Jason Yono, one of four in the franchise ownership group, said the location of the shopping center, which is situated between WalMart and Home Depot, was key in bringing the restaurant to Springfield.
“It’s a great market,” Yono said. “We’re very excited. (Bechtle Ave.) has every kind of franchise, every kind of business out there, and we think it will do really well. We’re happy we’re able to bring it out there.”
Five Guys will make an approximately $250,000 investment into the retail development, according to city building permit records.
“I’m encouraged to see the investment that the new owner of the shopping center has made is paying off,” said Bryan Heck, the city’s planning and zoning administrator. “The fact that they’re able to fill it quickly with tenants is key. The retail market is continuing to be successful, especially along the Bechtle corridor. I’m glad that that’s happened.”
Springfield Town Center, which currently houses Buffalo Wild Wings, Sleep Outfitters and Sports Clips, was purchased by Tolson Enterprises in January for $2.5 million. The $1 million expansion will likely house Five Guys, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt and at least three more retail or restaurant franchises.
The Toledo-based company’s 12,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be completed by mid-month, according to developer Steven Speranza. They also plan on improving landscaping in the area later this fall.
“We’re putting the pedal to the metal now,” Speranza said.
Speranza called Five Guys one of the anchors of the property, along with Buffalo Wild Wings.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, one of the fastest-growing limited-service restaurant franchises in the U.S., is opening a location in the development, according to its website. No information was available on when the location could open.
“It’s always important that Springfield continues to attract national chains to our community,” Heck said. “We’re the 12th-largest city in Ohio, and it’s important that we continue to attract those larger chain restaurants to the community.”
Another business in the area could be relocating to the new development, but the developer could not release information on when the move could take place.
Speranza is still marketing at least two to three available spaces in the development, although the approximate 4,100-square-feet of space could be used in several different ways, including possibly one large tenant.
“We’re talking with a lot of different people, but nothing’s done yet,” Speranza said.
As of last year, the Five Guys chain has 1,039 stores in the United States and Canada, as well another 1,500 in the works. The company has grown 792 percent since 2006, according to Technomic, a food industry research group, making it the fastest-growing chain in the country. The company was expected to generate $1 billion in revenues this year.
The company has 44 locations in Ohio, including locations in Montgomery and Greene counties.
Yono, along with partners Branden Yono, Tony Robinson and Dave Robinson, owns six Five Guys locations, including a franchise in Lima.
“We’re happy to bring the jobs,” Yono said.
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