February 12, 1999
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The Dealmakers Issue Number 5 for the week of February 12, 1999.

Winn-Dixie (Midwest Division) trades as Winn-Dixie and Thriftway at 88 locations in KY, IN, OH and TN. The supermarkets occupy spaces of 40,000 sq.ft. to 60,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and power centers. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place within the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a trade area population of 25,000. Leases running 20 years are typical.

For more information, contact W. Northcut, Winn-Dixie, 720 Locust Lane, Louisville, KY 40217-2997; 502-635-8200, Fax 636-1834.

Villeroy & Boch Tableware Ltd. trades as Villeroy & Boch Tableware at 25 locations in CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, ME, NV, NJ, OH, SC, TN, TX and VA. The stores, selling dinnerware, china, crystal and gifts, occupy spaces of 2,000 sq.ft. to 2,500 sq.ft. in downtown store fronts, freestanding facilities, regional malls, outlet and specialty centers. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in FL and IL. Leases running five to ten years, with options, are typical as is a tenant improvement allowance. The company prefers affluent markets and recently signed a lease for a store in San Francisco, CA which is scheduled to open in June.

For more information, contact Joe Otilio Cartagena, Villeroy & Boch Tableware Ltd., 5 Vaughn Drive #303, Princeton, NJ 08540; 609-734-7828, Fax 734-7840.

Eagle Food Centers, Inc. trades as Eagle Food Center and Eagle Country Warehouse at 20 locations in IL, IN and IA. The supermarkets occupy spaces of 52,000 sq.ft. to 60,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a population of 40,000 within two miles earning $45,000 as the average income.

For more information, contact Larry Sanford, Eagle Food Centers, Inc., Route 67 & Knoxville Road, Milan, IL 61264; 309-787-7670, Fax 787-7298/7284.

MPI School & Instructional Supply does business as The Teacher’s Store at seven locations in IL, MI and MN. The stores, selling educational materials, occupy spaces of 6,000 sq.ft. to 7,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for at least two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in CO, IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, PA and/or WI. The company prefers to purchase its locations.

For more information, contact David McSherry, MPI School & Instructional Supply, 1200 Keystone Avenue, Lansing, MI 48910; 517-393-0440, Fax 393-8884.

American TV & Appliance of Madison trades as American TV & Appliance at eight locations in IL, MI and WI. The stores, selling appliances and electronics, occupy spaces of 15,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in IL and MI.

For more information, contact Doug Reuhl, American TV & Appliance of Madison, 2404 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53713; 608-271-1000, Fax 275-7487.

Ziff Properties, Inc. is in the market to acquire multi-tenant retail properties in NC, SC, eastern GA and northern FL. Preferred properties should have upside potential and be priced in the $1 million to $15 million range. All cash deals are preferred.

For more information, contact Melanie McLamb at (843-724-3412), Fax (724-3400), e-mail (mmclamb@zpi.net).

Bosshardt Realty Services, Inc. has the listing to sell a 3.2 acre retail site in Gainesville, FL. The site is a turn key, fully developed site (all parking and storm water is on place) that is ready for up to a 22,000 sq.ft. building. The property is located adjacent to a new Sports Authority at the intersection of I-75 and SR 26, and is approximately 1,000 ft. from a one million sq.ft. regional mall. Traffic counts in front of the site exceed 47,000 vpd. Demographics include a three-mile population of 45,000 earning $54,500 as the average household income. The asking price is $1.4 million.

For more information, contact Mike Ryals at (352-371-6100).

N.E. Cohen & Associates has the listing to sell a portfolio of 79 retail properties consisting of 2.37 million sq.ft. The portfolio features largely stand-alone retail properties and end-cap anchors within traditional neighborhood shopping centers. The offering presents an opportunity to invest in a diversified net-leased retail portfolio with substantial cash flow in place, upside repositioning potential to capitalize on below market rents, and the ability to assume management of the properties. Third party management is also available. The properties are located in 15 states, however, a large portion of the portfolio is concentrated in CO, NC and TX. Approximately half of the portfolio is leased to nationally recognized retailers including Best Buy, Fleming Companies, Winn-Dixie, Blockbuster Video, Office Depot, Drug Emporium, Subway, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s. The 79 properties are owned by three separate entities and have been separately financed: NC I, NC II and NC III. The leasehold property leases run to 2020. The fee owned property leases vary from shorter terms to 2020. The leases have both NN and NNN provisions. The debt must be assumed and was placed on NC I and II on February 1997 (8.66%) and NC III on February 1998 (7.74%). Total occupancy rate is 94%. The asking price is $92.94 million and debt of $74 million must be assumed. The owner will also considering selling each entity separately.

For more information, contact Nat E. Cohen & Associates at (214-373-1159), Fax (369-9046).

Divaris Real Estate has the listing to sell Lakes Mall in Lauderdale Lakes, FL. The 256,983 sq.ft. project is anchored by Sports authority, Office Depot, Linen Supermarket, Smart & Final and Mac Frugal’s Bargains. The property also includes undeveloped land for future expansion. The project is 97.7% leased and the asking price is $11.2 million. The company announces the sale of a 1.673 acre property located at the intersection of Hudson Drive and West elk Street in Elizabethton, TN to Glimcher Group Midwest from Citizens Bank. Glimcher purchased the site to develop a freestanding CVS Pharmacy.

For more information on Lakes Mall, contact Michael Finkle at (305-919-8191), Fax (919-8387). For more information on CVS, contact Brett Womack at (757-497-2113).

MSI Real Estate Services has the listing to sell South Shaver Shopping Center in South Houston, TX. The 22,296 sq.ft. project is 48% occupied, has a canopy over the front entrance and a large pylon sign. The asking price is $995,000.

For more information, contact Mike Stich at (713-963-0883), Fax (960-8887).

The Hutensky Group is selling Lakeview Center in Branford, CT. The 35,000 sq.ft. project is 100% leased to two tenants. The asking price is $2.3 million. The company is in the market to acquire neighbrohood and community strip centers, power centers and enclosed malls that are in need of re-tenanting, repositioning and/or redevelopment. Preferred properties should be located in the Northeastern, Midwestern and Eastern regions, have a GLA of at least 100,000 sq.ft. and have an occupancy rate below 80%. Properties may be in urban, suburban or small town markets. Portfolio purchases are of particular interest.

For more information, contact Jodi LeBrun (Lakeview Center) or Jeffrey Johnson (acquisitions) at (860-527-2222), Fax (706-0076).

General Growth Properties recently acquired The Crossroads Mall in Portage, MI from an investment fund managed by Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. for $68 million. The 765,000 sq.ft. project is anchored by JC Penney, Hudson’s, Mervyn’s and Sears. Average sales are $326 psf.

For more information, contact General Growth Properties at (312-551-5000).

Two Pittsburgh families, the Rudolph and Perlow families, which involved in real estate development for many years in the area, recently acquired the historic Gimbel’s building in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. The 14-story, 790,000 sq.ft. building was formerly occupied by Gimbel’s department store until 1986. The site was vacant from 1986 until 1994. Currently, the building is home to the Burlington Coat Factory, Barnes & Noble, Eckerd Drug, medical offices for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and an athletic facility for the Duquesne Club. The new owners plans to spend substantial money to restore the site to its original appearance and complete the conversion of the building to commercial and retail space. The Rudolph family includes principals of the McKnight Development Company, and the Perlow family was one of the principal founders and owners of Interstate Hotels, a national hotel developer.

For more information, contact Jim or Bill Rudolph at (412-623-8204).

The Sauter Companies brokered the sale of a 40 acre retail site at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Silverado Ranch Boulevard in Las Vegas, NV. The site is planned for a 400,000 sq.ft. shopping center anchored by Target.

For more information, contact Lloyd Sauter at (702-383-3383).

Edens & Avant recently acquired Columbiana Station in Columbia, SC. The 172,320 sq.ft. project is anchored by Publix, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Party City and Bed Bath & Beyond. The acquisition price was approximately $15 million. The company recently acquired Lake Montclair Center in Montclair, VA. The project is anchored by Food Lion and CVS Pharmacy. The company also recently acquired Barclay Square in Largo, FL. The project is anchored by Kash n Karry and Blockbuster.

For more information, contact Joe Edens at (800-662-7212).

Eastborune Investments Ltd. recently acquired Spring Cypress Shopping Center in Houston, TX for $6.725 million. The 100,793 sq.ft. project is anchored by Kroger, Burger King and Shell. As part of the purchase, Eastborune also acquired a 4.3 acre development parcel adjacent to the center.

For more information, contact Frank Egan at (416-597-3310).

New Plan Excel Realty Trust and Wilton Partners recently acquired the 1.1 million sq.ft. Mall at 163rd Street in North Miami, FL from Chase Manhattan Bank and Toronto Dominion Bank for $20 million. New Plan and Wilton Partners plan to reposition the 40-year-old center which has struggled to compete against the nearby1.4 million sq.ft. Aventura Mall.

For more information, contact New Plan at (212-869-3000), or Wilton Partners at (310-444-6377).

Target Stores (612-304-6099) plans to open 24 stores on July 25, including the company’s entry into the MA, NH and RI markets. Stores are expected to open in Danvers, Holyoke, Tauton and North Attleboro, MA; Salem, NH; Warwick, RI; Gaithersburg, MD; Anderson and Columbia, SC; Springdale, OH; Florence, KY; New Ulm, MN; Allen and San Marcos, TX; Middletown and Toms River, NJ; Islip and South Setauket, NY; Atlanta, GA; Hickory, NC; Independence, MO; West Jordan, UT and two in Las Vegas, NV.

Younkers (515-244-1112), which operates two stores in the Appleton, WI market, is looking into the possibility of opening a third store in the market. The mass merchandiser’s current locations, including the former Herberg’s department store in downtown Appleton, have done extremely well.

Krispy Kreme (910-725-2981), through its franchisee Great Circle Family Foods LLC, plans to open seven Krispy Kreme doughnut shops in Orange County, CA with the first in La Habra. A shop is also planned for The Block at Orange. Each store will be open 24 hours-a-day. Krispy Kreme operates 140 stores in 24 states.

Tractor Supply Co. (615-366-4646) plans to open a 20,000 sq.ft. store adjacent to Lowe’s and across from the Galleria in Rock Hill, SC. The company hopes to break ground next month and open the store by September. The stores target hobby, part-time and full-time farmers, as well as suburban customers, contractors and tradesmen. Most of its 240 stores are located in rural communities and outlying areas of large cities where agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy.

National Amusements (781-461-1600) recently opened an 18-screen movie theater called Showcase Cinemas 53 in Davenport, IA; an 18-screen movie theater in Springdale, OH; a 20-screen cinema in Ann Arbor, MI and a 14-screen movie theater in New York, NY. The company operates more than 1,270 screens throughout the U.S., United Kingdom and Latin America. The company is the parent company of Viacom, Inc., which includes Paramount Communicationa, MTV, Nickelodeon and Blockbuster Video.

The Vitamin Shoppe (201-866-7711) recently signed leases to open stores at Gaitherstowne Plaza in Gaithersburg, MD; on West Patrick Street in Frederick, MD; on Rockville Pike in Rockville, MD; at Bailey’s Crossroads and on Main Street in Fairfax, VA and at Tyson’s Corner Shopping Center in Tyson’s Corner, VA. Overall, the company is looking to open as many as 20 stores in the Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C. market by the end of this year, and more than 40 stores nationwide. Founded in 1977, The Vitamin Shoppe currently operates 42 stores in MA, NJ and NY and is targeting major markets in the Northeast as its next expansion sites. The Vitamin Shoppe also sells its products through a catalog division and an Internet website (vitaminshoppe.com).

FAO Schwarz (212-644-9400) recently opened an American Airlines boutique within its South Miami, FL store. The boutique features branded toys and other merchandise from American Airlines. Items include an American Airlines aircraft ride-on toy complete with simulated engine, take-off and landing sounds, a junior pilot kit, youth bomber jacket, inflatable airplanes, die cast collectible airplanes, jumbo jet die cast banks, AA bean plane, tee shirts and magnets. The company is also offering exclusive American Airlines merchandise in its catalog.

Loews Cineplex Theatres (212-833-6160) plans to open a 20-screen movie theater at The Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg, IL during early winter. The theatre will anchor Theater Way, the entertainment oriented thoroughfare at the southern end of the 650,000 sq.ft. project. Loews will join Galyan’s Trading Company, GameWorks and Dick Clark’s AB Diner as anchors of the project.

Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (410-843-8000), in recognizing a growing demand for higher education among the international middle classes with rising incomes, is planning to develop and operate a worldwide network of universities. The company also announces that it has obtained an option to acquire a controlling interest (54%) in a Spanish University (Universidad Europa de Madrid, UEM), the largest Spanish for-profit university. The company currently operates more than 3,000 testing/training centers worldwide.

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (847-286-2500) is in active discussions to develop a store in Center City Philadelphia, PA. However, a specific site has not yet been selected.

Kroger Co. (513-762-4000) plans to open five Signbature supermarkets in Houston, TX this year. The newest Signature store recently opened on Buffalo Speedway. The 64,000 sq.ft. store features a Spanish-style exterior and features a larger selection of wines, a sit-down coffee bar and an all-natural foods section. Other amenities include four U-Scan Express aisles where customers can check themselves out and pay an automated cashier with either cash or credit cards. Kroger, which launched its Signature series of stores in 1993, currently operates 87 supermarkets in the Houston market, including 32 Signature stores.

Ross Dress For Less (510-505-4400) is looking to develop a 29,320 sq.ft. store at the intersection of Cowell Boulevard and Lillard Drive, adjacent to Oakshade Town Center in Davis, CA. The company has tried seven times in the past 15 years to get approval to open a store in Davis, but has been stymied for various reasons. Its latest attempt required a zoning change of the land from office to retail. If Ross gets all of the necessary approvals and opens the store, it will be the first discount apparel stored opened in Davis in nearly 10 years.

Lowe’s Company (336-658-4223) plans to open a 160,000 sq.ft. home improvement store in Westminster, MD during Summer. Recently, the company opened its first store in NJ in Piscataway.

Borders, Inc. (313-913-1323) plans this Spring to open a 32,850 sq.ft. Borders Books and Music store at the intersection of Tatum and Cactus in Paradise Valley, AZ. It will be the company’s sixth store in AZ.

JC Penney Co. (972-431-1000) plans to convert its 163,000 sq.ft. department store at Security Square Mall in Woodlawn, MD into a JC Penney Outlet Store. An April re-opening is planned. The store will be reconfigured and feature women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and home merchandise at prices 20% to 60% off original prices. The company anticipates hiring an additional 60 employees to staff the store. The company currently operates 27 outlet stores nationwide.

Hastings Entertainment, Inc. (806-372-2300) plans to open a 24,800 sq.ft. multimedia entertainment store at Town & Country Shopping Center in Midwest City, OK during Spring. It will be the company’s 12th unit in OK and 130th overall. The store will feature 40,000 book titles, 20,000 music titles, 6,000 videotapes and video games for sale, 800 DVD titles and 15,000 videotapes, video games and DVD titles for rent. Other items available include software titles, periodicals, clothing, greeting cards and stationery products. Hastings also operates www.hastingsentertainment.com, a fully integrated multimedia entertainment e-commerce Internet web site.

