Empire Realty Group, LLC Specialized Services to the Restaurant & Retail Industry

Offering Fully Integrated Services That Align your Business Plans To Your Real Estate & Operations Needs.

Delivering The Total Concept Retailers and restaurant operators today need to be experts in sourcing and directing a myriad of players across functions to make the real estate, marketing, construction and operations end of their business work. That's something Empire Realty Group, LLC can remedy for its retail and restaurant clients who want to expand their business but face difficulty in doing so due to either a lack of resources, personnel, expertise, experience and/or time to get to that next level. Retailers and restaurants know that profitability doesn't just come from having good products and services. Having a great concept and growing a business has become more challenging today. Location and customer experience impact revenues while non-product costs like rents, CAM, repairs, maintenance, build out and renovations can make or break profit targets.

Our “One Stop Shop, Single Point Of Contact” approach is designed to get results….fast.

Our Services Real Estate: - Store Development Strategy - Market Analysis - Site Selection & Evaluation - Lease & Purchase Negotiations - Single, Franchisor, & Franchisee Rollout

Marketing: - Concept Development - Brand Projection & Growth

Construction: - Store Design - Permits & Entitlements, - Build, Renovate, Fit Out

Operations: - Consulting - Vendor Sourcing - Franchise Assistance

Need Help Opening More Stores?

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Lets Talk About Helping You Increase Business Empire Realty Group, LLC enables companies to overcome obstacles to growth through its experience and innovative approaches to planning and executing how many stores the client should open, where the clients next store should be, why it should be there, what will it look like, how long will it take to open, what it will need to open it, and how much it will cost because up to now, it hasn’t been a core component of your business.

Empire Realty Group, LLC is a leading retail tenant advisory services, retail real estate development and management company that provides restaurant operators and retailers with a comprehensive array of services that covers the entire real estate, marketing, construction and operations start up lifecycle. Empire serves entrepreneurial, local, regional, and national corporate clients throughout California with the primary goal of helping them project their brand, grow profits and sustainably increase returns on investment.

Our client oriented philosophy to these services has helped develop successful and flexible real estate solutions. The economic and logistical value provided through our unique, proven and innovative approach to commercial real estate transactions has established our company as one of the leading firms

representing restaurant and retail tenants with their respective real estate requirements.

Empire, led by Linnard Lane, was formed in 1995 by leading tenant representation real estate brokers and retail property development executives in Los Angeles and San Francisco who decided to form a different kind of company, one aimed at delivering a better scope of services to the retail industry covering California.

Since its inception, Empire has helped leading restaurant and retail companies such as Starbucks Coffee, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Payless ShoeSource, Jamba Juice, Peets Coffee, TGI Friday’s, Applebee’s and others locate, build, and open new stores across California. Our impressive growth, expertise, and market clout has resulted in the opening of over 138 new locations, all without compromising the core values that are the fundamental ingredient of our excellent track record.

Can You Help Me Expand? Where Do I Start? Previously, when a retailer or restaurant operator wanted to expand or establish themselves, they had to source out the different services separately with consultants or providers they hardly knew in areas they were unfamiliar with and

struggled with finding the time to coordinate and direct all these service providers while running an otherwise successful business. In other words, its like going to several different repair shops you’ve never used to service your car in a city you’ve never been to while you live in a different state.

We expanded our business to reach retail and restaurant operators like you who want to grow their business but haven’t yet done so due to either a lack of resources, personnel, expertise, systems, experience and/or the ability to devote the time necessary to get to that next level. We know from working with successful companies like Starbucks and Chipotle, how much time and attention to detail is required to open the right stores, in the right areas, at the right costs, and when. Large companies enjoy the luxury of employing in-house teams with resources and experience to project their brands growth that younger or smaller operators don’t have. That’s where Empire comes in to deliver you a competitive advantage.

One-Stop Shop, Single Point Of Contact

Empire alleviates that hassle, by offering a one-stop shop, single point of contact platform for retailers and restaurants looking to expand their business.

