With the first quarter of 2025 behind us, we’re proud to reflect on key milestones across Chicago and the Midwest. From closing transactions with national brands like Burlington, Planet Fitness, and McDonald’s to securing locations for emerging local favorites like Poppies Jerk Chicken and Spice Queen, it’s been a dynamic and rewarding start to the year. Our team remains committed to delivering results that drive growth for our clients and add lasting value to the communities we serve. Below is a snapshot of the deals that made Q1 a season worth celebrating.
BISHOP PLAZA | Chicago, IL
Property Address: 1424 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Month Closed: April 2025
Broker: James Matanky, Terri Cox
Big things are happening at Bishop Plaza! After two years of dedicated work, Burlington is officially coming to Bishop Plaza, with doors set to open in 2025. This marks Burlington’s second location at the center, further solidifying Bishop Plaza as a leading retail destination—home to notable tenants like America’s Best, USPS, Aviva Wholesale, and CSL Plasma. Conveniently positioned near major highways and dense residential neighborhoods, the center offers exceptional visibility and high foot traffic. Congratulations to James Matanky and Terri Cox for their persistence in bringing this major deal to life.
Anya’s Nail Salon | BUFFALO GROVE, IL
Property Address: 1151 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Month Closed: March 2025
Broker: David Cordova, Scott Levinson
A big shoutout to David Cordova and Scott Levinson for securing a fantastic new tenant at Spoerlein Commons—Anya’s Nail Salon is coming soon to Unit 238! From manicures to full glam sessions, they’ll be bringing self-care and beauty to the heart of the Buffalo Grove community.
Lavish Kuttz | HAZEL CREST, IL
Property Address: 17503 S Kedzie Ave, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Month Closed: March 2025
Broker: Gregory Blade
Known for their strong community roots, exceptional service, and passion for the craft, Lavish Kuttz has earned glowing customer reviews and built a loyal following. Their new 1,700 SF space at our Hazel Crest Center is set to bring even more energy and quality grooming services to the area.
This lease was successfully completed in just one month. We are proud to say Hazel Crest Center is 96% leased, thanks to the efforts of Gregory Blade. Only two units remain at Hazel Crest Center.
Olympia Plaza | Chicago Heights, IL
Property Address: 79-207 W Joe Orr Dr, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Month Closed: March 2025
Broker: Terri Cox
Cheers to Terri Cox for successfully securing a new owner for the 15,000 SF Country Squire Foods at Olympia Plaza—a trusted neighborhood grocer known for fresh produce, quality meats, and everyday essentials. We’re excited for the renewed energy and growth this deal brings to both the center and the surrounding community!
Dragon Budo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy | Chicago, IL
Property Address: 6619 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60621
Month Closed: March 2025
Broker: David Cordova, Terri Cox
By securing a 10,000‑square‑foot facility at 6619 S. Halsted, David Cordova and Terri Cox have set the stage for a cutting‑edge training center that will offer self‑defense classes, fitness programs, and youth‑development initiatives—cultivating confidence, discipline, and community engagement. Rooted in Englewood’s rich spirit of resilience and pride, the project adds another dynamic asset to the neighborhood’s growing roster of amenities. Founder Darryl Starks calls it a true homecoming:
“We are beyond excited to open a state‑of‑the‑art martial arts & fitness complex in the community of my origin. Let’s go Englewood!” -Darryl Starks
Proestheticians INC. and Estherticsbydiana LLC | BUFFALO GROVE, IL
Property Address: 1151 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Month Closed: February 2025
Broker: David Cordova, Scott Levinson
Last quarter, David Cordova and Scott Levinson welcomed Proestheticians Inc. and EstheticsByDiana LLC to Spoerlein Commons. The boutique skincare studio—celebrated for its personalized beauty and wellness treatments—will offer a warm, client‑focused experience that positions Spoerlein Commons as Buffalo Grove’s new self‑care destination.
Planet Fitness | Matteson, IL
Property Address: 20909 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Month Closed: February 2025
Broker: Gregory Blade, Brandon Nieves, Terri Cox
Gregory Blade, Brandon Nieves, and Terri Cox of Matanky Realty Group, together with Robert Melsher of Metro Commercial Real Estate, guided the site selection, negotiations, and planning that secured Planet Fitness’s new Matteson location. Their coordinated efforts bring a leading national fitness brand to the community, meeting the region’s growing demand for accessible wellness amenities.
J Scott Salon | BUFFALO GROVE, IL
Property Address: 1151 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Month Closed: January 2025
Broker: David Cordova, Scott Levinson
Congratulations to David Cordova and Scott Levinson on completing the lease with J Scott Salon at Spoerlein Commons. The full‑service salon will introduce premium hair and skincare services to Buffalo Grove, enriching the center’s tenant mix and elevating its lifestyle offerings.
Little Caesars Pizza | Chicago, IL
Property Address: 11109 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60628
Month Closed: January 2025
Broker: Troy Bates
Little Caesars Pizza is coming to 11109 S. Halsted, adding a national quick‑service brand to the corridor. Broker Troy Bates applied his strategic vision and hands‑on approach to transform an underutilized site into a productive retail asset, further energizing this high‑traffic stretch for tenants and customers alike.
Hair Artistry Salon & Poppies Jerk Chicken | Calumet Park, IL
Property Address: 13029 S Ashland Ave, Calumet Park, IL 60827
Month Closed: January 2025
Broker: Troy Bates
Troy Bates capped off a strong month by finalizing two new leases at Raceway Shopping Center. Hair Artistry Salon and Poppies Jerk Chicken are now open, further enhancing the center’s service and dining mix.
Spice Queen | Hazel Crest, IL
Property Address: 17561 S Kedzie Ave, Hazel Crest, IL 60429
Month Closed: February 2025
Broker: David Cordova
We’re thrilled to announce that Spice Queen, a unique vegan soul food restaurant, is joining our growing lineup at Hazel Crest Center. Thanks to expert negotiation by Broker David Cordova, this 1,500 SF lease marks an exciting culinary addition to the community.
Building on his strong run last quarter, Gregory Blade has secured a 1,000 SF lease for Hazel Crest Smoke Shop in the 96%‑leased Hazel Crest Center. Situated along a corridor that sees up to 36,000 vehicles per day, the new tenant adds even more convenience to a mix of local favorites and national brands. With high visibility, robust occupancy, and a vibrant customer base, Hazel Crest Center continues to set the pace for retail success in the market.
Hearing life | aurora, IL
Property Address: 1137 N Eola Rd, Suite 113, Aurora, IL 60502
Month Closed: January 2025
Broker: Gregory Blade
In January 2025, broker Gregory Blade—tenant‑rep for HearingLife, a nationwide provider of advanced audiology services—secured a 1,490 SF lease at Ashton Pointe in Aurora, IL. HearingLife continues to expand, and Greg is actively scouting additional high‑traffic locations; reach out today to discuss opportunities.
McDonald’s | zion, IL
Property Address: Route 173 & Green Bay Rd, Zion, IL 60099
Month Closed: January 2025
Broker: Gregory Blade, Scott Levinson
Gregory Blade and Scott Levinson represented McDonald’s in securing a signalized hard‑corner site in Zion, IL—an ideal high‑visibility location that positions the brand to capture strong commuter and neighborhood traffic while advancing retail momentum along the corridor.