Stew Leonard’s (203-847-6522) plans to open a 100,000 sq.ft. dairy store with a 30,000 sq.ft. warehouse in Younkers, NY during August. Turner Construction Company has been awarded the $19.2 million construction contract. Stew Leonard’s, which has operated from Danbury, CT since 1991, and its flagship Norwalk, CT location since 1969, has been described as the "world’s largest dairy store" by Ripely’s Believe It or Not. The Younkers location is the company’s third location and will emphasize fresh foods prepared on the premises. The new store features its own bakery, dairy plant, state-of-the-art kitchen, on-site processing plant for fresh juices, 8,000 sq.ft. open-air farmer’s market and a petting farm with cows, goats, sheep, chickens and geese.

Ralston-Purina Corp. (314-982-1000) plans to develop a 10,000 sq.ft. America’s Country Store in Fincastle, VA. The store will offer a variety of Purina feeds as well as lawn and garden hardware, animal health care and nutritional products, pet accessories and fencing. Overall, the company operates 22 stores nationwide.

Lucy’s LaundryMart (213-365-1007) recently opened a store in Long Beach, CA. It is the company’s sixth location. The coin-operated laundromats offer 70 dryers and 52 washing machines. In addition, the site offers a Burger King restaurant, a small convenience store, several televisions and a children’s play structure. Coming soon to the site will be a pizza restaurant and a mini-branch of Union Bank.

Tutor Time Child Care Learning Centers (561-994-6226), which operates more than 200 sites throughout North America and Indonesia, plans to develop sites in Naperville, Vernon Hills, East Dundee and Roselle, IL. Construction on the 15,000 sq.ft. sites, which also carry 15-year triple-net leases, is expected to begin next month, with completion scheduled for August. In addition, the company is in negotiations on four other Chicago-market sites. Syndicated Equities is assisting Tutor Time with its expansion plans in the market.

Dillard’s Department Stores (501-376-5200) plans to open a 240,000 sq.ft. department store at MacArthur Center in downtown Norfolk, VA next month as a co-anchor with Nordstrom.

AutoNation (954-769-6000) recently pulled out of deal to buy 13 acres of land near Roseville Auto Mall in Roseville, CA. The company had planned to open a used-car megastore on the site. The deal was aborted because AutoNation’s parent company, Republic Industries, has put all expansion plans on hold while it considers changes to the chain.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (612-995-7049) plans to develop a 45,472 sq.ft. store just west of Hulen Mall and across from Lowe’s Home Improvement Center in Fort Worth, TX. The store is expected to open during Spring. The company is planning to open approximately 40 new locations nationwide this year.

Rite Aid (717-761-2633) is looking to develop a 14,000 sq.ft. freestanding drug store at the intersection of 29th and Elizabeth Streets in Pueblo, CO. Overall, the company is looking to open 30 stores throughout CO this year. The company entered the market via its acquisition of the PayLess Drug Store chain. Plans for the Pueblo store include a drive-up window, one-hour photo lab, a business center and selected food items.

Avado Brands, Inc. (706-342-4552), owner of Don Pablo’s Mexican Kitchens and Canyon Cafes, has scaled back the number of restaurants it plans to open in the coming three years. The company anticipates opening 175 restaurants in the coming three years, instead of its originally planned 200, For 1999, the company is planning to open 15 Don Pablo’s instead of 30 and only one Canyon Cafe instead of eight. The company also anticipates closing five underperforming units.

Chico’s FAS (941-277-6200) recently opened a women’s apparel store at MarketFair in Princeton,NJ. The opening is part of the company’s anticipated 40 openings this year. The 150-unit chain operates nationwide and the stores average 1,500 sq.ft. to 2,500 sq.ft.

Metro Commercial Real Estate, Inc. (609-866-1900) has been named the exclusive agent for a 10-acre commercial site located at the intersection of Berlin-Cross Keys and Erial-Williamstown Road in Gloucester Township, NJ. The company plans to initially lease or sell four pad sites at the property, with the balance to be reserved for future commercial development. The company has been named the exclusive agent to sublease a 3,000 sq.ft. former CVS Pharmacy location at the Bel Air Shopping Center in Northeast Philadelphia, PA and a 5,100 sq.ft. former Eckerd Drug location at the Barn Plaza Center in Doylestown, PA. The company has also been named the exclusive leasing agent for Colonial Plaza in Eagleville, PA. The 16,000 sq.ft. project is anchored by Salter Ski Shop. Two 1,800 sq.ft. spaces are available for lease.

Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC (617-426-3233) and The Nassi Group, LLC (818-591-7100) have been selected by Ames Department Stores, Inc. to manage the transition of all 155 Hills Department Stores into the Ames format. The process will take place in three phases, beginning immediately and continuing throughout the first half of the year in the following markets: 52 stores in the Pittsburgh, PA and northeastern OH region; 50 stores covering eastern NY, central and eastern PA, MA, VA and MD; and 53 stores in central and western OH, WV, TN, KY, NC, IL and IN. During the last year, Gordon Brothers managed more than 2,000 stores for its client base, converting approximately $2 billion worth of inventory and locations into cash for retailers. The Nassi Group specializes in the appraisal and disposition of slow-moving assets on behalf of many top retailers.

Buxbaum Group (843-856-28310 has been retained by Tandycrafts to help carry out its plans to close its leather and craft retail stores, which operate under the Tandy Leather name. Related manufacturing facilities are also being closed. Tandycrafts recently announced its intentions to close its leather and craft manufacturing operations and 121 retail stores by the end of its current fiscal year, June 30, 1999. Tandycrafts plans to continue its direct mail catalogs and wholesale leathercrafting supplies and accessories business, as well as enhance its Internet website to sell products directly to consumers.

dba Leonardo’s Formal Wear

Leonardo Cordero

PO Box 8781

Santurce, PR 00910

787-788-9000, Fax 788-2021

The 12-unit chain operates locations in Puerto Rico. The formal wear stores occupy spaces of 1,500 sq.ft. to 2,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing market.

dba Glad Rags, Schweser’s

Helen Lannin

PO Box 1469

Fremont, NE 68025

402-721-1700, Fax 727-4925

The 16-unit chain operates locations in IA, MO, NE and SD. The stores, selling missy and junior apparel, occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft. in strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing markets.

dba Martin’s

Greg Kernion

1212 Quintard Avenue

Anniston, AL 36201

256-237-9521, Fax 235-3760

The eight-unit chain operates locations in AL. The stores, selling family apparel at discount price points, occupy spaces of 60,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Preferred anchors include Wal*Mart and supermarkets. Growth opportunities are sought in AL, GA and TN. Preferred demographics include a three-mile population between 20,000 and 30,000 earning $25,000 as the average income. Leases running five to ten years are typical.

dba Woolrich

Angel Oliver

One Mill Street

Woolrich, PA 17779

717-769-6464, Fax 769-6287

The 28-unit chain operates locations in PA, CO, MI, WI, SC, GA, WV, NE, MN, IA, WA, CA, FL, NY, CT, OH, MA and IL. The stores, selling men’s and women’s outdoor and sports apparel, occupy spaces of 5,000 sq.ft. in outlet and strip centers. Plans call for the opening of four units in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place within the existing markets. Leases running five years, with options, are typical and the company cites Colombia, LL Bean and Eddie Bauer as competition.

dba Snow’s Cards & Gifts

Dean Snow

1609 1st Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233

205-322-1397, Fax 252-9116

The six-unit chain operates locations in AL. The card and gift stores occupy spaces of 2,000 sq.ft. to 3,000 sq.ft. in regional malls. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing market.