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MULTI-UNIT, FRANCHISEE AND F MULTI-UNIT, FRANCHISEE AND “Our goal is to find profitable retail opportunities that best represents our clients brand, negotiate the best possible terms and protect our client's interests”

Empire essentially acts as the clients outsourced real estate, marketing, and construction department that delivers a comprehensive range of services focused on increasing their Clients' profitability through real estate, marketing and construction decisions. Entrepreneurial retailers may currently rely on a trusted broker, a food service vendor, or a contractor for advice but to us, that’s just a piecemeal approach to growth.

Unless you have the time, resources and experience to tie that information together and process it into real results, you’re likely to achieve an outcome that’s more costly, time consuming, and inhibits profitable growth in the long run.

As the single point of contact, Empire possesses the ability, tools, and overall vision to coordinate and increase a retailers profitability by coordinating and scaling its clients business needs as a whole, just like its larger competition, thereby avoiding hidden or overlooked risks, reducing overall costs, and promoting healthy and sustained business growth. Up to now, this type of comprehensive service offering hasn’t been available to businesses with 10 stores or less.

Smart Growth

When Empire takes on a new Client-typically a company that is looking to expand into a trade area or across a series of trade areas in California, either by growing its existing base or penetrating a new market for the first time - Empire will come in, collaborate with the client to better understand its business, then develop a strategic plan utilizing its market knowledge, resources, and the most advanced mapping and marketing tools available in the industry. Once the strategy is defined and the client agrees, Empire then implements it on the company’s behalf by identifying profitable retail opportunities, securing locations that capture the target customer, and negotiating the best possible lease terms to protect our clients interests.

We possess the expertise to help tenants secure locations where real estate positioning impacts the revenues of the company.

Once a location is secured, Empire’s extensive infrastructure is then engaged to ensure that your brand is properly projected, the business terms of your lease have been aggressively negotiated, the plans, permits, signs, and construction come to fruition, the look, feel and layout of the store meets the budget and your expectations, and the store opens on time.

From there, Empire focuses on the client's entire facility infrastructure, making sure its properly articulated and executed while working on expense management and reduction throughout the term. Empire is involved in all aspects of the transactional side, whether the Client opts to lease or purchase a new location, renew locations, resize them or relocate them entirely.

Statewide Experience & Knowledge

Our vast knowledge and experience in local markets on a statewide basis allows us to apply economies of scale in virtually every market in California, saving time, driving profitability and reducing risk for our clients. As far as we’re concerned, a dollar of extra cost is a dollar of lost profits, knowing where, when, and whom to ask the right questions and managing the right answers prevents unexpected delays and costs before they become a problem.

Over the years, Empire has gained value in developing and maintaining a network of collaborative relationships with local brokers, Landlords, finance and banking professionals, regulators, architectural and engineering firms, consultants, contractors, and related organizations all over California.

“Empire’s mission is to empower retailers to do

what they do best, operate their business. Our team will handle everything else on the real estate, marketing, and construction side.”

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state is our specialty.

“Our primary goal is to support our retailers to do what they do best, operate their business without geographical limitations. Our team will handle everything else on the real estate, marketing, and construction side.”

Construction Management

So, Would You Like Some Permits To Go Along With That New Store or Restaurant?

One of the reasons clients come to us is that they found the process of obtaining permits to open their first business so time consuming, costly, bureaucratic, and aggravating, that it almost cost them their business before they even opened.

They’ve told us that with the related time delays, cost overruns, and frustration, they wouldn’t do it again or they’d hire someone else to do it.

“As the single point of contact, Empire possesses the ability and overall market vision to increase a retailers profitability by scaling its clients business as a whole promoting healthy and sustained business growth.”

Brand Projection

We understand the intricate tapestry and characteristics of different trade areas across California. Just as not every Client is the same, neither are its customers. Understanding where our Clients customers reside, how they shop, and advising how to reach them is our business.

We supplement our hands-on knowledge with access to the latest demographic and psychographic studies, surveys, and market mapping information. Helping our Clients build customer loyalty and project their brand in different markets is an art, not just a skill.

