Brothers location, illustrating the application of their site selection strategy. Finally, Ray emphasizes the brand's evolving approach to growth and performance metrics, providing insights for potential investors and site owners.TakeawaysDutch Brothers focuses on drive-through only formats.Their target demographic includes Gen Z and young families.They prefer locations with high traffic and visibility.The brand aims for $2 million in average unit volume.They utilize data-driven strategies for site selection.Dutch Brothers is expanding into new regions strategically.They are pruning underperforming sites aggressively.The company prefers build-to-suit development partnerships.Their lease terms are favorable for long-term investment.The brand is refining its approach to market clustering._____
Let me know what retailer you want to learn about and what they are looking for in a location. Plus, let's look at an actual location you know.Connect with me at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
https://www.raycrebroker.com
In this episode, Ray Kang discusses the critical issue of vacancy in retail properties, emphasizing the importance of proactive management to anticipate and mitigate its effects. He outlines the hidden costs associated with vacancy, including cash flow loss, decreased property valuation, and negative tenant morale. Ray advocates for early engagement with tenants and strategic marketing to ensure minimal downtime and maintain property value. The conversation highlights the need for property owners to be aware of lease expirations and to have a clear plan in place to address potential vacancies.
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Takeaways
Vacancy is a drag on value, not just rent loss.
Cash flow, valuation, and tenant morale are affected by vacancy.
Proactive leasing is essential to avoid reactive patterns.
Start marketing spaces 9-12 months before they become vacant.
Good operators begin leasing conversations early.
A broker should help in planning and marketing.
Zero downtime can be achieved with proactive strategies.
Understanding tenant performance is crucial for retention.
Review your marketing strategy regularly.
Great tenants are built through relationships, not just found.
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Chapters
00:00 Understanding Vacancy in Retail Properties
02:49 The Hidden Costs of Vacancy
06:01 Proactive Leasing Strategies
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Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
Work with me: https://www.raycrebroker.com
🎙️ Episode 3: Is Your Equity Lazy? How to Make Your Capital Work Harder
Ray CRE Broker Podcast | Hosted by Ray Kang CCIM
Many retail property owners are sitting on a goldmine—and don’t realize it. In this episode, Ray explains the concept of lazy equity and how simply having a paid-off or high-equity property doesn’t mean you’re building wealth.
We unpack:
What “Return on Equity” (ROE) actually means
How to measure performance beyond just occupancy
Why holding capital without a plan is quietly costing you
The questions every owner should ask about their equity
Actionable ways to make your money work harder
Whether you’re debt-free or fully leveraged, the key is knowing how your equity is performing.
🎧 Next Episode Preview: Why Vacancy is a Cancer and How to Cure It
📬 Want help running your numbers? No pressure—just reach out to Ray at rkang@resolutre.com
In this episode, Ray challenges retail property owners to rethink the “mailbox money” mindset and instead adopt the discipline of a real business operator. While 100% occupancy and regular rent checks might feel like success, it’s often a deceptive comfort zone that masks slow financial erosion.Ray breaks down what it really means to treat your property like a business—from auditing expenses and budgeting for capital reserves, to renegotiating vendor contracts and staying connected with tenants. He shares a real-life contrast between two owners with similar assets—but dramatically different outcomes—showing the power of intentional ownership.Whether you self-manage or work with a third party, this mindset shift could be the key to protecting your income, growing equity, and securing future options.
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Takeaways
_______
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Property Investment Mindset
03:05 Treating Your Property Like a Business
05:29 Key Strategies for Successful Property Management
_______
CONNECT WITH ME ON LINKEDIN: / raycrebroker
Visit my website at: https://www.raycrebroker.com
PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE. THANK YOU!
Summary
Ray CRE Broker emphasizes the critical importance of understanding key financial metrics for retail property ownership. He discusses how many property owners overlook essential numbers that can significantly impact their investment's health and long-term success. Key metrics such as Net Operating Income (NOI), Return on Equity (ROE), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and lease expiration schedules are highlighted as vital for maintaining control and ensuring profitability in real estate investments.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"NOI is your property's lifeline."