dba Kindercare Learning Center

Bill Robards

650 Northeast Holladay, Suite 1400

Portland, OR 97232

503-872-8710, Fax 872-1447

The 1,150-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The child care facilities occupy spaces of 10,000 sq.ft. to 12,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide. The company prefers acquisitions or build to suit deals.

dba Circle K

Matt Fischer

1500 North Priest Drive

Tempe, AZ 85281

602-728-8000, Fax 728-5291

The 2,500+-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The convenience stores occupy spaces of 3,500 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

dba Jr. Food Stores

Wade Quinn

3007 Prosperity Road

Jonesboro, AR 72401

870-935-9061, Fax 972-6951

The 12-unit chain operates locations in AR. The convenience stores occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call the opening of four units in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing market.

dba Emporium

Joe Sneddon

86776 McVay Highway

Eugene, OR 97405

541-746-9611, Fax 747-7891

The 30-unit chain operates locations in CA, ID, OR and WA. The junior department stores occupy spaces of 40,000 sq.ft. to 50,000 sq.ft. in regional malls. Plans call for three openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place within the existing markets.

dba Drug Fair

Tom Keighley

800 Cottontail Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

732-748-8900, Fax 748-7200

e-mail: drugfair@erols.com

The 31-unit chain operates locations in NJ. The drug stores occupy spaces of 15,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Preferred anchors include supermarkets. Plans call for eight openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing market. Preferred demographics include a population of 30,000 within two miles earning $50,000 as the average income. Leases running 15 years are typical and the company cites CVS, Eckerd and Rite Aid as competition.

dba Drug Warehouse

Devin Heller

1437 South Boulder, Suite 1100

Tulsa, OK 74133-4158

918-592-6297, Fax 592-4545

The 38-unit chain operates locations in MO and OK. The drug stores occupy spaces of 16,000 sq.ft. to 20,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for as many as six openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing market.

Roman Sawka

225 Yorkland Boulevard

Willodale, ON M2J 4Y7

416-493-1220, Fax 490-2547

e-mail: rsawka@shoppersdrugmart.ca

The 830-unit chain operates locations throughout Canada. The drug stores occupy spaces of 10,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for at least 10 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in Canada. Leases running 10 years are typical.

dba Krause’s Custom Crafted Furniture, Castro Convertibles

Mike Hearn

200 North Berry Street

Brea, CA 92621

714-990-3100, Fax 990-3561

The 88-unit chain operates locations in AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, NV, NJ, NM, NY, TX and WA. The stores, selling sofas, love seats and chairs, occupy spaces of 6,000 sq.ft. to 12,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and specialty centers. Plans call for 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in AZ, CA, CO, IL, NV, NM, TX and WA. Preferred demographics include a population of 300,000 within five miles earning $35,000 to $100,000 as the average income. Leases running seven to ten years are typical.

dba Boxcar Bedding

Dale Carlsen

4380 Warehouse Court

North Highland, CA 95660-5807

916-575-1452, Fax 575-1660

The six-unit chain operates locations in CA, OR and WA. The stores, selling bedding, occupy spaces of 4,500 sq.ft. to 7,500 sq.ft. in power centers. Plans call for five openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in CA and WA. Leases running five years are typical.

dba Ponderosa Paint and Wallcoverings

Don Mennis

4631 Aeronca Street

Boise, ID 83705

208-344-8683, Fax 344-8904

The 15-unit chain operates locations in ID, OR and UT. The stores, selling paints, wallcoverings and window treatments, occupy spaces of 6,500 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing markets.

dba Beiden’s Jewelry

David Clunk

375 Ghent Road

Akron, OH 44333-4601

330-668-5080, Fax 668-5050

The 52-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The jewelry stores occupy spaces of 1,200 sq.ft. in regional malls. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

Charles Carmichael

2200 Old Germantown Road

Delray Beach, FL 33455

561-265-4430, Fax 438-4178

The 735-unit chain operates locations in 42 states. The office supply stores occupy spaces of 30,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers. Preferred co-tenants include TJ Maxx and supermarkets. Plans call for 200 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Preferred demographics include a population of 75,000 within three miles earning $40,000 as the average income. Leases running 15 years are typical and the company cites OfficeMax, Staples, Kmart and Wal*Mart as competition.

dba Black and Astral

Bruce Van Allen

371 Gough Road

Markham, ON L3R 4B6

905-475-2777, Fax 475-8814

home page: www.blackphoto.com

The 225-unit chain operates locations throughout Canada. The stores, selling cameras, frames, photographic supplies and film processing services, occupy spaces of 800 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. in regional malls. Plans call for as many as six openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in Canada.

dba Fantasy Entertainment

Michael Habib

63 Range Road

Windham, NH 03087-2003

603-894-1234, Fax 894-4547

e-mail: mhabib@fantasyent.com

The 400-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The photo booths occupy spaces of 20 sq.ft. in kiosk locations in regional malls. Plans call for 150 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide.

dba Payless ShoeSource

Gary Stone

3231 Sixth Street

Topeka, KS 66601

785-233-5171, Fax 368-7519

The 4,586-unit chain operates locations nationwide, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and Saipan. The family shoe stores occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. to 4,000 sq.ft. in downtown store fronts, freestanding facilities, regional malls and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought nationwide.

Gilbert Ortega

7237 East Main Street

Scottsdale, AZ 85251

602-949-0436, Fax 949-7913

The 13-unit chain operates locations in AZ. The stores, selling Indian arts and crafts as well as cards and gifts, occupy spaces of 2,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing market.

dba A&P, Farmer Jack, Waldbaum’s, Kohl’s Food Stores, Super Fresh, Super Food Mart, Food Emporium

Brian Pall

PO Box 2475

Paterson, NJ 07509-2475

201-505-3301, Fax 505-3056

e-mail: pallb@aptea.com

The 900+-unit chain operates locations in CT, DE, GA, LA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NY, PA and WI. The supermarkets occupy spaces of 25,000 sq.ft. to 65,000 sq.ft. in strip centers. Plans call for 60 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Leases running 20 years are typical.

dba Babbages, Software Etc., Gamestop, Planet X

Marc Summey

2250 William D Tate Avenue

Grapevine, TX 76051-3978

817-424-2195, Fax 424-2810

The 480-unit chain operates locations nationwide. The stores, selling video games, software and accessories, occupy spaces of 700 sq.ft. to 1,100 sq.ft. in regional malls. Plans call for 50 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Leases running five to ten years are typical.

Food Lion, Inc. (704-633-8250) reported that its fiscal 1998 sales increased to $10.2 billion from $10.19 billion during FY97. Comparable store sales increased 2.6% for the year. During 1998, the company opened 79 stores and closed 12 to end the year with 1,207 supermarkets in 11 Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states.

Uno Restaurant Corp. (617-323-9200) reported that its first quarter net income increased to $1.44 million from $1.21 million during its first quarter last year. Revenues increased 8.4% to $48.8 million from $44.9 million last year. Average weekly sales increased 6.3% and comparable restaurants sales increased 5.7% for the quarter. During the quarter, the company opened seven restaurants in IL, ME, AZ, CA, KS and Puerto Rico. During its upcoming fiscal year, the company plans to open as many as eight corporate units and 12 franchised units. Currently, the company operates 162 Pizzeria Uno...Chicago Bar & Grill restaurants in 29 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Seoul, Korea.

