Restaurants set sights on Dexter shopping center
Food service companies are setting their sights on the Dexter Plaza shopping center at the corner of Dexter Ann Arbor Road and Ryan Drive.
The plaza, which is anchored by a Busch's grocery store, will get a new Subway sandwich shop after a franchisee for the national chain signed a lease to take over the space previously occupied by Arizona Tanning, which closed last year.
Two food service companies recently signed deals to lease space at the Dexter Plaza shopping center.
Laura Blodgett | For AnnArbor.com
Though the new tenant has agreed to the terms and conditions, a representative for Bloomfield Hills-based AF Jonna Development LLC, which acquired the plaza six months ago, would only say that it's a food service business.
“It will be very well received in the market, and it’s a good fit for the other tenants there,” said David Lord, director of leasing for AF Jonna Development.
The Subway franchise plans to file for building permits within the next couple of weeks but won't open for at least four months, Lord said.
With those deals done, the plaza only has 1,437 square feet available for leasing: the other half of the Wags to Whiskers space.
The Dexter Plaza is valuable retail space, Lord said.
“The strength of Busch’s is a tremendous asset. We want to be good neighbors to them and they are good neighbors to us," he said. Although Busch’s owns its own building, it shares an easement agreement — and the combined 65,141-square-foot shopping center is considered a cohesive development.
“Dexter is a great market, and we are excited and glad to be there,” said Lord. “We’ve found that it is not hard to lure tenants to the Dexter market.”
AF Jonna, which also owns the building at 1220 S. University in Ann Arbor, would like to acquire more commercial real estate in the Washtenaw County market.
Comments
quitelistener
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
With retail moving online, what else is supposed to be in these malls?
jcj
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
While we are on the subject a Cracker Barrel in Washtenaw county would be nice.
huh7891
Thu, Jan 19, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.
Hooters anyone....lol
Louhi
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.
@huh: Dexter has two sporting goods stores, Dexter Bike & Sport is on Baker and Mill Creek is on Main by the A&W.
justcurious
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:48 a.m.
What is a "local fresh food restaurant"? Local doesn't mean organic and local does mean lack of vegetables in the wintertime due to our growing season. Of course, local meat and eggs would be available..but man cannot live on meat alone. I would like to see a Dexter restaurant with decent food that doesn't cost $14 a plate.
JustMyOpinion
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
I think a nice alternative would be a local fresh food restaurant - with take out & cooking lessons. Could be very local and reasonably priced.
huh7891
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
How about a unique sporting goods store. Dexter has alot of health conscious people, hunters ,bikers , runners.
jcj
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
I don't actually go to Cracker Barrel that much mainly because they are ALWAYS packed on Sundays! There for they would employ many more than another Subway! And your choice would be? I hope not another $25 a meal rip off.
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
Seriously? You're joking, right?
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7 p.m.
I love Cracker Barrel, but I'm afraid the Ann Arbor demographics aren't right for it. Not high falootin' enough. Too common man, they would think. lol
CoolDexter
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 5:28 p.m.
I'd agree.. dated, uninspiring architecture (and upkeep) goes a long way towards explaining those long-standing vacancies in the Country Market plaza across the street. With the more recent Busch's plaza and now the upcoming "showcase" dealership on the corner (both built to a more thoughtful and arguably more pleasing aesthetic standard), that aging "strip mall" is going to stick out even more as the bland 1980s concrete monstrosity it has become. While we're all dreaming here, here's my wish for the Country Market plaza: - A complete refresh of the architecture to match the design cues of Dexter's historic downtown buildings - as was done with the new Dexter Library, Busch's Plaza, the Monument Park building and even the new pharmacy. - A larger anchor store to drive traffic - Target maybe (can Washtenaw county handle another)? Microcenter? (There are no large box computer stores in Washtenaw county.) A Barnes and Nobles would be amazing... - How about a Trader Joes! They typically open near other full-service groceries, and tend to co-exist quite well. Dexter, Chelsea, and Scio would come out in droves, methinks... we're sick of driving 30 minutes one-way. - A couple ethnic restaurants - Thai for example! (Although I'd rather see them open in Dexter downtown proper). Too much to hope for perhaps. Where will the money come from? But as the 2010 census showed, Dexter is the fastest growing municipality in the entire state (!) - so the opportunity is there: "Dexter is officially the fastest growing municipality in the state, after doubling its population from 2,338 people to 4,067, representing a 74 percent increase in population." - Dexter Leader, 4/2011
ToddAustin
Mon, Jan 23, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.
