Source: The Business Journal
Some science and math courses will get an overhaul at Fresno State with help from a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
The grant, from the National Science Foundation's "Widening Implementation & Demonstration Evidence-Based Reforms" (WIDER) program, is geared toward students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses.
Nearly 900 students will be impacted when a 24-member faculty cohort in Fresno State's College of Science and Mathematics redesigns eight introductory courses in biology, chemistry, math and physics.
The four faculty learning communities, known as Faculty Learning for Outcomes and Knowledge (FLOCKs) will work on the redesign over the next three years.
In addition, the grant will also allow faculty to develop expertise in teaching methods that help improve student learning and increase the number of STEM majors, particularly underrepresented minority students, and their graduation rates.
Fresno State also received a $25,000 gift from local builder McCaffrey Homes to fund scholarships at the university.
The McCaffrey-Knowlton Scholarship will fund two $2,500 scholarships per year for the next five years for students in Fresno State's Department of Geography, City and Regional Planning.
The scholarship is named for Brent McCaffrey, son of McCaffrey Homes' CEO Robert McCaffrey and Vice President Karen McCaffrey, and their son-in-law Ash Knowlton.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/education/11851-fresno-state-gets-1-5m-stem-grant-mccaffrey-gift
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Valley home sales increase in April
Source: The Business Journal
Home sales shot up throughout the San Joaquin Valley in April although not enough to reach last year's levels. According to a new report from the California Association of Realtors, home sales increased 21 percent in Fresno County during the month but dropped 2.7 percent compared to April 2013. The price of a median home in Fresno County stood at $192,880 in April, down 4.6 percent from $202,100 but up 10.9 percent from $173,860 a year ago. Sales in Tulare County climbed 11.7 percent in Tulare County during the month but fell 8.1 percent in the year-over-year comparison. The county's median home price rose 4.3 percent in April to $172,500 over March's price of $165,380. That's also 23.6 percent over $139,520 a year ago. Madera County saw its home sales jump 31.8 percent in April, although the count was still 3.3 percent under April 2013's figures. Home prices in the county stood at $182,500 in the month, down 3.9 percent from $190,000 in March but up 7.4 percent over $170,000 a year ago. Kings County had a little less luck with sales dropping 12.7 percent in April but still surpassing last year's numbers by 4.5 percent. The county's median home price fell 7.2 percent, going from $179,230 in March to $166,250 in April. However, that's up 5.8 percent from last year when the average price stood at $157,140. Fresno County's unsold inventory index, or number of months to deplete the supply of homes at the current sales rate, stood at 4.3 months in April, down from 5.5 months in March but up from 3 months a year ago. Tulare County's index dropped to 4.3 months compared to 4.7 months in March but picked up from 3.1 months in April 2013. Kings County's inventory stood at 3.7 months in April, up from 3.3 months in March and 3.5 months a year ago. Madera County's home supply of 3.3 months was down from 4.3 months in March but remained flat from last year. Statewide, home sales totaled 394,070 units in April, up 7.4 percent from 367,020 in March but down 7 percent from 423,690 in April 2013. "With home prices increasing by double digits in 2013, many investors have decided to leave the market, which is adversely affecting home sales as a whole," said C.A.R. President Kevin Brown, in a release. "While the number of homes sold continued to decline from a year ago, the better-than normal sales activities in April is encouraging and could be an indication that we will see further improvement in the housing market in the next few months."
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/real-estate/12007-valley-home-sales-increase-in-april
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Home sales shot up throughout the San Joaquin Valley in April although not enough to reach last year's levels. According to a new report from the California Association of Realtors, home sales increased 21 percent in Fresno County during the month but dropped 2.7 percent compared to April 2013. The price of a median home in Fresno County stood at $192,880 in April, down 4.6 percent from $202,100 but up 10.9 percent from $173,860 a year ago. Sales in Tulare County climbed 11.7 percent in Tulare County during the month but fell 8.1 percent in the year-over-year comparison. The county's median home price rose 4.3 percent in April to $172,500 over March's price of $165,380. That's also 23.6 percent over $139,520 a year ago. Madera County saw its home sales jump 31.8 percent in April, although the count was still 3.3 percent under April 2013's figures. Home prices in the county stood at $182,500 in the month, down 3.9 percent from $190,000 in March but up 7.4 percent over $170,000 a year ago. Kings County had a little less luck with sales dropping 12.7 percent in April but still surpassing last year's numbers by 4.5 percent. The county's median home price fell 7.2 percent, going from $179,230 in March to $166,250 in April. However, that's up 5.8 percent from last year when the average price stood at $157,140. Fresno County's unsold inventory index, or number of months to deplete the supply of homes at the current sales rate, stood at 4.3 months in April, down from 5.5 months in March but up from 3 months a year ago. Tulare County's index dropped to 4.3 months compared to 4.7 months in March but picked up from 3.1 months in April 2013. Kings County's inventory stood at 3.7 months in April, up from 3.3 months in March and 3.5 months a year ago. Madera County's home supply of 3.3 months was down from 4.3 months in March but remained flat from last year. Statewide, home sales totaled 394,070 units in April, up 7.4 percent from 367,020 in March but down 7 percent from 423,690 in April 2013. "With home prices increasing by double digits in 2013, many investors have decided to leave the market, which is adversely affecting home sales as a whole," said C.A.R. President Kevin Brown, in a release. "While the number of homes sold continued to decline from a year ago, the better-than normal sales activities in April is encouraging and could be an indication that we will see further improvement in the housing market in the next few months."