Phar-Mor, Inc. (330-746-6641) reported that its second quarter net income increased to $3.75 million from $2.78 million during its second quarter last year. Total sales increased 1.6% to $297 million from $292.2 million last year with comparable store sales up one percent for the quarter. Currently, the company operates 106 deep discount drug stores in 19 states.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. (303-259-0554) reported that its third quarter earnings from continuing operations increased four percent to $517,000 from $498,000 during the third quarter last year. Revenues increased 13% to $7.3 million from $6.4 million last year. Comparable store sales increased four percent.

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. (203-743-8500) reported that its second quarter sales increased 12.1% to $193.7 million from $172.7 million during the second quarter last year. Net income increased to $21.1 million from $19.1 million. The company has opened 16 stores through the first two quarters of its fiscal year. Currently, the company operates 315 furniture stores, 72 of which are company-owned, throughout North America and Mexico. Twenty stores are located abroad.

Party City Corporation (973-983-0888) reported that its total revenues for 1998 increased 108% to $294.3 million from $141.5 million during 1997. Sales from company-owned stores increased 116.3% to $282.9 million, from $130.8 million last year. Same store sales for company-owned stores increased 11.2%. Revenues from franchised stores increased 6.7% to $11.4 million, from $10.7 million last year. Comparable franchised store sales increased 6.5% for the year. During 1998, the company opened 81 company-owned stores and 19 franchised stores. At the end of the year, the company operated a total of 374 stores. During 1999, the company plans to open as many as 60 company-owned stores and 12 franchised stores.

Center Trust Retail Properties, Inc. (800-679-2606) recently announced that the New York Stock Exchange has approved its application for listing of its common stock. The stock will be traded under the symbol of "CTA." Center Trust, a fully integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust, is a leading developer, owner and manager of retail shopping centers in the Western region. The company owns or controls a portfolio of 63 retail properties, comprised of 49 unenclosed, anchored shopping centers, two regional malls and 12 single tenant facilities. In the past 12 months, the company has acquired over $400 million in retail properties.

Planet Hollywood International, Inc. (407-363-7827) recently announced a series of measures to rebuild consumer excitement and boost sales and profitability of its theme restaurant chain by introducing a new menu that features lower prices, updating the look of its restaurants, launching a new merchandising strategy and initiating a new marketing and public relations strategy. In addition to its plans to revitalize the Planet Hollywood brand, the company is taking actions to lower its operating costs as well, including reducing corporate overhead by 35%; streamlining the company’s store-level operations; putting in place cost control systems; outsourcing non-core operating functions; franchising certain Planet Hollywood restaurants outside of the US; disposing of non-essential corporate assets; recapitalizing the company’s balance sheet; and effectively managing required capital expenditures for 1999. Based on the decision and plans above, the company expects to record a pre-tax charge of $130 million to $160 million in the fourth quarter of 1998, primarily related to asset writedowns.

The Great Train Store Company (972-392-1599) reported that its total sales for fiscal 1998 increased 20.8% to $33.9 million from $28.1 million during FY97. Comparable store sales decreased 7.3% during the year. During the year, the company opened 14 stores and currently operates 56 model train stores in 26 states.

Funco, Inc. (612-946-7202) reported that its third quarter net sales increased 24% to $82.9 million from $67 million. Net income was up to $5.4 million from $4.2 million last year. Comparable store sales increased seven percent for the quarter. During the quarter, the company opened 40 stores and currently operates 310 video game stores nationwide. The company also announces that its board of directors recently authorized the repurchase of up to 300,000 shares of the company’s common stock. This is in addition to 400,000 shares previously authorized and results in a total repurchase authorization of 700,000 shares.

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (423-379-5700) reported that its second quarter net income increased 30.3% to $6.52 million form $4.72 million during its second quarter last year. Total company revenue increased 3.2% to $175.8 million from $170.2 million last year. Systemwide revenue increased 14.1% to $201.9 million from $177 million last year. Comparable store sales increased 3.5% for company-owned units and 2.6% for franchised units. During the quarter, the company sold 13 company-owned units to franchisees and opened 18 company-owned restaurants. Franchisees opened 17 units. The company currently operates 326 Ruby Tuesday units, 45 American Cafe units and 22 Tia’s Tex-Mex restaurants in 32 states. Franchised operations include 68 domestic units and six international units.

PawnMart, Inc. (817-335-7296) recently filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed issuance of up to $10 million of 12% Subordinated Notes due 2004. Massie Capital, Ltd. acted as managing broker dealer for the offering. The company intends to use the net proceeds to fund its rapid store expansion and for general corporate purposes. PawnMart currently operates 32 stores in AL, GA, NC, SC and TX that buy and sell pre-owned merchandise and provide secured short-term loans.

Horizon Pharmacies, Inc. (903-465-2397) recently acquired Sav-More Drugs, Inc., an independent neighborhood pharmacy in Pinetop, AZ. The acquisition is the company’s second in AZ. The company recently signed a letter of intent to acquire a retail pharmacy in MN. The acquisition will be the company’s second location in MN. The company also recently signed a letter of intent to acquire a combination community retail pharmacy and mail order pharmacy in OH. The acquisition will be the company’s first retail location in OH and also its first mail order pharmacy in the company. Following the acquisitions, the company will be operating 46 retail pharmacies in 13 states, 11 home medical equipment stores, five closed-door institutional pharmacies, five intravenous operations, two home healthcare agencies and one wholesale operation.

Shoney’s, Inc. (800-626-5630) recently sold four of its restaurants in TX to its director of operations, Mike Tatum, for an undisclosed price. Tatum, a Shoney’s employee since 1975, will now operate the restaurants as a franchisee under the company JMT Hospitality, Inc. The restaurants are located Brownsville, Houston, McAllen and Wincrest. Tatum was instrumental in originally opening the locations.

Supervalu, Inc. (612-828-4429) and Vic Wukits recently reached an agreement in principle whereby Supervalu will purchase the assets and seven Pittsburgh, PA area supermarkets owned by Wukits. Upon completion of the transaction, the seven stores will remain Shop ‘n Save supermarkets. Wukits has been a customer of Supervalu and its predecessor, the former Charley Brothers operation, since 1958. The seven stores are located in Beaver Valley, Chippewa, Cranberry Mall, East Rochester, Glenshaw, Lawrenceville and Gibsonia. The stores range in size from 35,000 sq.ft. to 63,000 sq.ft.

Safeway (510-467-3000) is currently talking with federal officials the possibility of selling some of the 61 grocery stores it would own in AK as a result of a proposed merger with Carr Gottstein Foods Co. The sale of the stores would address concerns of state and federal officials that consumers not be hurt in a merger of AK’s two largest grocery chains. If Safeway were to sell the stores, it would likely do so to a company not currently in the market. The deal with Carr Gottstein is expected to close next month.

Inland Commercial Property Management, Inc. (630-954-5656) leased 1,050 sq.ft. to Check ‘N Go at Nantucket Square in Schaumburg, IL; 2,889 sq.ft. to Ritz Camera and 2,500 sq.ft. to AT&T at Naperwest Plaza in Naperville, IL; 2,000 sq.ft. to Radio Shack and 4,000 sq.ft. to Athletic Attic at Skokie Fashion Corner at Skokie, IL; 1,440 sq.ft. to General Nutrition Center at Cobbler Crossing in Elgin, IL; 1,498 sq.ft. to General Nutrition Center at Aurora Commons in Aurora, IL; 4,706 sq.ft. to Modern Woman at Rivertree Court in Vernon Hills, IL; 1,600 sq.ft. to Check ‘N Go at Shoppes at Coopers Grove in Country Club Hills, IL; 22,698 sq.ft. to Jeepers! at Lansing Square in Lansing, IL; 1,381 sq.ft. to Check Into Cash at Mallard Crossing in Elk Grove Village, IL and 1,500 sq.ft. to Check Into Cash at Montgomery Sears Plaza in Montgomery, IL.