Maintaining good relationships with governing agencies, knowing which architectural and engineering consultants, general contractors, and sign companies to choose, what your build outs should cost in a given area, and then assembling the right team to build them anywhere in the

That’s where Empire Realty Group comes in, we create and deliver value by expediting the permit process, saving you not only time and money but also the hassle of trying to figure out which permits you’ll need and navigating the myriad of different agency protocols.

So you’re thinking of opening a café or restaurant in California? Here are five (5) departments you’ll need to work with in order to obtain the required administrative approvals and necessary building permits prior to construction:

1. Planning & Zoning 2. Health Dept. 3. Building & Safety 4. Fire Dept. 5. State Dept. of Alcoholic &

Beverage Control

1. Planning & Zoning -This department is usually the first stop for any new cafe or restaurant owner. The department checks your current zoning and confirms all of the allowed uses of your site. They review the exterior design of your building including awnings and proposed signage. They also identify the number of parking spaces required and any conditional use permits that may be required. Same applies if you’re a retail use.

2. Health - This department reviews your proposed kitchen equipment, standard operating procedures and even your menu. In addition, the Health Department may ask for you to obtain additional clearances from other local agencies. For example, in Los Angeles, if you have any type of oil or grease in your restaurant than you will be required to submit plans to the Industrial Waste Division of Public Works. This division will review your sewer grease protection and insure that the proper grease trap or grease interceptors are in place.

3. Building & Safety -This department reviews your construction documents for handicap accessibility (ADA) and checks all proposed architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements to insure that they meet current building code. They also review your project to see if it meets the new "green code".

4. Fire -The Fire Department's main function is to insure life safety. They review access points into the site and also insure safe escape paths are available in case of a fire or earthquake. The department is also responsible for approving all fire sprinkler and/or alarm system installations or improvements.

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MULTI-UNIT, FRANCHISEE AND F MULTI-UNIT, FRANCHISEE AND 5. State Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control - The State is only involved if you plan on serving and/or selling any type of alcoholic beverage. Administrative or Conditional Use Permit approvals may also be required on the City or County level, most commonly known as a "CUP". The State reviews your proposed hours of operation, the local crime rate and even the concentration of already issued alcohol permits in the neighborhood. They also perform background checks on all principals and ask to review business financials.

If any of this confuses you, I suggest you reach out to us for a feasibility analysis report prior to securing a lease. Our research will allow you or us to better negotiate your lease since the submittal requirements, processing time and associated costs will all be outlined for you. Empire Realty Group, LLC works with all of the above mentioned departments on a regular basis across the state and can assist with expediting the overall review time and get your store, restaurant or café open faster.

The Design and Construction Process

Now the Fun Part Begins

Throughout years of experience, Empire Realty Group’s team members have participated in organizations that challenged and expanded their depth of knowledge in the planning, processes, organization, solutions and execution necessary for today’s projects.

With this, Empire has gained value in developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with state and local regulators, architectural firms, engineers, consultants, contractors, and related organizations all over California, so much so we are proud to say its senior executives have led the completion of over 56 ground up shopping center developments and numerous chain store tenant improvement assignments. Once charged with the assignment to build your store, we have the experience to help you get it open on time and on budget.

Program Management Phase

Once our Client completes negotiations of their lease letter of intent with the Landlord, we go to work and prepare a detailed Site Survey to include:

• Performing an initial site inspection and assessment of the existing facilities

• Conducting code review, predevelopment site research, and environmental assessments

• Identifying agency contacts (all impacting jurisdictions and governing authorities)

• Confirming water, sewer, storm water, telephone/cable, electrical and gas utility services and fees

• Performing an economic feasibility analysis and preliminary project timeline

The Site Survey will also identify any unusual circumstances or permit procedures that will impact the store’s design development and construction phases, your physical and operational requirements, project budget, and store delivery timelines. Most restaurants and retailers often overlook this phase yet it’s probably the most critical. Identifying risks before you commit to substantial time, money, and lease obligations will enable the job to go much smoother. Our philosophy is simple, “80% of the work is done before construction ever begins.” That’s why we enjoy the reputation we have for on time and on budget delivery.

Ground Up or Interior Improvements

We’ll coordinate the job from plan check and permits, to construction bidding, build out and fixture installation, even your sign installation.