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/real-estate/12007-valley-home-sales-increase-in-april
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Fresno State ranks high on college list
Source: The Business Journal
Fresno State came in at 21 among the nation's top colleges, according to new rankings by Time Magazine. The list is based on a set of new proposed standards by the White House on how well school's serve their students in measurements like graduation rates, tuition and the percentage of students who receive Pell grants. At No. 21 on the list, Fresno State was just ahead of California State University, Stanislaus and just behind Lane College of Jackson, Tenn. Fresno State ranked 16 in terms of tuition with an average cost of $5,632 per school year. The university also ranked 119 for the percentage of students receiving Pell grants at 61 percent. Graduation rates were somewhat lower at 48 percent of students graduating within six years for a rank of 611 in that category. Fresno State was among 11 California universities in the top 25 colleges throughout the country most likely to excel under the proposed federal metrics that seek to reward schools with the best financial incentives to students. Those include the UC Riverside (No. 1), UC San Diego (No. 2), UC Davis (No. 6), CSU Long Beach (No. 10), Dominican University (No. 11), UC Santa Cruz (No. 14), UC Santa Barbara (No. 16), CSU Stanislaus (No. 22) and UC Los Angeles (No. 25). Time Magazine compiled the list with data from 2,500 colleges and universities from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/education/11856-fresno-state-ranks-high-on-college-list
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Fresno State came in at 21 among the nation's top colleges, according to new rankings by Time Magazine. The list is based on a set of new proposed standards by the White House on how well school's serve their students in measurements like graduation rates, tuition and the percentage of students who receive Pell grants. At No. 21 on the list, Fresno State was just ahead of California State University, Stanislaus and just behind Lane College of Jackson, Tenn. Fresno State ranked 16 in terms of tuition with an average cost of $5,632 per school year. The university also ranked 119 for the percentage of students receiving Pell grants at 61 percent. Graduation rates were somewhat lower at 48 percent of students graduating within six years for a rank of 611 in that category. Fresno State was among 11 California universities in the top 25 colleges throughout the country most likely to excel under the proposed federal metrics that seek to reward schools with the best financial incentives to students. Those include the UC Riverside (No. 1), UC San Diego (No. 2), UC Davis (No. 6), CSU Long Beach (No. 10), Dominican University (No. 11), UC Santa Cruz (No. 14), UC Santa Barbara (No. 16), CSU Stanislaus (No. 22) and UC Los Angeles (No. 25). Time Magazine compiled the list with data from 2,500 colleges and universities from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/education/11856-fresno-state-ranks-high-on-college-list
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Friday, May 9, 2014
Year-to-year Fresno home prices up
Source: The Business Journal
CoreLogic, a global property information, analytics and data-enabled services provider, has released its March CoreLogic Home Price Index report showing a big year-over-year jump in Fresno area home prices. Home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased 11.1 percent in March compared to March 2013. The change represents 25 months of consecutive year-over-year increases in home prices nationally. In Fresno, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 13.1 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 1.9 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 11.8 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, the CoreLogic HPI shows home prices increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February.
Madera
In Madera, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 19.8 percent in March 2014 compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 0.7 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 15.0 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, home prices increased by 0.4 percent in March compared to February.
Hanford-Corcoran
In Hanford-Corcoran, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 16.1 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 15 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, the CoreLogic HPI shows home prices increased by 3.6 percent in March compared to February.
Visalia-Porterville
In Visalia-Porterville, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 17 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 12.9 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, home prices increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/real-estate/11868-year-to-year-fresno-home-prices-up
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
CoreLogic, a global property information, analytics and data-enabled services provider, has released its March CoreLogic Home Price Index report showing a big year-over-year jump in Fresno area home prices. Home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased 11.1 percent in March compared to March 2013. The change represents 25 months of consecutive year-over-year increases in home prices nationally. In Fresno, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 13.1 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 1.9 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 11.8 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, the CoreLogic HPI shows home prices increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February.
Madera
In Madera, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 19.8 percent in March 2014 compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 0.7 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 15.0 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, home prices increased by 0.4 percent in March compared to February.
Hanford-Corcoran
In Hanford-Corcoran, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 16.1 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 15 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, the CoreLogic HPI shows home prices increased by 3.6 percent in March compared to February.
