Restaurants showing interest in Blockbuster store space in Ann Arbor
An owner of the South Main Street shopping center where Blockbuster is closing one of its last remaining local stores said there’s strong demand for the space among prospective new tenants.
Tom Goldberg, a co-owner of the Woodland Plaza shopping center at the corner of Main and Ann Arbor-Saline, said the Blockbuster’s decision to close was “no surprise” due to the video rental chain’s struggles.
“It’s been widely anticipate for a long time,” he said.
But since the owners anticipated Blockbuster’s exit, they’ve already been soliciting interest from possible tenants — and the response has been strong, Goldberg said.
“Restaurants seem to be the key tenants looking at it,” he said.
Goldberg said the space would likely have to be split up, but that he expects to have deals under contract within about 90 days.
“Most of the Blockbuster spaces were well located in good shopping centers, so the leasing is not going to be as challenging as some other vacant properties right now,” he said.
The Blockbuster space in Goldberg’s complex benefits from the Busch’s grocery store, which anchors the shopping center, and nearby restaurants such as Qdoba and Domino’s Pizza.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
Frustrated in A2
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
I would love to see Quizno's come back to that shopping center. I could also go for a good coney island like Leo's or Kerby's. Lastly I wouldn't mind seeing a Jimmy Johns. Just one man's opinion Lol!
a2goblue
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
I'm hoping for a Jimmy John's. Yes, there are many of them in town, but they aren't convenient for those who live/work on the south side of town.
snark12
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 3:41 a.m.
I would love to see a Container Store branch in Ann Arbor.
81wolverine
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 12:04 a.m.
Another restaurant? That side of Woodland Plaza already has a Qdoba, Domino's. Breugger's Bagel, and sushi place (don't know the name). How many restaurants does this city need? It would be really, really, really refreshing to see a business move in there that sells non-food.
a2citizen
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
How about a massage parlor?
jen777
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 10:32 p.m.
enough with so-so chains, fast food type places - we don't need another pita place, or fake mexican. although we could use some good chinese food this town needs restaurants that aren't outrageously priced but still serve a decent meal
ralph mcgraw
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.
Someone better rent this space quickly before the University buys it up and further erodes the tax base.
Elaine F. Owsley
Thu, Dec 22, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
And hires people who need jobs, and people who pay taxes, use local businesses, and keep the economy growing. How short-sighted you Ann Arbor people can be. Expand your vision on these matters. it's a plus for the community when an entity that is not going to go belly-up in a couple of years invests in a property.
Michigan Reader
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:09 p.m.
I don't see how that space would benefit from the presence of Qdoba and Domino's Pizza if another restaurant's going in there. Competition helps the consumer, not the other new restaurant.
buildergirl
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
That's because you need to drink to enjoy the food.
smokeblwr
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
As long as it has booze I'm ok with it. I hear White Castle is thinking about getting a liquor license.
63Townie
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:03 p.m.
Gawd, just what Ann Arbor needs, another restaurant.
Wes
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
This is really cool it makes our town more interesting. I mean blockbuster looks so generic and boring. I hope maybe some ethnic restraunt or art gallery, or small independent buisness will move in there something cool with charm. Better yet a yoga center, spiritual store/meeting place.
deletedcomment
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
Did you really just say that? Like A2 needs anymore of what you listed to be more diverse. Everything on your list is dime a dozen downtown, so much that your list is the new generic for A2.
smokeblwr
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
A Chipotle or Hungry Howie's would clean up in there.
buildergirl
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
Great sushi place too, right next to Domino's.
smokeblwr
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Too much is never enough.
deletedcomment
Wed, Dec 21, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
Not like there is a Qoba and Domino's in that shopping center already, right?