Part of the struggles at the Country Market plaza have to do with its extremely unfriendly layout. It's surrounded by houses on both sides of Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. Yet, getting into the plaza from the Ryan Drive side on foot requires taking your life in your hand to get across the road, where drivers routinely ignore stop lights and pedestrians, and wend your way along a circuitous path through snowbanks to get to the bizarre single pedestrian entrance over by Country Market. It needs not only a face lift, it needs its relationship to the road completely revamped so that it can be easily reached!
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
I agree, lets hope Dexter doesn't become a larger city overrun by large stores - they would also bring the things we try to keep down; big box competition, chains and crime. Better to keep Dexter a uniquely flavored town. More Milford-ish, less Ann Arbor.
Fatkitty
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Well, heck, let's just make it look like Ann Arbor, or Livonia, etc.. Why is it that some of the people who move to a small town end up making it just like the town they moved away from?
RuralMom
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
Justcurious - not to mention, the center of town gets pretty congested already and there isn't much opportunity to widen that portion!
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
Target or Big Box?? Never!! At least until I'm gone. No big bookstore chain either please, unless it would be a Nicola's. I would love an old fashioned dime store where you could find the necessities that we end up driving out of town for. But those days are long gone as well.
ranger007
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
Is subway in such a demand there needs to be 3 within 6 miles(ish) of each other...how about a good ol bbq joint
Louhi
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 3:02 a.m.
Dexter had one. Lighthouse had its own smoker and grill. Great pulled pork sandwiches and such. It didn't receive a great response in the resturant setting, but the previous owners now offer a catering service, once they left the Lighthouse location.
ranger007
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
@justcurious...little porkys is good also try boogie woogie bbq in hamburg near zukey lake tavern
ArgoC
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
I would say yes, apparently SubWay is in demand to that extent. People who run businesses aren't that dumb.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
I do like Little Porky's ribs. They have one in Whitmore Lake and one on Dexter Rd. in Ann Arbor. They don't need much space to operate.
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
Wish is was something other than a Subway, and I cannot imagine the folks at Mr. Pita are none too thrilled, but such is the nature of competition. Dexter is doing really well and I hope people realize is for 3 reasons: 1. Good local government (because they do try) in the Village and Townships 2. Its residents who participate in government (so when the folks get it wrong, as they do sometimes, they can get back on track) and who care about the community they live in and their neighbors, 3. The excellent schools we have. Folks have always really tried to care about their community here and I think it shows.
justcurious
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.
I wish my Dexter property value had rebounded along with your glowing report
mczacharias
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 4:07 p.m.
Sure it would be nice to see something other than 'another' Subway, but let's look at the positive. Dexter is doing great! It has a wonderful small town feel, a lovely downtown (with nearly full occupancy), and a handsome new bridge with a nicely developing Mill Creek waterfront......add to this it's new library, it's close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Ann Arbor (as well as natural areas at the Metroparks) , and its funky restaurants (the Red Brick is AMAZING).....its no wonder that things continue to look rosy for Dexter. Soon, a pathway will be completed allowing one to hike or bike to Hudson Mills without seeing a car! The 'Country Market' shopping center IS a mystery. I speculate that it's struggles are a combination of many factors --- poor site planning, uninspired architecture, and general financial misfortune which has snowballed. It would be GREAT to see a major retailer/restaurant move in and turn the tide -- one positive ADD to the shopping center could do wonders.
huh7891
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
First a subway..what next Walmart..good grief hope not.
Buster W.
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
Interesting. Similar to Dexter, the shopping center that Country Market anchors in Saline is quickly becoming a ghost town.
johnnya2
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:51 p.m.
Negotiating may not always be the best strategy. If you cut your rents and sign a 5 or 10 year leease, and rents start to go back up, you are stuck LOSING money. Sometimes it is better to let something sit vacant for a year, to make more money over 10. Of course, you could offer the owner money, buy it and allow $1 a sq foot rent if you feel it will bring people there.
Buster W.
