JLL Brokers Land Purchase for Puerto Rico-based Restaurant Chain

By Robert Demeter

Restaurant Staff

Orlando—JLL has brokered the purchase of a one-acre parcel on behalf of Meson Sandwiches, a fast-casual restaurant chain based out of Puerto Rico. JLL Vice President of Retail Brokerage Andy Carlson and Associate of Retail Brokerage Vanessa Perez represented Meson Sandwiches in the acquisition. Heartwood 21 LLC was the seller.

Meson Sandwiches plans to develop a new 3,500-square-foot restaurant at 3851 Millenia Blvd. in the Gardens on Millenia Shopping Center in Orlando. Construction is slated to begin by early 2018 and the new location will feature a drive-thru, as well as 50 parking spaces.

The new restaurant will become Meson’s fourth Central Florida location. The brand is currently expanding in The Sunshine State with plans to add three to six locations through 2018.

“Orlando’s strong population growth and increasing visitor numbers make this an extremely attractive market for foreign chains looking to build their presence in the United States,” JLL’s Andy Carlson said in prepared remarks. “We are actively working with Meson Sandwiches as the brand continues to expand its operations across key Florida markets like the Orlando area.”

Meson Sandwiches continues to expand at a time when the region’s population is experiencing steady growth. A new location in Premium Outlets is expected to open by early next year, followed by a new restaurant in Lee Vista Promenade projected to open by the third quarter of 2018.

According to JLL’s 2016 Florida Retail Report, Orlando ranks 2nd in forecasted population growth among Florida’s major markets, with an estimated influx of 60,000 new residents by the end of 2016. The retail trade sector also reported a 3.5 percent increase in year-over-year job growth.

Photo via Meson Sandwiches website