Visalia-Porterville
In Visalia-Porterville, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 17 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February. Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased by 12.9 percent in March compared to March 2013. On a month-over-month basis, excluding distressed sales, home prices increased by 2.1 percent in March compared to February.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/real-estate/11868-year-to-year-fresno-home-prices-up
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Thursday, May 8, 2014
New club coming to Fresno's Granite Park
Source: The Business Journal
Written by Ben Keller, Business Journal staff writer
Following a slew of failed nightclubs in Fresno's former Cabo Wabo space over the years, a former general manager is shooting for something bigger and better when he opens Club Imperio in Granite Park on May 16. Located at 3950 N. Cedar Ave., the club fills the same space that drew crowds out to Club Rome when it opened in 2011 and Club Eva that took up residence there a year later. Club Imperio, meaning "empire" in Italian, keeps with the same Roman theme that popularized Club Rome under former General Manager Pino Borrelli. But taking back the 15,000 square-foot building earlier this year, Borrelli has played up the concept with an extensive remodel, VIP booths and a vision of bringing in bigger acts and better DJs. Local radio stations B95 (FM 94.9) and Q97.1 FM are also expected to come out every week. "Fresno deserves a true dance club, not a restaurant acting as a dance club," Borrelli said. "It's all about stage lighting, laser shows, the acts. It's just a grand level of club." Following its grand opening on May 16, Club Imperio will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Borrelli will be accepting accepting applications and interviewing for positions at the club later this week. Borrelli said a liquor license should be in place in the next few days. He also has a security contract with the Fresno Police Department. Borrelli first helped open Club Rome along with local doctor John Janda. Club Rome was the site of an attempted firebombing in February 2011 that caused minimal damage. A falling out between Borrelli and Janda in February 2012 led to Janda replacing Borrelli with a new manager. Club Rome went under later that year until Janda revived the space as Club Eva in December. The Janda-helmed clubs filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. But the troubles go back even further than that, starting with the short-lived Cabo Wabo venture that ended in a heated conflict between local developer Milt Barbis and rock star Sammy Hagar in 2008. The establishment also sputtered under local businessman Kirk Vartanian, who attempted to reopen the club in 2009 as The Edge and later as a high-end restaurant he called LeReve that never opened.
URL to original article: http://thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11873-new-club-coming-to-fresno-s-granite-park
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Written by Ben Keller, Business Journal staff writer
Following a slew of failed nightclubs in Fresno's former Cabo Wabo space over the years, a former general manager is shooting for something bigger and better when he opens Club Imperio in Granite Park on May 16. Located at 3950 N. Cedar Ave., the club fills the same space that drew crowds out to Club Rome when it opened in 2011 and Club Eva that took up residence there a year later. Club Imperio, meaning "empire" in Italian, keeps with the same Roman theme that popularized Club Rome under former General Manager Pino Borrelli. But taking back the 15,000 square-foot building earlier this year, Borrelli has played up the concept with an extensive remodel, VIP booths and a vision of bringing in bigger acts and better DJs. Local radio stations B95 (FM 94.9) and Q97.1 FM are also expected to come out every week. "Fresno deserves a true dance club, not a restaurant acting as a dance club," Borrelli said. "It's all about stage lighting, laser shows, the acts. It's just a grand level of club." Following its grand opening on May 16, Club Imperio will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Borrelli will be accepting accepting applications and interviewing for positions at the club later this week. Borrelli said a liquor license should be in place in the next few days. He also has a security contract with the Fresno Police Department. Borrelli first helped open Club Rome along with local doctor John Janda. Club Rome was the site of an attempted firebombing in February 2011 that caused minimal damage. A falling out between Borrelli and Janda in February 2012 led to Janda replacing Borrelli with a new manager. Club Rome went under later that year until Janda revived the space as Club Eva in December. The Janda-helmed clubs filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. But the troubles go back even further than that, starting with the short-lived Cabo Wabo venture that ended in a heated conflict between local developer Milt Barbis and rock star Sammy Hagar in 2008. The establishment also sputtered under local businessman Kirk Vartanian, who attempted to reopen the club in 2009 as The Edge and later as a high-end restaurant he called LeReve that never opened.
URL to original article: http://thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11873-new-club-coming-to-fresno-s-granite-park
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Monday, May 5, 2014
Downtown Fresno restaurateur buys Selland lot
Source: The Business Journal
Written by Ben Keller, Business Journal staff writer
The Fresno City Council voted today to sell 36,000 square feet of parking lot space at Selland Arena to the owner of the Cosmopolitan restaurant before the nearly century-old downtown building is leveled by high-speed rail. Gary Lanfranco has made headlines over the last few years as just one establishment in the crosshairs of the state's bullet train project. Even longtime customers were concerned over what would happen to the Cosmopolitan Tavern & Italian Grill once high-speed rail construction crews raze the building that has stood at G and Fresno streets since 1923. They now have an answer as the city sells a 36,467 square-foot lot at Ventura and O street to Lanfranco as part of its efforts to unload a number of pieces of city-owned real estate. According to Lanfranco, the space met his requirements of 5,300 square feet for his newly relocated restaurant, along with around 40 parking stalls. "I am currently and have been for many years debt free and doing good business in downtown Fresno," Lanfranco said. "All I want to do is replace that." The Cosmpolitan traces its roots back to 1902 when Lanfranco's family first acquired the property at 1546 Fresno St. After a building was set down on the site in 1923, the family started up a restaurant there in 1933. Under Lanfranco, 67, a complete remodel was done in 1971 and the top story was removed. Now, Lanfranco plans to pass on his legacy to his son who now manages the business. High-speed rail planners aim to level the current structure in place of a new G Street bridge crossing Fresno Street.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11814-downtown-fresno-restaurateur-buys-selland-lot