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Empire will work with the client to determine the optimal store layout based on space, merchandising, and cost considerations and establish creditable project cost budgets (hard and soft cost budgets through conceptual estimating). Empire will also select the design and consultant teams including the architects, engineers, interior designers and all other specialty consultants and direct these professionals throughout the design process to ensure that all store design elements are properly incorporated and efficient communication and coordination is maintained between the design team, Empire, and the client for budget adherence.

Pre-Construction Phase

Each store is unique and should be approached differently; whether it involves selecting a general contractor and managing the bid process, or acting on behalf of the client in a construction manager role. Empire will manage and secure all plans, permits and authorizations for construction including obtaining any conditional use permits and other zoning approvals, signage rights, meet with city/county officials and make presentations at public hearings to Planning Commissions, Design Review Boards, City Councils and neighborhood groups if necessary. Empire will manage the entire plan process from concept, through the design development set (initial estimates) to permit drawings and construction set for establishing the initial and final guaranteed maximum pricing. Empire will also assist the client in obtaining cost estimates, establishing a budget and maintaining the budget through project closeout. We believe cost control starts on the first day of design and ends when the client uses the facilities. Empire will manage the budget and schedules for the stores construction in addition to coordinating all construction activities through completion.

Construction Phase

Empire, through its trusted network, will source the best general and subcontractors to fit the jobs requirements and clients criteria. During the Construction Phase we’ll assist the client by conducting the bid process and negotiation of all bids from contractors for the stores construction and coordinate vendors for critical construction steps. Empire will also supervise the performance of all construction work, support the client with the installation of any furniture, fixtures and equipment, and oversee the general contractors field construction operations from ground breaking to certificate of occupancy issuance through periodic site meetings and inspections. Lastly, Empire will coordinate, process, manage, and supervise the general contractor and architects duties with respect to:

• Verifying all necessary bonds and insurance are in place before work starts • Information, Shop Drawings, Samples and Submittals to insure plan compliance • Change Order Management to the project’s scope, schedule and related costs • Testing, Inspection and Special Services • Progress Monitoring and Reporting • Process progress and final pay requests, invoices and lien releases • Performing Punch List inspection completion and obtaining all Building final

Inspections and Certificates of Occupancy

Project Close Out Phase

• Initial Start Up of equipment, • Providing final project review recapping layout • Delivering Operations and Maintenance Manuals, Warranties and Closeout

Documentation to the Client.

MULTI-UNIT, FRANCHISEE AND FRANCHISOR DEVELOPMENT

The business of opening restaurants is different than the business of running restaurants and that’s where many operators face the greatest risk, expense, and challenge; getting to the opening date. We have substantial market and operational knowledge to help you execute your multi unit goals or franchise expansion obligations. Many of the corporate restaurant and retailers we’ve worked with also have franchise components to their businesses. In fact, the most successful franchisors operate their own stores in addition to selling franchises as a means of keeping their concept and brand value relevant, extending brand recognition and profits, and monitoring the integrity of operations and the customer experience. As you know, franchisee and multi-unit area developer franchise agreements usually require the franchisee to open a pre-determined number of stores within a fixed time period, failure to meet your obligations can have serious consequences. We have the capabilities and resources to offer independent operators, franchisees and franchisors a solid value proposition by leveraging our services, personnel and experience to help you execute your business model obligations and hit your targets.

Now that your first store is a hit, Want to Open Another?

Need help with executing your commitments as a Franchisee or Franchisor?

Need to source new or better suppliers?

Need help with building or scaling up your operations infrastructure?

Because of our knowledge and provider resources, typically we can accomplish your expansion needs at a cost far less and in a shorter period of time than if you were to do it yourself. After 16 years of retail development experience in California, Empire removes the learning curve and stress of store development, the consequence of your taking time away from an otherwise existing profitable business, and reduces the associated cost risks to you and your business as a whole. Consider us your outsourced Real Estate, Marketing and Construction department without having to carry the overhead of one.

Franchise & Multi Unit Operator Business Support

We work with Multi Unit Operators and Franchisees to: • Develop a strategic plan for unit expansion clearly highlighting the requirements, obligations, and value proposition

for the operator and/or both the franchisor and the franchisee.