Trammell Crow Realty Services (561-394-3388) leased 11,250 sq.ft. to Noodle Kidoodle at a freestanding facility located adjacent to The Prado in Miami, FL.

Sigma National, Inc. (804-320-6100) leased 45,000 sq.ft. to Bed Bath and Beyond at Yoder Plaza Shopping Center in Newport News, VA and 25,000 sq.ft. to OfficeMax in Danville, VA.

Kovac Commercial, Inc. (916-920-8244) leased space to Ross Dress For Less at the northeast corner of North Tomme and McCarran Boulevard in Sacramento, CA.

Capital Realty Advisors, Inc. (561-624-5888) leased 2,240 sq.ft. to Inches-A-Weigh at Magnolia Place Shopping Center in Daphne, AL.

NAI Eagle (513-361-7777) leased 6,510 sq.ft. to Family Dollar at Dixie Square Shopping Center in Dayton, OH; 6,311 sq.ft. to Family Dollar at Huber Center in Huber Heights, IL; 30,000 sq.ft. to Liquidation World at Fair Plaza in Fairfield, OH; 1,300 sq.ft. to American Fastsigns in Johnstown, PA and 1,650 sq.ft. to American Fastsigns in Farm Hills, MI.

Legend Properties, Inc. (609-231-1010) leased 2,300 sq.ft. to Xando Coffee & Bar on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, PA; 4,900 sq.ft. to Gallo Clothing at Northeast Shopping Center in Northeast Philadelphia, PA. Gallo, a discount clothing store, was originally a $10 store and now carries items of diversified price levels. The company has recently opened stores in Germantown, South Philadelphia, Cheltenham, Port Richmond and Center City and is currently looking for additional urban locations. The company also leased 3,200 sq.ft. to Arby’s at a former Boston Market locations at Barkley Square Shopping Center in Upper Darby, PA and 3,000 sq.ft. to Arby’s at a former Roy Rogers location across from Cumberland Mall in Vineland, NJ.

Grubb & Ellis (503-241-1155) leased 7,500 sq.ft. to Morton’s of Chicago at Koin Center in Portland, OR. After years of continuing steady growth, Morton’s of Chicago, The Steakhouse, has expanded to a total of 40 units nationwide and recently expanded into Singapore. In addition to the Portland location, the company has assisted Morton’s in leasing space for a Nashville, TN location.

The Festival Companies (310-449-9900) leased 1,200 sq.ft. to The Water Store at Costa Mesa Courtyards in Costa Mesa, CA; 1,625 sq.ft. to The Water Store and 6,000 sq.ft. to Namco Cybertainment at Harbor Town & Country in Garden Grove, CA; 10,500 sq.ft. to Suit Max and 12,040 sq.ft. to Gateway Country Store at Plaza@Puente Hills in City of Industry, CA; 5,600 sq.ft. to Barbeques Galore and 4,800 sq.ft. to Men’s Wearhouse at Escondido Promenade in Escondido, CA; 11,500 sq.ft. to Peter Piper Pizza at Plaza Las Glorias in Colton, CA; 15,000 sq.ft. to Gateway Country Store and 2,000 sq.ft. to Time Warner Communications at The Pavilions in Westminster, CA; 4,500 sq.ft. to IHOP at Riverside Promenade in Riverside, CA; 10,000 sq.ft. to Home Legacy at Puente Hills East in City of Industry, CA; 17,000 sq.ft. to Petco at Imperial Center East in Brea, CA and 5,850 sq.ft. to Family Christian Book Store at Garden Grove Center in Garden Grove, CA.

Reisenfeld & Company (216-765-8080) leased space to Office Depot at Kingsgate Mall in Mansfield, OH and at the intersection of Whipple Avenue and Belden Village Drive in Canton, OH; space to Bath & Body Works at Uptown Solon in Solon, OH and Spring Meadows Place in Toledo, OH; space to Giant Eagle at Water Tower Square in North Olmsted, OH; 45,000 sq.ft. to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Cuyahoga Falls, OH; 42,000 sq.ft. to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Novi, MI; 3,000 sq.ft. to Huntington Learning Center at Stoneridge Plaza in Columbus, OH and 4,200 sq.ft. to Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies at Beechmont Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.

Tedeschi Realty Corporation (781-871-6900) leased 3,600 sq.ft. to Video Scene at Tedeschi Plaza in Hanover, MA. Headquartered in Duxbury, MA, Video Scene owns and operates seven video rental stores, six on MA’s South Shore and one in Sanibel Island, FL. One of the company’s other MA stores is also located a Tedeschi managed plaza, Kingsbury Square in Kingston, MA. Video Scene has plans to open an eighth store in the recently renovated Tedeschi Plaza in Cohasset, MA during Spring.

Midas International Corp. trades as Midas at 2,733 locations worldwide. The automotive service centers, which specialize in brake repair, exhaust work, suspension work, air conditioning repair, wheel alignments and battery service, occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. to 6,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for 150 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place worldwide. The company is franchising.

For more information, contact J.M. Blecha, Midas Realty Corp., 225 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601; 312-565-7500, Fax 565-7818, home page www.midas.com.

Engineworld/Bargain Brakes & Mufflers operates 40 locations in DE, MD, NJ, NY, NC, OH and PA. The automotive service centers occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. to 5,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for as many as 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets. Preferred demographics include a population of 35,000 within three miles earning $35,000 as the average income. Leases running five years are typical and the company prefers to use second generation space.

For more information, contact Richard Weitzman, Engineworld/Bargain Brakes & Mufflers, c/o Equity Properties, 600 Haverford Road, Haverford, PA 19041; 610-645-7700, Fax 645-5454.

U.S. Site Corp. does business as Express Car Wash at six locations in CT and FL. The car washes occupy freestanding facilities on one acre of land. Plans call for three openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions. Preferred demographics include a population of 100,000 within three miles earning $35,000 as the average income. The company prefers to purchase its locations.

For more information, contact Mark Shullman, U.S. Site Corp., 297 Main Avenue, Norfolk, CT 06851; 203-846-8004, Fax 847-2038.

The Pep Boys--Manny, Moe & Jack trades as The Pep Boys at 650 locations nationwide. The automotive service centers, which also sell parts and accessories, occupy spaces of 8,300 sq.ft. to 20,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power and strip centers. Plans call for 60 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide.

For more information, contact Charles Larkin, The Pep Boys--Manny, Moe & Jack, 3111 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132; 215-430-9240, Fax 229-5076.

Buffalo Carquest Distribution Center trades as Carquest Auto Parts at 20 locations in NY. The automotive parts and supplies stores occupy spaces of 3,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Growth opportunities are sought in the existing market.

For more information, contact Trey Molin, Buffalo Carquest Distribution Center, 77 Benbro Drive, Buffalo, NY 14225; 716-684-8295, Fax 684-8599.

Safelite Glass Corp. trades as Safeway Glass at 623 locations nationwide. The stores, which install automotive glass, occupy spaces of 1,800 sq.ft. to 3,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for as many as 10 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place nationwide. Leases running five years, with two options of five years each, are typical.

For more information, contact John Kraft, Safelite Glass Corp., 1105 Schrock Road, Columbus, OH 43229; 614-842-3000, Fax 842-3252.

Western Tire Centers does business as Ultra Performance at 18 locations in AZ and NM. The automotive supply and service centers occupy spaces of 6,000 sq.ft. to 12,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for as many as two openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in NV. The company prefers to purchase its locations.

For more information, contact Jack Furrier, Western Tire Centers, 3534 South Richey Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85713; 520-748-1700, Fax 790-1136.