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Written by Ben Keller, Business Journal staff writer
The Fresno City Council voted today to sell 36,000 square feet of parking lot space at Selland Arena to the owner of the Cosmopolitan restaurant before the nearly century-old downtown building is leveled by high-speed rail. Gary Lanfranco has made headlines over the last few years as just one establishment in the crosshairs of the state's bullet train project. Even longtime customers were concerned over what would happen to the Cosmopolitan Tavern & Italian Grill once high-speed rail construction crews raze the building that has stood at G and Fresno streets since 1923. They now have an answer as the city sells a 36,467 square-foot lot at Ventura and O street to Lanfranco as part of its efforts to unload a number of pieces of city-owned real estate. According to Lanfranco, the space met his requirements of 5,300 square feet for his newly relocated restaurant, along with around 40 parking stalls. "I am currently and have been for many years debt free and doing good business in downtown Fresno," Lanfranco said. "All I want to do is replace that." The Cosmpolitan traces its roots back to 1902 when Lanfranco's family first acquired the property at 1546 Fresno St. After a building was set down on the site in 1923, the family started up a restaurant there in 1933. Under Lanfranco, 67, a complete remodel was done in 1971 and the top story was removed. Now, Lanfranco plans to pass on his legacy to his son who now manages the business. High-speed rail planners aim to level the current structure in place of a new G Street bridge crossing Fresno Street.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11814-downtown-fresno-restaurateur-buys-selland-lot
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Deli Delicious franchise expands to Sacramento area
Source: The Business Journal
Written by: Chuck Harvey
Fresno’s Deli Delicious sandwich shop has come a long way since opening its first shop at Bullard and Blackstone avenues in 1996. The franchise now has 20 stores, including its latest location in Citrus Heights near Sacramento, which has nothing, but rave reviews on Yelp. Great customer service and fresh ingredients are the most common reviews. And, it’s not stopping there. The maker of hot, cold and specialty subs is continuing its Sacramento area expansion with a planned Roseville location. Locally, the restaurants can be found in Fresno, Visalia and Madera. One of the newest locations is at 2380 W. Cleveland Ave. in Madera. About 60 percent of the franchisees are owner-operators. And about 40 percent are investors. As Deli Delicious grew, so did its lineup of submarine sandwiches. It now has 47 subs on its menu from ham and salami to blue buffalo chicken. It also makes hamburgers, fries, salads and soups. Along with a big selection of subs, Deli Delicious president Mohammad Hobab wanted to offer an upscale, but relaxed deli experience. And he insisted on using the best possible ingredients in his subs. Deli Delicious continues to make improvements to its menu presentation and offerings, store design and the level of service it provides to its customers. “Our products are the highest quality meats and cheeses, sliced in our restaurants,” said Ali Nekumanesh, advisor for Deli Delicious. Hobab came to the U.S. from Iran where he worked as a banker. He was initially educated as an engineer. But after arriving in America, Hobab saw opportunity in offering quality subs to sandwich lovers. Although Deli Delicious was not an overnight success, Hobab and his team remained committed and succeeded as a popular local restaurant. It has also been a family affair from the start. Starting out making sandwiches and sweeping the floor, son Hadi is now chief operating officer and son Hesam is chief financial officer. Deli Delicious is also in a crowded space, having to compete against Subway and Quiznos, the giants of the submarine sandwich industry. Hobab was determined to keep his business growing through superior service and attention to detail. “It took years and many struggles to get it going,” Nekumanesh said. Once Hobab’s restaurant became popular, he began plans to offer franchises to entrepreneurs in the greater Fresno area and around Sacramento. The company plans to move its franchises into nearby states following its effort to penetrate the greater Sacramento area. “In fact, our general plan calls for us to be the largest regional premium deli restaurant by the year 2019,” Nekumanesh said. He said one Sacramento franchise has opened and another that will feature Deli Delicious and a Colorado Grill restaurant in the same location will open in late April or early May. Jasdeep Rhawanda and Arvin Tanu, both of Fresno, are partners in the first Sacramento Deli Delicious restaurant. It has been open for nearly three months. “We’ve had good response,” Rhawanda said, adding that he will be relocating to Sacramento. He is a business major at Fresno State and will graduate this summer. Bill Schwartz, owner of Geno’s Sandwiches & Salads in Fresno, said that it helps franchisees when a company like Deli Delicious provides direction and equipment. “They’ve got the hang of it with a program that can be carried out,” Schwartz said. Schwartz said he received help when he started Geno’s Sandwiches & Salads 34 years ago. He took over an existing business at 1615 E. Ashlan Ave. that already had a following. “It makes it a lot easier,” Schwartz said. In developing plans for franchises, Deli Delicious decided on two restaurant models. One is the express model and the other, the standard model. The express model is designed for serving food in smaller or non-traditional locations like hotels and airports. It can be as small as 450 square feet depending on location. The standard model is a larger shop spanning about 1,300 square feet and ideally suited for malls other popular retail locations. Deli Delicious offers help with site selection. Training is provided to bring the new franchise owner up to speed on how to run a Deli Delicious restaurant. It includes 14 days of classroom and hands-on training. “We strive to ensure our franchisees are good operators and become better and more informed business people through the ongoing training and development seminars offered to our franchisees and their staff,” Nekumanesh said. He added that Deli Delicious is supported by a group of restaurant professionals, including sales, operations and training teams. “The cost of entry is affordable and the return on investment has thus far been generally quite favorable,” Nekumanesh said. To be a franchise owner, an investment of $100,600 to $187,800 is necessary for the express model and $190,350 to $359,150. The estimated investment includes three months of working capital. Franchise owners pay a franchise fee of $15,000 for the express model and $20,000 for the standard model. Besides providing tasty sandwiches, Deli Delicious places importance on providing healthy ingredients. “Our research and development team is consistently working to stay on top of the healthy foods trend and adjusting the menu as is necessary,” Nekumanesh said.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11652-deli-delicious-franchise-expands-to-sacramento-area