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
Yeah, I've heard the same regarding Saline's landlord. It's just interesting that Country Market is the common denominator.
RuralMom
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
Yes and in Saline it has to do with a Landlord not negotiating in this economy! Right across the street from this location, places are being snapped up, because THAT landlord will wheel & deal in these hard economic times. I guess EMPTY buildings pay a lot, insert sarcasim!
michiganmom1
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
I agree, Dexter does not need another Subway. How about Schlotzsky's, PotBelly, Jimmy John's, Panera, Zoup!, Au Bon Pain or Noodles & Company?
johnnya2
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
You are free to op[em one of hose as a franchisee. Why is it people complain about a business moving in just because THEY do not like it. If there was some huge demand for Jimmy Johns in Dexter, gather some cash and open one. There seems to be a guy who probably spent some money and did some market research and thinks Subway is a better investment.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
Jimmy Johns would be great!
Blanch DuBois
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.
I really, REALLY miss Schlotzsky's.
getmoney
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
Wouldn't this have been more appropriately placed in an advertising section, for rent, of a2.com and paid for, than written up as news?
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
This is big news in little Dexter and we are happy to hear about people investing in our community - can't you tell by all the comments on this article? It's still small town where everyone wants to know what's going on.
ArgoC
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
I disagree. Business changes are news, and are one of the reasons for a newspaper.
javajolt1
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:17 p.m.
I think that Country Market location is the only one you point to where there are vacancies. I think that's more due to difficulty with that particular location and its management. If you look at the number of commercial building sold/leased in the general area, I'm betting Dexter is right there near the top...perhaps Pittsfield Township is #1...but Dexter is small town. I guess the by product of nice economic growth is....Subway.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
The old Cottage Inn just sits there as well. We heard that they were going to build a 3 story building where the Cottage Inn and the older house next door sit. But that was maybe 3 years ago. That doesn't sound like something I would like to see there though. Just my opinion.
Catherine Bosma
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
Really, another Subway? While I would love to have another family friendly, sit down restaurant in town, I'd rather have a Taco Bell than another Subway. I have heard that the landlord at the Country Market shopping center is hard to deal with. And that parking lot is always in shambles. It's a shame we can't get a Barnes and Noble in that huge open spot on the end! Or a Jolly Pumpkin restaurant! Ahh, a girl, can dream.
huh7891
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.
Jolly Pumpkin would be great...maybe lure a Shorts down here.......
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
I would like to see a Mexican restaurant in that spot. Maybe a spinoff from the great one in Adrian (The Grasshopper).
Goofus
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
Does A2dotcom get a kickback from every new Subway they promote with these articles?
Goofus
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
Probably just more noticable as more Subways seem to open in these parts than any other franchise.
ArgoC
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
A2.com seems to report on all restaurants, shops, and chains equally. I'm pretty satisfied with the coverage, and I do want to know about all of them. If you can show that they give more coverage to SubWay than others, then back up your remarks.
perfectly lubricated weather vane
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.
The pet store chain chooses to spell its name Wags to Wiskers. Seriously. For accuracy's sake, this article probably ought to use the owners' chosen name of the store . . . spell-checker and common sense be damned.
huh7891
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Oh for goodness sake Lovaduck it was a gimmick ...a catchy name
Lovaduck
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
Yes, let's contribute to more illiteracy!
sg
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
Seriously??? I agree we don't need another SubWay. There is one on the West side of town and one on the South side of town. Granted they are tied into the gas stations but we don't need another. Didn't the corporate office let the franchisee know this? Why did they allow it? Nothing that can be done now as it is a done deal, I hope it is successful.