U.S. Site Corp. does business as Express Car Wash at six locations in CT and FL. The car washes occupy freestanding facilities on one acre of land. Plans call for three openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions. Preferred demographics include a population of 100,000 within three miles earning $35,000 as the average income. The company prefers to purchase its locations.

For more information, contact Mark Shullman, U.S. Site Corp., 297 Main Avenue, Norfolk, CT 06851; 203-846-8004, Fax 847-2038.

Brown Group Inc. (314-854-4000) announces that Ronald Fromm has been named chief executive officer of the company. The company also announces that Brian Cook has been named executive vice president. He retains his position as president of the company’s Famous Footwear division. Cook has served as a corporate vice president of Brown Group since 1992 and has served as a member of the company’s operating committee since 1990. He has been president of Famous Footwear since 1979. Cook began his career with Famous Footwear in 1963 when the company had one store in Madison, WI, called "Neil’s Factory Outlet Shoes." He was one of the company’s original associates, starting as a part-time stock clerk while pursuing undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After receiving a B.S. in Economics in 1965, he began working full time, including positions as stock boy, sales clerk, store manager, buyer and vice president/general merchandising buyer. Brown Group purchased Famous Footwear in 1981 when it was 32-store chain. By 1990, the business had expanded to 300 stores, and then was doubled between 1991 and 1994. Today, there are 821 stores with sales approaching $860 million.

J.C. Penney Co. (972-431-1000) recently announced that its president and chief operating officer for stores and catalog, John T. Cody, plans to retire effective March 1. Cody worked for the company for 36 years. The company has named Michael Taxter senior vice president and director of JC Penney Stores. Taxter was most recently director of strategic development and Cumming was most recently president of the women’s apparel division.

ShopKo Stores, Inc. (920-429-7234) announces that Dale P. Kramer, chairman, president and chief executive officer has announced his intention to retire as president and CEO, effective March 12. He plans to remain as non-executive chairman of ShopKo’s board of directors. Succeeding Kramer as president and CEO will be William Podany, ShopKo’s chief operating officer and president of the retail division. In his new role, Podany will have responsibility for the company’s 147 stores.

Claire’s Stores, Inc. (847-765-1100) announces the appointment of Tom Souza as president and chief operating officer of its Claire’s Accessories subsidiary. Souza is an industry veteran with 23 years experience in the retail industry with companies such as Sports Authority, G.H. Bass, Retail Apparel Group and Zayre’s. During his tenure at those companies, his responsibilities have included management and oversight of such areas as store operations, merchandising, planning and distribution, inventory control and e-commerce.

Grubb & Ellis Company (973-669-3311) announces that Joel Orenstein has joined the company as senior vice president-corporate accounts. Orenstein joins the company from Insignia/ESG, Inc., where he served as a senior managing director since 1993.

McDonald’s Corp. (630-623-3000) announces the appointment of Larry Zwain as senior vice president of U.S. marketing. Zwain is a former president and chief executive officer of Boston Chicken, Inc., having left that post during 1997. Prior to his stint with Boston Chicken, Zwain served as president and ceo of PepsiCo’s Inc.’s international restaurants business, now called Tricon Global Restaurants, which consists of Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell.

MJDesigns, Inc. (972-304-2200) announces that John A. Popple has been named chief executive officer. Popple is the former chairman, president and chief executive officer of Leewards Creative Crafts.

The Macerich Company (310-394-6000) announces that Janet Fisher has joined the company as vice president-asset management. Fisher will work on third party and joint venture asset management, as well as manage the company’s real estate tax program and handle special projects. Prior to joining Macerich, Fisher was vice president in the real estate merchant banking group at Wells Fargo Bank.

Garden Botanika (425-881-9603) announces that Michael Luce, founder and chief executive, has resigned. Luce, former president of Eddie Bauer, had been president and ceo since 1989. Arlee Jensen, senior vice president for marketing, will serve as acting president and CEO. Luce will remain on the board of directors. Garden Botankia, a retail chain of 273 stores specializing in natural cosmetic products, has endured a string of bad news over the past year. Plagued by a decrease in comp store sales, the company has been posting continual loses and is in the process of closing 27 unprofitable stores.

Whataburger, Inc. trades as Whataburger at 600 locations in AL, AR, AZ, FL, NM, OK and TX. The fast food restaurants, specializing in hamburgers, occupy spaces of 2,800 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities. Plans call for 40 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in TX. Preferred demographics include a population of 25,000 within two miles earning at least $25,000 as the average income. Leases running 15 years are typical.

For more information, contact James Turcotte, Whataburger, Inc., 4600 Parkdale Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78411-2930; 512-878-0308, Fax 878-0427; e-mail jturcotte@wbhq.com; home page www.whataburger.com.

Delops, Inc. does business as D’Angelo at 200 locations throughout New England. The sandwich restaurants occupy spaces of 1,800 sq.ft. in downtown store fronts, freestanding facilities, regional malls and strip centers. Plans call for 20 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the Northeastern region. Leases running five years are typical.

For more information, contact Patrick Mullowney, Delops, Inc., 600 Providence Highway, Dedham, MA 02026; 781-461-1896, Fax 461-1896, e-mail pmullowney@papagino.com.

Papa Gino’s, Inc. trades as Papa Gino’s at 175 locations throughout New England. The restaurants, serving pizza and submarine sandwiches, occupy spaces of 2,700 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities and strip centers. Plans call for 25 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the Northeastern region. Leases running five years are typical and the company prefers a vanilla shell.

For more information, contact Patrick Mullowney, Papa Gino’s, Inc., 600 Providence Highway, Dedham, MA 02026; 781-461-1896, Fax 461-1896, e-mail pmullowney@papagino.com.

Food Systems Unlimited, Inc. trades as Asian Chao and Chao Cajun at 23 locations in FL, IN, NY, OH and PA. The Oriental fast food restaurants occupy spaces of 800 sq.ft. in food courts of regional malls. Plans call for as many as 15 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place east of the Mississippi River, specifically in IL and KY. Leases running 10 years are typical.

For more information, contact Keith Lehmann, Food Systems Unlimited, Inc., 362 Commerce Way, Longwood, FL 32750-7610; 407-830-5338, Fax 830-4443, e-mail fsuikfl@aol.com.

Legal Sea Foods, Inc. trades as Legal Sea Foods at 15 locations in FL, MD, MA, NY, RI and Washington, D.C. The seafood restaurants occupy spaces of 7,500 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft. in downtown store fronts and regional malls. Plans call for the opening of four units in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in FL, IL and NY.

For more information, contact Deborah Byrnes, Legal Sea Foods, Inc., 1348 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139; 617-876-4480, Fax 876-4481.

Bob Evans Farms trades as Bob Evans Restaurants at 410 locations in DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KY, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WV. The family restaurants occupy spaces of 4,300 sq.ft. to 6,000 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, power centers and regional malls. Plans call for 40 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in the existing markets as well as in MO, NC, SC and WI. Preferred demographics include a population of 30,000 within three miles earning $35,000 as the average income. Leases running 20 years are typical and the company cites Big Boy, Cracker Barrel, IHOP and Shoney’s as competition.

For more information, contact Steve Warehime, Bob Evans Farms, 3776 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43207; 614-492-4941, Fax 492-4990.

Ameriking does business as Burger King at 250 locations in CO, GA, IL, IN, MI, NC, OH, TN, TX, VA and WI. The fast food restaurants occupy spaces of 2,500 sq.ft. to 3,500 sq.ft. in freestanding facilities, regional malls, outlet and power centers. Preferred co-tenants include Kmart, Wal*Mart and supermarkets. Plans call for at least 30 openings in the coming 18 months. Expansion will take place in CO, GA, IL, IN, MI, NC, OH, TN, TX, VA and WI. Preferred demographics include a population of 30,000 within one mile earning $35,000 as the average income. The company prefers to purchase its locations, but will sign leases running 20 years.