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Written by: Chuck Harvey
Fresno’s Deli Delicious sandwich shop has come a long way since opening its first shop at Bullard and Blackstone avenues in 1996. The franchise now has 20 stores, including its latest location in Citrus Heights near Sacramento, which has nothing, but rave reviews on Yelp. Great customer service and fresh ingredients are the most common reviews. And, it’s not stopping there. The maker of hot, cold and specialty subs is continuing its Sacramento area expansion with a planned Roseville location. Locally, the restaurants can be found in Fresno, Visalia and Madera. One of the newest locations is at 2380 W. Cleveland Ave. in Madera. About 60 percent of the franchisees are owner-operators. And about 40 percent are investors. As Deli Delicious grew, so did its lineup of submarine sandwiches. It now has 47 subs on its menu from ham and salami to blue buffalo chicken. It also makes hamburgers, fries, salads and soups. Along with a big selection of subs, Deli Delicious president Mohammad Hobab wanted to offer an upscale, but relaxed deli experience. And he insisted on using the best possible ingredients in his subs. Deli Delicious continues to make improvements to its menu presentation and offerings, store design and the level of service it provides to its customers. “Our products are the highest quality meats and cheeses, sliced in our restaurants,” said Ali Nekumanesh, advisor for Deli Delicious. Hobab came to the U.S. from Iran where he worked as a banker. He was initially educated as an engineer. But after arriving in America, Hobab saw opportunity in offering quality subs to sandwich lovers. Although Deli Delicious was not an overnight success, Hobab and his team remained committed and succeeded as a popular local restaurant. It has also been a family affair from the start. Starting out making sandwiches and sweeping the floor, son Hadi is now chief operating officer and son Hesam is chief financial officer. Deli Delicious is also in a crowded space, having to compete against Subway and Quiznos, the giants of the submarine sandwich industry. Hobab was determined to keep his business growing through superior service and attention to detail. “It took years and many struggles to get it going,” Nekumanesh said. Once Hobab’s restaurant became popular, he began plans to offer franchises to entrepreneurs in the greater Fresno area and around Sacramento. The company plans to move its franchises into nearby states following its effort to penetrate the greater Sacramento area. “In fact, our general plan calls for us to be the largest regional premium deli restaurant by the year 2019,” Nekumanesh said. He said one Sacramento franchise has opened and another that will feature Deli Delicious and a Colorado Grill restaurant in the same location will open in late April or early May. Jasdeep Rhawanda and Arvin Tanu, both of Fresno, are partners in the first Sacramento Deli Delicious restaurant. It has been open for nearly three months. “We’ve had good response,” Rhawanda said, adding that he will be relocating to Sacramento. He is a business major at Fresno State and will graduate this summer. Bill Schwartz, owner of Geno’s Sandwiches & Salads in Fresno, said that it helps franchisees when a company like Deli Delicious provides direction and equipment. “They’ve got the hang of it with a program that can be carried out,” Schwartz said. Schwartz said he received help when he started Geno’s Sandwiches & Salads 34 years ago. He took over an existing business at 1615 E. Ashlan Ave. that already had a following. “It makes it a lot easier,” Schwartz said. In developing plans for franchises, Deli Delicious decided on two restaurant models. One is the express model and the other, the standard model. The express model is designed for serving food in smaller or non-traditional locations like hotels and airports. It can be as small as 450 square feet depending on location. The standard model is a larger shop spanning about 1,300 square feet and ideally suited for malls other popular retail locations. Deli Delicious offers help with site selection. Training is provided to bring the new franchise owner up to speed on how to run a Deli Delicious restaurant. It includes 14 days of classroom and hands-on training. “We strive to ensure our franchisees are good operators and become better and more informed business people through the ongoing training and development seminars offered to our franchisees and their staff,” Nekumanesh said. He added that Deli Delicious is supported by a group of restaurant professionals, including sales, operations and training teams. “The cost of entry is affordable and the return on investment has thus far been generally quite favorable,” Nekumanesh said. To be a franchise owner, an investment of $100,600 to $187,800 is necessary for the express model and $190,350 to $359,150. The estimated investment includes three months of working capital. Franchise owners pay a franchise fee of $15,000 for the express model and $20,000 for the standard model. Besides providing tasty sandwiches, Deli Delicious places importance on providing healthy ingredients. “Our research and development team is consistently working to stay on top of the healthy foods trend and adjusting the menu as is necessary,” Nekumanesh said.
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11652-deli-delicious-franchise-expands-to-sacramento-area
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Friday, April 18, 2014
Plays of the Week
1. There are numerous benefits for your seller to negotiate an in-house sale on their peorpty that we need to slow down and get it right.
• First, you’ll want to do a delayed MLS listing (15 days) and strongly promote the property to your London Peers.
• Next, get your peers’ opinion on the initial list price and make any necessary adjustments before the property hits the MLS.
• Afford your sellers the first 15 days to make appropriate repairs, de-clutter and clean.
• Here’s the Biggie – An in-house deal can assure your seller that they get a fully executed General Contract Addendum (GCA) by the buyer. A buyer signed GCA significantly reduces any chance of a meritless claim or legal action against your seller after the closing. This is specifically what our sellers are hiring us to do. Protect their best interest and keep them from harm’s way.
• An added bonus is that you get to work with one of your Professional peers, the deal will likely have a higher chance of closing and you may get paid a higher in-house commission split.
• Take care of your sellers!