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Importance of Numbers in Real Estate
01:14 Number One is Net Operating Income
01:52 Number Two is Return On Equity
02:42 Number Three is Debt Service Coverage Ratio
03:24 Number Four is Occupancy and Lease Schedule
04:40 Keeping Track
05:05 Key Metrics Every Property Owner Should Know
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
Contact me: https://www.raycrebroker.com
Summary
In this episode, Ray Kang discusses the evolving landscape of retail real estate in 2025, characterized by cautious optimism. He highlights the significant demand for suburban retail spaces, the shift in consumer behavior towards convenience and technology, and the increasing importance of sustainability in retail strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in retail formats and the role of technology in enhancing customer experiences. Overall, the retail market is adapting to new consumer preferences and economic conditions, presenting opportunities for investors and brokers.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Cautious Optimism in Retail Real Estate
03:00 Shifts in Consumer Behavior and Retail Formats
05:56 The Role of Technology and Sustainability in Retail
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
Website: https://www.raycrebroker.com
In this episode of Retail Rundown, Ray Kang discusses the significant acquisition of Redfin by Rocket Companies, the implications for the real estate and mortgage markets, and the broader economic outlook for 2025. The conversation also covers the rise of e-commerce, shifts in consumer spending, and the growing investment opportunities in senior housing. Key takeaways highlight the impact of AI on real estate transactions and the need for retailers to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Rundown
02:51 Rocket Companies Acquires Redfin
05:49 Global Economic Outlook and Retail Trends
07:34 Senior Housing Investment Opportunities
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
In this episode of Retail Rundown, Ray Kang discusses the February jobs report indicating a cooling labor market, the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rates, escalating trade tensions due to China's tariff retaliation, and Walgreens' transition to private ownership. The conversation highlights the implications of these developments for retail, healthcare, and commercial real estate, emphasizing the need for adaptation in a changing economic landscape.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 February Jobs Report: Signs of a Cooling Labor Market
03:27 Federal Reserve's Stance on Interest Rates
05:30 Escalating Trade Tensions: China's Tariff Retaliation
08:02 Walgreens Goes Private: Implications for Retail and Healthcare
10:08 Final Takeaways: Economic Outlook and Retail Dynamics
Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
In February 2025, the U.S. experienced a significant surge in layoffs, with 172,017 job cuts reported, marking the highest monthly total since July 2020. This increase was largely driven by federal workforce reductions and challenges in the retail sector. Despite these layoffs, the labor market shows signs of resilience, with economists predicting non-farm payroll growth. The implications for commercial real estate and retail landlords are profound, as demand for office space may decline and the retail sector faces ongoing transformation.
Takeaways
February 2025 saw 172,017 layoffs, the highest since July 2020.
Job cuts surged by 245% compared to the previous year.
Federal workforce reductions accounted for 63,583 layoffs.
Retail sector cuts surged by 572% year-over-year.
Economic pressures are affecting various industries, especially retail.
Despite layoffs, non-farm payroll growth is expected to continue.
Skills-based hiring is becoming the future of recruitment.
Commercial real estate must adapt to changing tenant demands.
Retail struggles may lead to more store closures.
Proactive assessment of tenant risks is essential for landlords.
Sound Bites
"Retail sector cuts have surged by 572%"
"Government office space demand may decline"
"Retail sector struggles continue"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Rundown
00:27 February 2025 Layoff Surge Overview
03:09 Economic Pressures and Labor Market Resilience
06:30 Implications for Commercial Real Estate
08:30 Navigating the Shifting Landscape
In this episode of Retail Rundown, Ray Kang discusses the current economic landscape, focusing on inflation challenges highlighted by former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The conversation covers Footlocker's strategic store revamps, the increasing investment of family offices in real estate, and the significant role of wealthy households in consumer spending. The episode emphasizes the need for retailers and investors to adapt to these evolving dynamics.
Takeaways
Bernanke warns of inflation challenges due to rising prices.
Footlocker plans to refresh 300 stores and open 80 new ones.
Wealthy households account for nearly half of consumer spending.
Family offices are increasing real estate investments for diversification.
Companies are raising prices in anticipation of new tariffs.
Retailers may need to adjust pricing strategies amid inflation.
The top 10% of households drive significant consumer expenditures.
Economic sensitivity is growing due to income disparities.
Investors should monitor Footlocker's store revamp strategy.
Staying informed is crucial for navigating market changes.
