CREJ - Retail Properties Quarterly - February 2015
2014 was a fast-track year for The Kitchen, with four new openings in less than nine months. The first opening was Next Door Glendale in March, followed by The Kitchen Fort Collins in June, then Next Door Union Station in July and finally, the first restaurant out of state, The Kitchen Chicago in October. Navigating the challenges of this level of accelerated growth was a new experience for the team, and it brought a commensurate amount of learning. Reflecting on the whirlwind of activity and excitement that was experienced, the staff recognized there is no better way to improve an already well-honed process than to put new learnings and insights to work immediately. Thus, while new precedents for the future have been set, this information might also be useful to others embarking on a similar adventure. Here are a few good reminders, some surprises and a recommendation or two.