ArgoC
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
Apparently the good people of Dexter are supporting those existing SubWays very well.
nvragain
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
I dont care what the Subway looks like inside. If I want to eat my sandwich inside, right after it is made, and in my opinion tasting the best a Subway sub could possibly taste, does it matter to you? I am glad you pick up your subs and take them home, sometimes I do that as well. My point was it will be nice to actually have one with seats, where if I want to sit, I can! Let the market decide if Subway makes it or not in the new location. Would you prefer for them to fail or do well? It's a business that will create jobs, tax revenue, and fill a vacancy in a shopping center. I could care less about what they sell.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
Yes, nvragain, we do stop on our way home and pick them up and take them home. The ambience at a Subway sit down is akin to eating in a hard, cold brightly lit hallway. Or do you see more?
nvragain
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
Do you like to take your fresh toasted sub and drive back home to eat it everytime? I dont. Or do you sit at a pump and scarf it down? Hop in the cab with a friendly trucker?
jeffindex
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
Does anyone know why the Dexter Plaza shopping center is so popular when the shopping center across the street is becoming a "ghost town"? There's lots of available space and some spaces have never been occupied in over 10 years? Are the rents so much higher in that shopping center? Its always been a mystery to me why they haven't been able to fill the center or keep tenants in the spaces. I know Blackhawk has had some issues in the past. Are they a bad landlord? Just curious...
Louhi
Wed, Jan 18, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
Jeffindex: You're questions are valid and accurate. It is my understanding that the plaza across the street is not tenant friendly at all. Dexter Phamacy didn't move because of it, but rather, they were intending on building their own building, after the closure of the downtown location. However, the plaza has struggled attracting and keeping tenants due to high rents, and instability with the lease agreement.....so I've been told. We really could do without another Subway, it appears that Dexter is a magnet for pizza shops and subs :( Not to mention franchises. I will say that for the most part, Dexter strives to bring business in, and that is good for the community.
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
The subdivision has a long and well publicized run of problems and the rumor is the buildings are not very wonderful. The plaza is not local friendly (terms will not allow any local charities on the property for fund raisers), the property buildings are unfinished inside, the landscaping is really poor, the buildings are poorly laid out for inviting people into the plaza. Bottom line, its ugly and too far from the road for a strip mall. Dexter Pharmacy moved out, look at their new building now - close to the road and parking for all, but more friendly. In my opinion, the property owner could do a lot to improve the place, but doesn't. Would you want a landlord like that?
Buster W.
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
@mariea2 You could say the same for the other side, too, as there is a large subdivision behind Country Market.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Good point. That large corner space just sits there, along withe the old Dexter Pharmacy space now.
mariea2
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Could be because of the large neighborhood behind the Busch's complex -- I know some folks that live there walk to those stores instead of trying to cross the busy street to Country Market.
fjord
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
That's my question also. The complex across the street has far more parking, but far lower occupancy. Is the building poorly maintained? High rents? What's the deal?
Foolery
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
YUCK!!! OK, so Dexter is a very small town, and there are already TWO Subway shops in town, so this is just complete overkill. If we must have another sub shop, how about Jimmy Johns, or Blimpie, or PotBelly, or Quiznos, or Izzys, or DiBella's? Anything but another 'pedestrian' Subway shop....
jcj
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
I'll take Izzy's over Subway ANY day!
Foolery
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
Yum, yes, Dibellas. The Godfather sub, truely a meal. Personally, the 'recently closed Wags to Whiskers' pet store would have likely had better food than a Subway. Jus' sayin....
nvragain
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Yes there are two subways already in Dexter. One is at a truck station gas stop 4 miles out of town, and the other is at a gas station in town. So not only are they not stand alone, they are stores within stores. Have you seen the size of a PotBellys? Not quite the same as a Subway. Have you seen how well Quiznos is doing?Company may be bankrupt in 3 years, probably not a good tennant. Izzy's hoagie shop, seriously? I bet a subway store does amazing in this location. I suggest you drive 15 minutes and get you a good $12 Dibellas, which are good subs, just very expensive.
Steve
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 12:47 p.m.
Economically speaking, Dexter is pretty hot right now. A lot of business and industry moving in. The village is extremely well run and business friendly.
JustMyOpinion
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
The empty space is unfinished - completely. I have heard the property management is not very town friendly either - notice you will never see any scouts selling anything or bell ringers, which kind of goes against the grain of Dexter. Busch's on the other hand, is very local friendly. Dexter Pharmacy also moved out, so that says a lot too. Dexter is also hot because of the excellent school system as well as being business friendly.
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
Should have read "space in the Country Market shopping center..."
justcurious
Tue, Jan 17, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
If Dexter is so hot, why is the large corner space in the Country Market still empty years later. As someone else said, we already have two Subway's within a easy drive. I'm surprised the current Subway franchees aren't squawking about the close proximity.