Shows
Ray CRE BrokerWhat Makes Panda Express the King of American Chinese Food?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...
2025-09-0811 min
Ray CRE BrokerThe Secret Behind Raising Cane's Crazy Growth!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...
2025-09-0108 min
Ray CRE BrokerThe Secret Behind Chipotle's $3M+ StoresChipotle 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...
2025-08-2406 min
Ray CRE BrokerWhat Makes Chick-Fil-A's Locations So Special?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 mat...
2025-08-1606 min
Ray CRE BrokerWhat Really Makes A Perfection Location For A Sandwich ShopWhat 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...
2025-08-1206 min
Ray CRE BrokerWhat Makes A Perfect Drive Thru Coffee Location?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...
2025-08-1208 min
Ray CRE BrokerThe Hidden Costs of VacancyIn 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.------------TakeawaysVacancy is...
2025-08-0506 min
Ray CRE BrokerWhen Equity Gets Lazy — And What to Do About It🎙️ Episode 3: Is Your Equity Lazy? How to Make Your Capital Work HarderRay CRE Broker Podcast | Hosted by Ray Kang CCIMMany 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 meansHow to measure performance beyond just occupancyWhy holding capital w...
2025-05-1004 minRay CRE BrokerTreat Your Retail Property Like a Business - Not Mailbox MoneyIn 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-man...
2025-05-0405 minRay CRE BrokerKnow Your Numbers: How to Protect and Grow Your Retail InvestmentSummaryRay 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.TakeawaysMost owners aren't focused enough on their numbers.Understanding NOI is crucial for...
2025-04-2705 min
Ray CRE BrokerRetail 2025: Suburban Sunbelt Is StrongSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysThe retail market in 2025 is defined...
2025-04-2007 minRay CRE BrokerRocket Redfin | Global Economic Outlook | Retail | Senior HousingIn 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.TakeawaysRocket Companies is acquiring Redfin in a $1.75 billion deal.E-commerce sales are forecasted to hit $6.56...
2025-03-1108 minRay CRE BrokerSigns of a Cooling Labor MarketIn 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.TakeawaysThe February jobs report showed 151,000 new jobs added, below expectations.The unemployment rate increased to 4.1%, indicating a cooling labor market.Healthcare and financial sectors...
2025-03-1111 minRay CRE BrokerFebruary 2025 Layoff Surge: What You Need To KnowIn 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.TakeawaysFebruary 2025 saw 172,017 layoffs, the highest since July 2020.Job...
2025-03-0709 minRay CRE BrokerBernanke | Footlocker | Family Offices | RetailIn 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.TakeawaysBernanke warns of inflation challenges due to rising prices.Footlocker plans to refresh 300 stores and open 80 new ones....
2025-03-0708 minRay CRE BrokerTariff Turmoil: Market Reactions and Retail ImplicationsIn 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.TakeawaysMarkets reacted negatively to Trump's tariffs, causing significant drops in major indices.Stagflation fears are rising due to high inflation and slow economic growth.Consumer spending...
2025-03-0509 minRay CRE BrokerWalgreens' Strategic Shifts: A Turning PointSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysWalgreens is undergoing major transformations that could reshape its future...
2025-03-0410 minRay CRE BrokerRetail Rundown: Inflation and Earnings Insights | March 3, 2025SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysInflation is showing signs of cooling, which may lead to interest rate cuts.Walmart's disappointing earnings reflect broader challenges in the retail sector.
2025-03-0310 min
RESOLUT REveal Podcast | Expert Insights on Retail Real Estate and Investment SalesTexas Retail Real Estate Market: Insights from ICSC Red River 2025Episode 1: Key Takeaways from ICSC Red River 2025In this episode of RESOLUT REveal, hosts David Simmonds, Martin Turner, and Ray Kang, CCIM break down the latest insights from the ICSC Red River 2025 conference, focusing on the Texas retail real estate market.We cover:✅ Market trends & retailer sentiment✅ Challenges in retail development✅ Opportunities for investors✅ The role of networking & broker sentiment✅ Pricing challenges & investment sales dynamicsTune in to hear expert analysis on why DFW retail remains strong despite ma...
2025-03-0233 minRay CRE BrokerRetail Rundown | Fri. 2/28/2025In 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.TakeawaysThe PCE Price Index is a major economic indicator.Inflation remains above the Fed's target, affecting financing.Retail landlords should prepare for high...
2025-02-2809 min