Sound Bites
"Bernanke warns of inflation challenges."
"Footlocker accelerates store revamps."
"Let's connect for expert guidance."
Chapters
00:00 Economic Insights and Inflation Challenges
02:08 Footlocker's Retail Revamp Strategy
03:41 Family Offices and Real Estate Investments
05:08 Inflationary Pressures and Business Strategies
06:17 Consumer Spending Trends Among Wealthy Households
07:33 Navigating Opportunities in a Shifting Market
In this episode of Retail Rundown, Ray Kang discusses the impact of President Trump's new tariffs on the market, the rising fears of stagflation, and the implications for consumer spending and retail strategies. The conversation highlights the significant market reactions to tariffs, the potential economic slowdown indicated by GDP forecasts, and how retailers like Target are navigating profit pressures while still planning expansions.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Market Reactions to Tariffs
03:26 Stagflation Concerns and Economic Slowdown
08:03 Target's Profit Pressures and Retail Strategies
Summary
In this episode of Retail Rundown, Ray Kang discusses Walgreens' strategic shifts, including significant store closures and a potential $10 billion buyout by Sycamore Partners. The conversation also covers economic indicators such as declining treasury yields and new tariffs, which add uncertainty to the market. Finally, the episode explores the lasting impacts of the pandemic on retail, highlighting the evolution of consumer behavior and the importance of digital integration for success in the industry.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Walgreens' Strategic Shifts and Store Closures
04:25 Economic Indicators: Treasury Yields and Tariffs
07:06 Retail's Five-Year Transformation Post-Pandemic
Summary
In this episode of Retail Rundown, Ray Kang discusses the latest trends in retail, including signs of cooling inflation, disappointing earnings from Walmart, the impact of government downsizing on commercial real estate, and the closure of 700 Advance Auto Parts stores. The conversation highlights the challenges facing the retail sector and the implications for landlords and investors.
Takeaways
Inflation is showing signs of cooling, which may lead to interest rate cuts.
Walmart's disappointing earnings reflect broader challenges in the retail sector.
High grocery inflation is affecting discretionary spending.
Ollies Bargain Outlet is expanding by acquiring former Big Lots leases.
The federal government is downsizing, impacting commercial real estate.
Advance Auto Parts is closing stores as part of a restructuring effort.
Vacant retail spaces may attract discount retailers or service-based businesses.
Investors are concerned about the volatility in retail stock prices.
Landlords need to adapt to the changing retail landscape.
The closure of multiple stores in an area can impact local retail demand.
Chapters
00:00 Retail Rundown Overview
01:17 Inflation Trends and Economic Implications
04:04 Walmart's Earnings and Retail Sector Challenges
05:38 Government Downsizing and Its Impact on Real Estate
07:13 Advance Auto Parts Store Closures and Market Shifts
Welcome to Retail Rundown with Ray Kang, your go-to source for commercial real estate insights, retail market trends, and economic updates. Every morning, Ray breaks down the latest news impacting retail landlords, investors, and decision-makers, delivering actionable analysis in a fast-paced, easy-to-digest format.Whether you’re a shopping center owner, broker, or retail investor, this show gives you the competitive edge you need to stay ahead. From leasing strategies and investment trends to consumer spending and economic shifts, Retail Rundown connects the dots between finance and real estate, helping you make informed business decisions.🎙 New episodes daily at 7:00 AM CST📢 Subscribe now and never miss an update!💡 Want expert advice on retail real estate? Connect with Ray Kang at https://www.linkedin.com/in/raycrebroker
In this episode of Retail Rundown, host Ray Kang discusses key insights into the retail real estate market, focusing on the upcoming PCE inflation report, the impact of tariffs on supply chains, the performance of home improvement retailers, and the implications of Joann's bankruptcy on the craft retail market. The conversation emphasizes the need for retail landlords to adapt to changing economic conditions and tenant needs.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Rundown
00:28 Understanding PCE Inflation and Its Impact
02:34 Tariffs and Their Effects on Retail Supply Chains
04:39 Home Improvement Retailers: Mixed Results
06:12 Joann's Bankruptcy and Market Shifts
08:05 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
#retail #realestate #inflation #PCE #tariffs #HomeDepot #Lowes #Joann #bankruptcy #supplychains #economictrends