• Develop a detailed budget and implementation plan and then recruit and lead the team that will be responsible for program execution. If need be, we will coordinate our efforts with the Franchisor’s franchise department.

• Lead development of an end-to-end business process that is very operator/franchisee-friendly and is designed to reduce the time it takes to meet your store count obligations.

We work with Franchisors to:

• Analyze markets to identify franchise growth opportunities; find qualified and compatible franchising candidates, and skillfully lead prospects through the new franchisee process, including negotiation, due diligence and launch, all with the support of a team we will help recruit, if needed.

• Assist with recruiting personnel to oversee the franchise sales process including the handling of franchise leads, interviewing franchise candidates, evaluating franchise applications, and advise on awarding franchise contracts.

• Assist franchisees as they prepare to commence operations, and work with operations personnel to implement appropriate pre-opening training and support programs.

• Assist with franchise model development and deployment, the recruitment and recommendation of candidates with skill sets to manage the on-going operation of the franchise channel.

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(Continued) • Assist with sourcing suppliers in areas from packaging, non-proprietary food products, and vendors producing

proprietary recipe based food products under strict confidentiality agreements to maintain product integrity, managed commodity pricing and consistency of the customer experience.

• Assist with managing and recruiting personnel to oversee and implement their marketing and social media presence.

We also offer extended consulting services either through in-house personnel or trusted third party providers in areas such as:

1. Employee Sourcing & Team Development 2. Liquor Licensing 3. Equipment Leasing and Acquisition 4. Social Media Programs and Campaigns

Operations Consulting Keeping the customer experience relevant and your business competitive by recognizing and adjusting to changing trends is an essential key to ongoing success. Factors such as choosing the right business systems for running your operation, updating signage and store design, evaluating your product mix, even sourcing different suppliers could mean the difference in gaining 1.5% - 2.5% to the bottom line. We can help you do that. For example,

Are Your Business Systems Helping or Hurting You?

For example, with changes in laws and technological advances, are you sure you have the right equipment? The point-of-sale system (POS) isn’t just for ringing up sales any longer. More and more, restaurants and retailers are using POS systems to control everything from inventory to scheduling. But with so many options on the market, the challenge operators face is determining exactly what they need in a POS system. We can help you navigate the process of which system is right for you and the future growth of your operations.

Are You In Compliance?

Staying in compliance with government ordinances, imposed bank fees, and credit card security requirements all impact your bottom line. For example, do you know if you’re PCI Compliant? Since the five major credit card brands joined forces in 2004 to create the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI), merchants have been scrambling to make their systems PCI compliant or risk punitive sanctions by the credit card issuers.

Three Benefits of Using Empire Realty Group “Empire can increase speed to market, assist the client to create a strong ROI and decrease headaches”

Owning a restaurant seems like a dream come true to many, but it is easy to underestimate the amount of work involved. Some might think that becoming part of a franchise is simple, but navigating the company requirements with the realities of the leased space can be difficult. We believe 80% of a restaurant’s success is determined before you even open the doors. Empire can help streamline the process and ensure success.

Efficiency Finding the right location, knowledge of your market and competition, negotiating a lease, working with governing agencies to get your building, health, and alcohol permits, dealing with architects and contractors, getting equipment delivered, choosing furnishings and the myriad of other details that go into the development of a restaurant can be time-consuming.

Franchisees need to hire staff and coordinate permits and construction, market the restaurant, deal with loans and order inventory, all in a tight time frame. Empire and its team of specialist have the experience, contacts and a process in place to keep the pieces moving.

While an operator is busy hiring staff, perfecting recipes and getting the attention of customers, Empire is obtaining any necessary permits, overseeing construction and ensuring the restaurant meets all codes, such as being ADA compliant.

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Cost Start-up costs vary greatly, depending on the location and franchise. A safe estimate, according to a recent Forbes article, is at least $400,000 and maybe more to purchase the franchise, lease a space, purchase equipment and hire at least a minimal staff. Those costs can quickly balloon, however.

