As Northern and Central New Jersey celebrate a milestone of five consecutive years of positive net retail absorption, NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. (NAIDB) has emerged as a primary architect behind the region’s most significant franchise entries and expansions.
By leveraging deep industry relationships, the firm is successfully connecting national brands with premium local real estate, particularly within the surging “experiential” food and beverage sector.
NAIDB recently facilitated two high-profile transactions that bring new flavors to the New Jersey market:
-
Tim Hortons (Forked River): In a tenant representation assignment for KSPH Ventures LLC, NAIDB secured a 2,000-square-foot lease at 245 Main Street. The site, a former White Castle drive-thru, introduces Canada’s largest restaurant chain to Lacey Township. This marks the brand’s 13th franchise in the state.
-
Blue Print Cookies (Hamilton Township): Wegu, LLC committed to 1,033 square feet at The Shoppes at AMC. This handcrafted cookie brand makes its New Jersey debut at this location, offering its award-winning chocolate chip cookies and specialized vegan and gluten-free options.
“Our goal is to provide local operators with the same level of sophisticated market data and negotiation leverage typically reserved for national giants,” Jennifer Harrison, vice president at NAIDB, who arranged both leases, said.
While “Big Box” retailers often dominate real estate headlines, NAIDB is focusing on the agility required for specialty concepts. Associate Vice President Kelly Bayer attributes the firm’s success to an internal synergy that allows them to build growth strategies rather than just finding spaces.
Beyond coffee and baked goods, the firm’s recent transaction history spans diverse retail and entertainment sectors:
- Health & Wellness: Secured a statewide footprint for Smoothie King, including a new opening in Rochelle Park.
- Sports & Entertainment: Represented The Nine (indoor golf) in a 3,241-SF lease in Englewood and DBat (indoor batting) in a 12,040-SF lease in Englishtown.
- Home Improvement: Facilitated the first New Jersey showroom for Innovation Kitchen & Bathroom in Edison.
The firm’s influence extends into the logistics that power these retail fronts. NAIDB recently represented a global gourmet pastry and coffee brand in the sale of a 30,000-SF industrial property in Essex County. This facility will serve as the central hub for the brand’s expanding East Coast retail presence.
Additionally, the firm orchestrated the complex disposition of a former Speedway to a regional fuel-and-convenience operator and is currently marketing a five-property portfolio in North Brunswick.
