(Reed South Mixed-Use Hub | Photo by Cascade Business News)
A taste of the Mediterranean is the latest addition to an eclectic mix of tenants joining a new mixed-use development emerging on Bend’s southeast side.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, ranked as a top new and emerging franchise by Entrepreneur magazine in 2022, is set to launch its first Oregon location this summer at Reed South, which is nearing shell construction completion on a 3.4-acre site at the bustling intersection of 27th Street and Reed Market Road.
The Great Greek will join a diverse mix of users at the complex of five buildings primed to become a key commercial hub at the high traffic corner off Reed Market & 27th, anchored by a new Cascade Lakes Brewery location and locally owned convenience store/gas station: Corner Market Expressway & Deli.
Created from recipes enjoyed around family tables throughout the Mediterranean for centuries, The Great Greek was founded by two third-generation restauranteurs with more than 30 years in the food and hospitality business.
Known for a modern take on authentically prepared dishes created from classic family recipes, the fast-casual restaurant concept recently opened its first California location, and the Bend launch is part of a move to grow its brand footprint in the Western U.S., with 13 new locations planned to open in five states throughout the region.
This surge in development is fueled by momentum from the brand’s performance in 2022, which was the most successful year in its company history. “Last year was a banner year for our brand and positioned us for the tremendous growth we’re already experiencing in this first quarter of 2023,” said Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. “This year, our focus remains on strategically growing our nationwide footprint in key markets throughout the country and we’re excited to bring The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill here and to more states in the West region.”
New and developing locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington are part of a robust development pipeline that The Great Greek (thegreatgreekgrill.com) has generated, totaling 280 locations to be opened in the next several years. The brand plans to open 20+ restaurants in 2023 and has over 50 locations in active development to further expand its reach.
Meanwhile, the 5,000-square-foot two-story Cascade Lakes pub will be the brewery’s third Central Oregon location — along with its original Redmond brewpub and successful Westside Bend spot off Century Drive — and will feature a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Cascades and a grassy lawn.
One of Central Oregon’s original craft breweries, founded in 1994, the Rhine Family became the owners of Cascade Lakes Brewery in 2018, and recently announced that it would become only the second brewery in Oregon to be entirely not-for-profit, with philanthropy extending to beneficiaries such as environmental stewardship, animal welfare and veteran/first responders support focused within Central Oregon.
Cascade Lakes General Manager Andrew Rhine said considering the increasing sizeable residential projects seeing investment in the fast-growing southeast quadrant of town, the new location would be looking to “fill a void” in the market.
The site also borders Urban Growth Boundary expansion areas, including the 382-acre future large-scale mixed-use development known as Stevens Ranch — sold by the State of Oregon to private developer Lands Bend Corp., which is planned to have 1,710 residential units and over 1.5 million square feet of commercial/industrial space.
Once the new location is open, Cascade Lakes estimates its number of employees will rise from around 80 to over 120. Its beer is currently distributed in six states, from Oregon and Washington to California, Idaho, Nevada and Montana.
Listing co-broker Bruce Churchill, of Compass Commercial Real Estate Services said another lease for Reed South has been confirmed with Breathe Deep Dental, while Letters of Intent have been signed with a drive-thru restaurant including rear patio, bake/coffee shop and stretch fitness franchise. Several remaining Class A spec flex/retail suites, together with some second-story office space, are available to lease in different possible configurations. “Reed South offers an excellent and rare opportunity for a wide spectrum of restaurants, retailers, medical, service retail and office users,” Churchill commented. “Strategically located at the corner of Reed Market and 27th, it provides an exceptional location for tenants to capitalize on an underserved market in Bend, and we have seen strong interest in the project.”
The mixed-use commercial venture is being developed and built by long-time Bend businessperson Kevin Spencer, who owns Empire Construction and Development. The five buildings are being built in complementary contemporary styles, spanning a combined 18,000 sq. ft. and are currently undergoing tenant improvements. Parking capacity is over 130 spaces.
Project Manager Connor Stephenson said, “We are attracting a good blend of tenants which we think will be well received by the community and people are seeing a clearer vision of how the finished product will look as building progresses.”
For leasing information, contact Bruce Churchill, Russell Huntamer or Eli Harrison at Compass Commercial.
compasscommercial.com • 541-383-2444 • info@compasscommercial.com