Empire has cost-savings measures in place that can help. For example, because Empire routinely works with reputable and experienced, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment vendors, it can ensure the best price possible when taking bids. During the construction phase, Empire employs a well developed set of control measures to monitor the stores budget and build out progress through delivery. In addition, Empire can help a franchisee focus on essentials, keeping costs down while ensuring that customer requirements are met.

In addition to savings, Empire can help an operator earn more. Because Empire handles the oversight of the permitting and build out process, it can ensure that deadlines are met and speed up the process of opening a restaurant. The faster a restaurant opens, of course, the sooner the operator can start taking in revenue.

The costs of opening a restaurant also extends to site location, negotiating the best lease terms, and the commonly overlooked practice of performing a site survey to uncover the “hidden costs” of leasing a particular location before they become surprises and lead to delays. Managing these costs properly can many times yield cost savings or lead to cost avoidance improving your ROI.

Location: No two locations or trade areas are exactly alike and picking the right site is more art form than science. Empire has the knowledge, relationships, and tools to advise you why one location may be better than another for your concept. We believe real estate serves as the platform to help you deliver the best customer experience and increase your top line sales.

Lease Negotiations: The principals of Empire have successfully negotiated hundred’s of restaurant and retail leases, its one of our specialties. We know what a favorable lease looks like and why. We add value for our clients by knowing how to structure a deal and what concessions and contributions to ask for. More importantly, how to negotiate and obtain the best business terms possible from your Landlord at the letter of intent stage before you begin to incur costly legal fees. We go way beyond just dollars and cents.

The Hidden Costs of Store Development: Once the site is selected, Empire conducts a site survey to help discover any potential costs that could ruin your budget or worse, make the location unfeasible, such as unusually high or cost prohibitive utility connection fees, legacy and/or non-code compliant building repairs that the city will require you to cure, or time consuming zoning issues just to name a few. Identifying risks and creating solutions before you commit to substantial time, money, and lease obligations will enable the job to go much smoother.

Experience

Opening a restaurant can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with a franchise that has very specific requirements for where it should be located, how a store looks, and how it operates. At Empire, we understand our chief mission is to help our clients extend their brand appeal in the environment that best suits their needs, and then help them implement and execute their strategy.

• Each restaurant, even those that are part of a franchise, is unique. Empire listens and responds to the specific needs of the client. We ask our operators who they want to serve, what type of neighborhood they want to locate in, and what kind of price point the operator wants to hit and how the operator wants the restaurant to be perceived. We have years of experience identifying and translating the life, energy, economics, and human dynamics of an area through the real estate that best delivers the optimal environment our retailers and restaurant concepts are seeking.

• Success to us is about doing a lot of little things right, not just about doing a few big things well. We’ve been fortunate to have been involved with some very talented and experienced architects and designers, food service professionals, and operators over the years, and still do. Through “in the field” market applications, we’ve learned valuable lessons of what works, what doesn’t, and why that still hold true today. We’ve worked with many corporate and franchise operations. We take the time to become familiar with the clients prototype and brand standards so we can make the build out process run smoothly.

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(Continued)

Experience

• Empire and its team members also know how to help an operator make the most of a restaurant space. Every square foot of a restaurant or retail operation has a cost associated with it—either with the build-out, or rent, or the maintenance of it. For example, we look at whether one piece of equipment could replace several others or you could have POS stations in different places to save servers steps. We advise our clients to frequently examine their overall sales per square foot and operating metrics. Examine benchmarks for sales per square foot averages and per seat on a category and time of day basis. It’s worth consulting with Empire before you build out a restaurant but you can also do this down the line if you’re already open.

• We know how important it is for our clients to tell their brand story in every location they have: who are you; what do you stand for. We work with our operators to help make sure every thing in your restaurant tells the brand promise, its personality, its positioning and the story. Every single item—even the quality of a fork—tells customers something about your brand and why they’re there. Don’t believe this matters? Just walk into any Starbucks, Chipotle, or Whole Foods, you can bet those customers are there for a reason.

• Restaurants are a unique type of establishment, with specific codes that need to be met. Navigating the relationship between franchisor and franchisee can be tricky, and using a firm like Empire who knows how to listen to both sides and find solutions is essential.

