Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/109754
R E T A I L I N G T O D A Y 5,500-square-foot MacKenzie River Pizza shops, whether in-line, end cap or freestanding, have a Montana lodge feel, with a fly-fishing theme and historical photos of the Rocky Mountain West covering the walls. Beyond pizza, the shops serve what Ridgeway calls "comfort food and pub fare" — nachos, sandwiches, pasta, meat loaf, hamburgers, steaks and ribs. But most patrons are there for the pizza, which bears such Montana-type names as the Rancher (a meat-and-vegetable pizza). The recession that hurt the casual-dining sector in general has barely touched MacKenzie River Pizza — none of its restaurants have closed, though two were relocated. Though the expansion push is on and Foley has a reputation for building large organizations rapidly, he is taking a slower, measured approach with MacKenzie River Pizza. Currently, the chain operates 11 shops in Montana, two in Washington, and one each in Idaho, North Dakota and Indiana, of which the latter seems to be the outlier. "The sons of Steve Shuel opened the Indianapolis location as a franchise of ours in spring 2011," Ridgeway said. "While Indiana wasn't a goal for corporate growth, it was a perfect opportunity for an experienced restaurant operator like the Shuels. We are confident they are going to grow the chain in the Midwest. They're getting ready to open another store in Indiana." Two more MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub units are set to open sometime in this first half, in Carmel, Ind., and Idaho Falls, Idaho. "We have a number of irons in the fire, some good prospects for the third and fourth quarters of 2013, but a lot of growth is lining up for 2014," said Ridgeway. "We have feelers out in a number of Midwest states and states bordering Montana." The measured pace of expansion is attributable in part to the parent company's decision to grant franchises only recently. The Bismarck, N.D., unit that opened last year is a franchise, as are the Indiana shop and the majority of Montana restaurants. Some of the Montana franchises were corporate shops spun off and sold to managers. "Before all this, people had to find us — MacKenzie River Pizza franchising opportunities were [by] word of mouth," said Ridgeway. "We are advertising a little more now, and our plan is to launch an even bigger ad campaign in the future." Even so, he says, the company is not looking to open, say, 50 shops next year. "We want this to be smart, strategic growth and to not get out of balance." SCT Actively Seeking Acquisitions of Shopping Centers 60,000 square feet or greater Celebrating 19 Years of Business Since 1994, we've grown our holdings to nearly four million square feet of retail property and now seek to expand across the Southeast. We create opportunities by developing lasting business relationships that promote growth and stability in the communities that we serve. 1020 Industry Road, Suite 40 Lexington, Kentucky 40505 859.335.9663 OfÀce email: info@bcwoodproperties.com bcwoodproperties.com Growth. Performance. Value. 26 SCT / M A R C H 2 0 1 3