For more information, contact Larry Gadola, Ameriking, Inc., 2215 Enterprise Drive, Westchester, IL 60154; 708-836-2032, Fax 562-0289.

Filene’s Basement Corp. (617-348-7100) recently entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility which replaces the company’s amended and restated revolving credit and term loan agreement. The $120 million revolving credit facility expires January 2002. Advances under the facility are subject to a borrowing base to be calculated weekly and determined by the company’s level of inventory and credit card receivables. The company’s obligations under the facility are guaranteed by Filene’s Basement Corp. and the company’s subsidiaries, and secured by all of the assets of the company and its subsidiaries. Borrowings under the facility bear interest, at the company’s option, at either the BankBoston Base Rate plus 0.5% or the Eurodollar rate plus 2.5%.

Mid-States Financial Group (910-392-4900, e-mail MSFG@Wilmington.net) announces the successful take out/construction refinance of a Golden Corral Restaurant of $1.8 million at 100% loan to cost. MSFG offers 30-year fixed rate financing if real estate is included, 30 year variable rate if leased property only. 100% financing for purchases or new construction of Type A franchises. Two years successful owners experience is a must for the 100% program. Management experience only can expect 80% to 90% financing.

North Coast Mortgage Company, a subsidiary of L.J. Melody & Company (713-787-1900) recently arranged permanent, fixed-rate financing of $11 million for Eagle Hardware in Bellevue, WA on behalf of the borrower, Keystone Capitol Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carey Diversified LLC. The loan was placed with Nationwide Life Insurance Company. Eagle Hardware is a 127,000 sq.ft. single-story retail facility located on Northup Way in Bellevue, WA. The property was built in 1994.

Pergolis Swartz Associates, Inc. (212-869-9630) recently closed the following retail financial transactions: $15 million for Bergdorf-Goodman Department Store in New York, NY; $8.5 million for Sunlakes Shopping Center in Holbrook, NY; $4.8 million for Fayetteville Corners Shopping Center in Fayetteville, GA; $21.3 million for Danbury Square Shopping Center in Danbury, CT; $5.75 million for Bronx Shopping Center in Bronx, NY; $10.8 million for Penn Rose Mall in Reidsville, NC; $5.1 million for Bedford Plaza Shopping Center in Bedford, IN; $6.8 million for Greenville South Plaza in Greenville, MS; $8.4 million for Long Meadow Shopping Center in Hagerstown, MD; $8.35 million for Wethersfield Shopping Center in Wethersfield, CT; and $5.5 million for Havasu Plaza Shopping Center in Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Broadview- Broadview Village Square is anchored by Super Kmart, Home Depot, Target and Marshalls. The project has spaces from 3,482 sq.ft. to 18,793 sq.ft. available for lease. In Carpentersville- Springhill Marketplace is anchored by Circuit City. The project has a 2,000 sq.ft. space available for lease. In Galena- Galena Square is anchored by Dick’s Grocery. The project has spaces from 1,008 sq.ft. available for lease. In Hinsdale- Somerset Plaza is anchored by Goodyear. The project has three 1,200 sq.ft. spaces and a 6,500 sq.ft. end-cap space available for lease. In Joilet- Caton Crossing Town Square is anchored by Eagle Country Market. The project has a 1,600 sq.ft. space and two 6,000 sq.ft. spaces available for lease. In Lincoln- Lincoln Town Center is anchored by Wal*Mart and Eagle Country Market. The project has a 2,000 sq.ft. space available for lease. In Lyons- Harlem Pershing Plaza is anchored by New Wave Video. The project has a 2,100 sq.ft. space available for lease. In Melrose Park- Melrose Square is anchored by Blockbuster. The project has a 19,280 sq.ft. space available for lease. In Schaumburg- Weathersfield Commons is anchored by Walgreens and True Value Hardware. The project has a 10,000 sq.ft. space available for lease. In Sterling- Kmart Plaza has spaces from 1,400 sq.ft. to 10,000 sq.ft. available for lease.

For details, contact Robert Swierbut of Hiffman Shaffer Associates at (312-458-4400).

Jacksonville- Lincoln Square Center is anchored by JC Penney, Stage Stores and Walgreens. The 210,000 sq.ft. project has spaces of 1,000 sq.ft., 1,600 sq.ft., 5,500 sq.ft. and 10,500 sq.ft. available for lease. Demographics include a five-mile population of 26,500 earning $42,500 as the average income.

For details, contact Lyle Shelor of AAMS Corp. at (800-544-8585), Fax (847-674-8157).

Naperville- Hobson West Plaza is anchored by Eagle Food Center, Ginny’s Hallmark and Ameritech Cellular. The 99,950 sq.ft. project has spaces of 1,200 sq.ft., 1,400 sq.ft., 2,400 sq.ft. and 4,550 sq.ft. available for lease. Demographics include a three-mile population of 71,720 earning $87,482 as the average income.

For details, contact Acadia Management Company LLC at (516-767-8830), Fax (767-9026).

Crawfordsville- Crawfordsville Square is anchored by Kroger, JC Penney, Stage, Hibbett Sports and Fashion Bug. The 270,000 sq.ft. project has spaces of 1,200 sq.ft., 2,400 sq.ft., 5,000 sq.ft., 15,000 sq.ft. and six outlots available for lease. Staples will join the tenant line-up next month and an eight-screen Kerasotes Theater is opening in June. Demographics include a five-mile population of 78,000 earning $39,000 as the average income. In Danville- White Lick Creek Center is anchored by CVS, Burger King, Advance Auto and Marathon. The 25,000 sq.ft. project has spaces of 1,000 sq.ft., 2,000 sq.ft. and 2,800 sq.ft. available for lease. Demographics include a five-mile population of 17,000 earning $60,000 as the average income. In Greenwood- Stones Crossing is anchored by Marathon. The 9,300 sq.ft. project has spaces of 1,200 sq.ft., 2,400 sq.ft., 3,600 sq.ft. and 4,800 sq.ft. available for lease. Demographics include a three-mile population of 20,000 earning $70,000 as the average income. In Indianapolis- Fox Chapel Center is anchored by CVS. The 10,000 sq.ft. project has two outlots available for lease. Demographics include a three-mile population of 54,000 earning $50,000 as the average income. Also in Indianapolis- South Bluff Crossing is anchored by Marathon. The 19,100 sq.ft. project has an outlot available for lease. Demographics include a three-mile population of 44,000 earning $56,000 as the average income. In Mooresville- South Bridge Crossing is anchored by CVS, Advance Auto and Marathon. The 30,000 sq.ft. project has spaces of 1,200 sq.ft., 2,400 sq.ft., 3,600 sq.ft., 4,800 sq.ft. and an outlot available for lease. Demographics include a three-mile population of 12,500 earning $45,000 as the average income.

For details, contact Ted Kleinmaier of Retail Realty, Inc. at (317-890-2455), Fax (890-1731).

Solon- Uptown Solon is anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Mustard Seed Market, Borders, Old Navy, Talbots, Newman Outfitters and Pier 1 Imports. The 180,000 sq.ft. project, which is expected to open during late Fall, has spaces of 2,000 sq.ft. and 7,000 sq.ft. available for lease. Demographics include a five-mile population of 80,795 earning $73,258 as the average income.

For details, contact Kenneth Stern of Developers Diversified Realty Corporation at (440-247-4700), Fax (247-1118), home page (www.ddrc.com).