2. On Tuesday, Lynette Baker took her sweet little Mikayla to the doctor to get her broken arm set and a cast put on (Mikayla chose hot-pink for her cast color). Lynette struck up a conversation with the Doctor and worked in the fact she helps people buy and sell homes for her profession and wouldn’t you know it, the Doctor is thinking of selling their large home and scaling down. One great lead down for the day, Lynette later calls a past client (a Financial Planner) who has sent her referrals in the past. This person tells Lynette how great it is to hear from her and that her secretary is moving out of the area and needs to sell her house! It pays to make conversation and to call on your database. Great Job Lynette!
3. Anytime you’re at an event or in public, there is business all around you, you just have to look and listen for it. Gracelyn Martinez was somewhere with one of her kids this week and saw a buyer prospect that she hadn’t talked to in months (they were particular and had stopped house hunting). While talking, Gracelyn thought of the perfect property for her (a formerly unrealistic seller whose property has now appreciated). The next day she called that to-be seller who had just decided to re-enter the market. Gracelyn showed the buyer the property and has now negotiated an accepted deal. Awesome!
Take these plays with you and good luck this weekend!
2. On Tuesday, Lynette Baker took her sweet little Mikayla to the doctor to get her broken arm set and a cast put on (Mikayla chose hot-pink for her cast color). Lynette struck up a conversation with the Doctor and worked in the fact she helps people buy and sell homes for her profession and wouldn’t you know it, the Doctor is thinking of selling their large home and scaling down. One great lead down for the day, Lynette later calls a past client (a Financial Planner) who has sent her referrals in the past. This person tells Lynette how great it is to hear from her and that her secretary is moving out of the area and needs to sell her house! It pays to make conversation and to call on your database. Great Job Lynette!
3. Anytime you’re at an event or in public, there is business all around you, you just have to look and listen for it. Gracelyn Martinez was somewhere with one of her kids this week and saw a buyer prospect that she hadn’t talked to in months (they were particular and had stopped house hunting). While talking, Gracelyn thought of the perfect property for her (a formerly unrealistic seller whose property has now appreciated). The next day she called that to-be seller who had just decided to re-enter the market. Gracelyn showed the buyer the property and has now negotiated an accepted deal. Awesome!
Take these plays with you and good luck this weekend!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Report: Fresno in top 10 for home price jump
Source: The Business Journal
The Fresno metropolitan area had some of the highest home price and inventory increases in the country, according to a report by Realtor.com. The National Housing Trend Report for March 2014 showed the median list price of a home increased 5.3 percent in March over the year before, going from $189,800 to $199,000. Out of 146 metros evaluated in the report, the Fresno metro had the eighth highest increase in the country. Prices increased 17.4 percent in the area over the last year from a median price of $195,800 to $229,900. That's behind metros like Houston growing 18.5 percent, Denver at 20.1 percent and No. 1 Stockton-Lodi at 38.9 percent. Housing inventory also grew over the year before, rising 9.5 percent nationwide to 1,841,844 homes listed on Realtor.com. Going from 1,946 homes listed on the website in March 2013, the Fresno area has since climbed to 3,049 listings in the latest month. That's an increase of 56.7 percent, just sixth behind Nashville, Tenn. (56.8 percent), Orlando, Fla. (56.8 percent), Bakersfield (57.3 percent), Orange County (63.5 percent) and Stockton-Lodi (68.6 percent). The median age of inventory increased 22.9 percent across the country over the last year with homes now 102 days on the market on average. In the Fresno metro, the increase in inventory meant homes spent an average of 61 days on the market in March. That's up 45.2 percent from a year ago, 12th behind areas like Springfield, Ill. increasing by 57.3 percent, Stockton-Lodi by 60 percent, Oakland, Calif. by 80 percent and Rochester, N.Y. growing the most by 98.4 percent. According to Realtor.com, a real estate listing service offered by Move, Inc., home sales activity remains sluggish but added inventory may mean more affordable prices in many markets for the first-time and move-up homebuyers alike. "Bidding wars in many markets last year frequently elevated offer prices beyond the reach of first-time buyers who could scarcely save for the down payment," said Steve Berkowitz, CEO of Move, in a release. "While inventory is still low, the continuing annual lift in the number of homes on the market that we've seen over the first months of 2014 is an indicator that buying conditions this year may be notable improved from the frenzied pace of last spring."
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/real-estate/11623-report-in-top-10-for-home-price-jump
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
The Fresno metropolitan area had some of the highest home price and inventory increases in the country, according to a report by Realtor.com. The National Housing Trend Report for March 2014 showed the median list price of a home increased 5.3 percent in March over the year before, going from $189,800 to $199,000. Out of 146 metros evaluated in the report, the Fresno metro had the eighth highest increase in the country. Prices increased 17.4 percent in the area over the last year from a median price of $195,800 to $229,900. That's behind metros like Houston growing 18.5 percent, Denver at 20.1 percent and No. 1 Stockton-Lodi at 38.9 percent. Housing inventory also grew over the year before, rising 9.5 percent nationwide to 1,841,844 homes listed on Realtor.com. Going from 1,946 homes listed on the website in March 2013, the Fresno area has since climbed to 3,049 listings in the latest month. That's an increase of 56.7 percent, just sixth behind Nashville, Tenn. (56.8 percent), Orlando, Fla. (56.8 percent), Bakersfield (57.3 percent), Orange County (63.5 percent) and Stockton-Lodi (68.6 percent). The median age of inventory increased 22.9 percent across the country over the last year with homes now 102 days on the market on average. In the Fresno metro, the increase in inventory meant homes spent an average of 61 days on the market in March. That's up 45.2 percent from a year ago, 12th behind areas like Springfield, Ill. increasing by 57.3 percent, Stockton-Lodi by 60 percent, Oakland, Calif. by 80 percent and Rochester, N.Y. growing the most by 98.4 percent. According to Realtor.com, a real estate listing service offered by Move, Inc., home sales activity remains sluggish but added inventory may mean more affordable prices in many markets for the first-time and move-up homebuyers alike. "Bidding wars in many markets last year frequently elevated offer prices beyond the reach of first-time buyers who could scarcely save for the down payment," said Steve Berkowitz, CEO of Move, in a release. "While inventory is still low, the continuing annual lift in the number of homes on the market that we've seen over the first months of 2014 is an indicator that buying conditions this year may be notable improved from the frenzied pace of last spring."
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/real-estate/11623-report-in-top-10-for-home-price-jump
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Walmart growing big, growing small in Fresno
Source: The Business Journal
Written by Chuck Harvey
Walmart believes a 107,000 square-foot former Mervyn’s location is a good fit for a Fresno supercenter as it kicks off a multimillion-dollar project to refurbish the interior of the store located at Ashlan and Blackstone avenues for a summer opening. The retail giant, now building smaller neighborhood stores as well, also likes the 41,000 square-foot size of the former Cedar Lanes bowling alley that it is refurbishing at the intersection of Shields and Cedar avenues in Fresno. Walmart expects good support for a supercenter and the smaller neighborhood Walmart market scheduled to open in 2015. One of the reasons it is downsizing some stores is the growth in e-commerce sales. Shoppers can order items online and pick them up at their nearest Walmart store. Still, Walmart plans to continue building supercenters that range from 100,000 square feet to 180,000 square feet. The bigger stores will be built in locations where vehicle and shopper numbers are high. One concern with the Ashlan and Blackstone location is an adequate number of parking spaces. Walmart shares the parking lot with other tenants in the shopping center. However, Steve Rontell, broker with Colliers International in Fresno, said the other tenants, including a furniture store and Petco store, are not heavy users of the lot. Also, an El Pollo Loco restaurant at Ashlan and Blackstone avenues has its own parking area, Rontell said. In addition, the new Walmart will have parking in the rear of the store for employees, said Rontell, who represented the landlord in the lease transaction. “We believe there is sufficient parking to serve our customers,” said Delia Garcia, director of communications for Walmart. The supercenter will employ approximately 250 workers on a full and part time basis. Average hourly pay is $13.08. Garcia said hourly employees would have the opportunity to work toward higher-paying management positions. A hiring center will open near the Ashlan and Blackstone avenues location in early summer, Walmart reported. Rontell said the deal with Walmart has been in the works for years. He said Walmart officials wanted to make sure the new store was not too close to other Walmart stores. Also, it had to pencil out in terms of attracting shoppers and potential sales. Smaller stores inquired about the space, but it was hoped the store would not have to be split up. “So Walmart was a good fit,” Rontell said. The Ochinero family of Fresno leased the Ashlan and Blackstone avenues property to Walmart. City officials were also pleased that Walmart decided to lease the space. “I’m so happy that Walmart picked Central Fresno,” said Clinton Olivier, city councilman for the 7th district. “I only see benefits.” Olivier said he is also glad Walmart is building a neighborhood store at Shields and Cedar avenues. Olivier added that in campaigning for reelection, he has not found any opposition to the stores. “I knock on doors and not one person has told me I am disappointed that Walmart is coming.” However, he pointed out that Walmart did not face public comment at a public hearing. Because Walmart is moving into an existing retail building, neither a hearing nor a permit from the city council or planning commission is required for the refurbishing projects. Still, the work is seen as a big improvement, considering the Mervyn’s store has been vacant for more than five years. “We welcome this private investment along the city’s major north-south commercial corridor,” said Ashley Swearengin, mayor of Fresno, in a release. “Projects like these, coupled with the city’s vision for improving Blackstone Avenue with public infrastructure will help give new life to this critical commercial corridor.” Some sprucing up at the location is also expected to discourage prostitution, gangs, crime and graffiti — all cited as problems in the area. Most of the work and expense in upgrading the Mervyn’s building has been in installing cold cases for perishable groceries, Garcia said. She said the exterior of the building would remain mostly the same, but would include new signage and decoration. Reeve-Knight Construction of Roseville is doing the refurbishing work. Along with food, the supercenter will carry value-priced general merchandise including apparel, electronics, toys and sporting goods. Food offerings include organic selections, fresh dairy and meat departments and fruits and vegetables. The store also features a pharmacy. “It will be one-stop shopping,” Garcia said. The Walmart Neighborhood Market at Shields and Cedar avenues will offer a full supermarket line of groceries along with some household products, pet supplies and pharmacy services. Fresno’s first neighborhood market opened near Herndon and Willow avenues in May 2013, followed by a Clovis location near Clovis and Shaw avenues in September 2013. Visalia received the Valley’s first neighborhood market in March 2013. Each store typically employs about 65 people. Garcia added that supercenters also have a positive impact on the community. They help to revitalize the area and bring back local shoppers, Garcia said. Also, businesses tend to invest in new stores once a strong anchor store is in place, she said. --- Walmart expansion in the Central Valley From large to small-format stores, Walmart has been on an aggressive growth path in the last year. 2015 Projected opening, new Fresno neighborhood market (3131 N. Cedar Ave.) Summer 2014 Projected opening, Fresno supercenter (4150 N. Blackstone Ave.) September 2013 Clovis neighborhood market opens. (1830 Shaw Ave.) August 2013 Kerman supercenter opens (4061 W. Whitesbridge Ave.) May 2013 Fresno’s first neighborhood market opens March 2013 Clovis supercenter opens (323 W. Shaw Ave.) March 2013 Visalia neighborhood market opens (1320 N Demaree St.)
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11597-walmart-growing-big-growing-small-in-fresno
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
Written by Chuck Harvey
Walmart believes a 107,000 square-foot former Mervyn’s location is a good fit for a Fresno supercenter as it kicks off a multimillion-dollar project to refurbish the interior of the store located at Ashlan and Blackstone avenues for a summer opening. The retail giant, now building smaller neighborhood stores as well, also likes the 41,000 square-foot size of the former Cedar Lanes bowling alley that it is refurbishing at the intersection of Shields and Cedar avenues in Fresno. Walmart expects good support for a supercenter and the smaller neighborhood Walmart market scheduled to open in 2015. One of the reasons it is downsizing some stores is the growth in e-commerce sales. Shoppers can order items online and pick them up at their nearest Walmart store. Still, Walmart plans to continue building supercenters that range from 100,000 square feet to 180,000 square feet. The bigger stores will be built in locations where vehicle and shopper numbers are high. One concern with the Ashlan and Blackstone location is an adequate number of parking spaces. Walmart shares the parking lot with other tenants in the shopping center. However, Steve Rontell, broker with Colliers International in Fresno, said the other tenants, including a furniture store and Petco store, are not heavy users of the lot. Also, an El Pollo Loco restaurant at Ashlan and Blackstone avenues has its own parking area, Rontell said. In addition, the new Walmart will have parking in the rear of the store for employees, said Rontell, who represented the landlord in the lease transaction. “We believe there is sufficient parking to serve our customers,” said Delia Garcia, director of communications for Walmart. The supercenter will employ approximately 250 workers on a full and part time basis. Average hourly pay is $13.08. Garcia said hourly employees would have the opportunity to work toward higher-paying management positions. A hiring center will open near the Ashlan and Blackstone avenues location in early summer, Walmart reported. Rontell said the deal with Walmart has been in the works for years. He said Walmart officials wanted to make sure the new store was not too close to other Walmart stores. Also, it had to pencil out in terms of attracting shoppers and potential sales. Smaller stores inquired about the space, but it was hoped the store would not have to be split up. “So Walmart was a good fit,” Rontell said. The Ochinero family of Fresno leased the Ashlan and Blackstone avenues property to Walmart. City officials were also pleased that Walmart decided to lease the space. “I’m so happy that Walmart picked Central Fresno,” said Clinton Olivier, city councilman for the 7th district. “I only see benefits.” Olivier said he is also glad Walmart is building a neighborhood store at Shields and Cedar avenues. Olivier added that in campaigning for reelection, he has not found any opposition to the stores. “I knock on doors and not one person has told me I am disappointed that Walmart is coming.” However, he pointed out that Walmart did not face public comment at a public hearing. Because Walmart is moving into an existing retail building, neither a hearing nor a permit from the city council or planning commission is required for the refurbishing projects. Still, the work is seen as a big improvement, considering the Mervyn’s store has been vacant for more than five years. “We welcome this private investment along the city’s major north-south commercial corridor,” said Ashley Swearengin, mayor of Fresno, in a release. “Projects like these, coupled with the city’s vision for improving Blackstone Avenue with public infrastructure will help give new life to this critical commercial corridor.” Some sprucing up at the location is also expected to discourage prostitution, gangs, crime and graffiti — all cited as problems in the area. Most of the work and expense in upgrading the Mervyn’s building has been in installing cold cases for perishable groceries, Garcia said. She said the exterior of the building would remain mostly the same, but would include new signage and decoration. Reeve-Knight Construction of Roseville is doing the refurbishing work. Along with food, the supercenter will carry value-priced general merchandise including apparel, electronics, toys and sporting goods. Food offerings include organic selections, fresh dairy and meat departments and fruits and vegetables. The store also features a pharmacy. “It will be one-stop shopping,” Garcia said. The Walmart Neighborhood Market at Shields and Cedar avenues will offer a full supermarket line of groceries along with some household products, pet supplies and pharmacy services. Fresno’s first neighborhood market opened near Herndon and Willow avenues in May 2013, followed by a Clovis location near Clovis and Shaw avenues in September 2013. Visalia received the Valley’s first neighborhood market in March 2013. Each store typically employs about 65 people. Garcia added that supercenters also have a positive impact on the community. They help to revitalize the area and bring back local shoppers, Garcia said. Also, businesses tend to invest in new stores once a strong anchor store is in place, she said. --- Walmart expansion in the Central Valley From large to small-format stores, Walmart has been on an aggressive growth path in the last year. 2015 Projected opening, new Fresno neighborhood market (3131 N. Cedar Ave.) Summer 2014 Projected opening, Fresno supercenter (4150 N. Blackstone Ave.) September 2013 Clovis neighborhood market opens. (1830 Shaw Ave.) August 2013 Kerman supercenter opens (4061 W. Whitesbridge Ave.) May 2013 Fresno’s first neighborhood market opens March 2013 Clovis supercenter opens (323 W. Shaw Ave.) March 2013 Visalia neighborhood market opens (1320 N Demaree St.)
URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/retail/11597-walmart-growing-big-growing-small-in-fresno
For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com
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