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Empire has the capabilities and resources to offer independent operators, franchisees and franchisors a solid value proposition by leveraging our services, personnel and experience to help you execute your business model obligations and hit your targets. Our fees are based on the assignment and the Clients needs. Although we recommend a comprehensive structure, we realize not all Clients require all of our services. Call us for a consultation, once we understand your needs, we’ll scale the services that align with your budget. We want to be your strategic growth partner.

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Empire’s Experience

Linnard Lane, Empire’s Managing Member, has over 30 years of extensive transactional and business experience in retail property development, site selection & acquisitions, market strategy & financial analysis, project feasibility, leasing, permits & entitlements, and construction management producing over 543,000 sq. ft. of lease transactions valued at more than $136 Million and the acquisition and development of over 130 shopping center and free standing retail properties.

Linnard began his career in retail development in 1981 for one of California’s largest retail real estate development companies, La Mancha Development Company based in Los Angeles. By 1984, as its Director of Real Estate for Southern California, he was personally involved in the acquisition, development, and leasing of over 74 shopping centers throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura County trade areas. In addition he supervised the leasing of over 223,000 sq. ft. of lease transactions and managed the company’s 54 shopping center portfolio covering 140 stores and directed all property management and lease administration department staff.

By mid 1985, after conducting local and statewide market analysis and trade area studies to identify new growth opportunities outside of Southern California, Linnard spearheaded the opening of and became La Mancha’s Northern California Division Manager directing all of its development activities including marketing, construction, leasing, and acquisitions producing over 45 new shopping centers covering approximately 288,000 sq. ft. and leases with Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, Little Caesars and Dominos Pizza, Barnes and Noble, 3Day Blinds, Payless Shoes, 7-11, Office Max, Kragen Auto among others. He also developed additional relationships with various local and county governmental agency members as well as a network of 3rd party leasing and Investment brokerage houses, general contractors, architects, escrow and title companies which he still maintains today.

In 1995, Linnard founded Empire along with one of the states largest and most successful retail tenant representation brokerages with offices in San Francisco, Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Diego creating a boutique real estate firm which has now grown into a full service commercial real estate company specializing in retail real estate development, leasing, property management and advisory services. Empire’s mission was and still is to facilitate the expansion of established national and regional lifestyle and urban infill retail and food service clients in the California marketplace.

Since Empire’s beginnings, Linnard has managed and participated in all phases of the store and shopping center development cycle for over 155,000 square feet of stores for Starbucks Coffee, FedEx Office, AT&T, Petco, TGI Fridays, Applebee’s, Addison Ave. Federal Credit Union, Wachovia Bank, Peets Coffee, Chipotle, Jamba Juice, Payless Shoe, and Taco Bell. He was also retained by the city of San Leandro and Union City redevelopment agencies to advise on downtown core developments and received the Design of Excellence award from the city of San Leandro for best adaptive reuse and the Cultural Heritage award from the Stockton City Council for its redevelopment project near the University of the Pacific. Linnard has also devised, participated in, and implemented aggressive multi-store roll out market penetration programs, and deployed innovative techniques to open multiple stores in high barrier to entry markets for Starbucks Coffee, Chipotle, and Noah’s Bagels. Empire developed a reputation, which it still enjoys today, as being the “go-to” company that restaurants and retailers rely upon for obtaining permits and on time/on budget store delivery anywhere in California.

Professional Affiliations:

Linnard's Professional affiliations have included International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC); has been an expert witness in the commercial real estate field for arbitration and mediation proceedings in California; and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, Lusk Graduate School for Real Estate Studies, John Shea Series.

Education:

Linnard received his B.S. degree in Psychology, Real Estate, and Business from Arizona State University in 1980. In addition, Linnard completed studies in the professional continuing education program at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Advanced Real Estate Finance and Restaurant Industry – Operations and Management.

For more information, please contact:

Linnard Lane Managing Member

Empire Realty Group, LLC 12100 Wilshire Blvd. 8th Fl.

Los Angeles, CA 90025 (310) 806-9380, (510) 588-4041 efax,

empirereal@sbcglobal.net