M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Retail Development — August 2026 — 45
www.marej.com
R etail D evelopment Fast-casual restaurant expands regional presence with new location in Bethlehem, PA Kennedy and Jukus of NAI Summit represent Kazi’s Spot in securing 1,153 s/f restaurant space
B
workforce continue to support new dining concepts. Second-generation restau -
restaurant operators when they hit the market. “We are a long-time partner with Zoha, and together, we have successfully closed a num - ber of lease deals for his restau - rant franchises,” said Kennedy. “When he shared his vision to expand the Kazi’s Spot brand into the Lehigh Valley, we im - mediately went to work. The moment the restaurant space in Bethlehem became avail - able, we knew it was the perfect match. Its exceptional location makes it the ideal launchpad for the first Kazi’s Spot in the Lehigh Valley.” MAREJ
ETHLEHEM, PA — Kazi’s Spot, a growing fast-casual restaurant
rant spaces are especially sought af - ter, as they offer signifi - cant cost and time savings by providing existing res - taurant infra -
brand special - izing in smash burgers and Nashville hot chicken, is opening a new location at 65 East Eliza - beth Ave. in Bethlehem,
Jennifer Kennedy Madalyn Jukus
structure. With construction costs and tenant improvement expenses remaining elevated, many operators are prioritizing spaces that allow them to open
further expanding its footprint throughout Eastern PA. The overwhelming success of the brand’s original Langhorne loca - tion laid the foundation for its expansion into the Lehigh Val - ley and Philadelphia markets, reflecting both the concept’s growing popularity and the region’s strong demand for new dining experiences. Jennifer Kennedy , VP, and Madalyn Jukus , associate, of NAI Summit represented Kazi’s Spot in the lease negotiations and are assisting the owner with further expansion plans into the Philadelphia market. The new restaurant will oc - cupy 1,153 s/f at a second- generation restaurant location. Demand for restaurant space remains strong throughout the Lehigh Valley, particularly along the region’s established retail corridors where population growth, expanding residential communities, and a growing 71% expecting sales to remain stable or improve. Respondents identified consumer confidence and overall economic condi - tions as the primary factors influencing their outlook. Taken together, the findings point to a retail industry that continues to evolve through strategic investments in technology, AI and customer convenience while maintaining a strong focus on the in-store experience. Since 2011, Levin Manage - ment Corporation has con - ducted its Mid-Year Retail Sentiment Survey, gathering feedback from store managers throughout its retail portfolio to identify emerging trends affecting shopping center op - erations and retailer perfor - mance. The survey is comple - mented by an annual year-end retailer survey that examines holiday sales performance and retailer expectations for the coming year. MAREJ continued from page 44 LMC Mid-Year Survey . . .
Kazi’s Spot opens a new location at 65 East Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem
more quickly and with a lower upfront investment. As a result, well-located second-generation
restaurant properties often generate strong interest from local, regional, and national
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease