Kona Grill, Inc. has become the first restaurant to sign a lease at MetWest International, a mixed-use development in the Westshore area. Florida Retail Partners President Kalyn Brandewie negotiated the transaction on behalf of the owner, MetLife. Kona Grill, Inc. will open a 7,500 square foot restaurant in 2009 at the main entrance of the retail village at MetWest International which is located across from Tampa International Airport and International Plaza. Kona Grill (NASDAQ: KONA) is an American grill and sushi bar that has won over 50 awards in many categories including Best Grill, Best Happy Hour, Best Sushi, and more.
“Kona Grill is exactly the type of retail tenant we are looking for,” said Chuck Davis, regional director of MetLife’s Tampa real estate investment office. “It’s a new name to the Tampa Bay market with a dining concept sure to appeal to the surrounding business community as well as local residents.” |
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“Opening our doors at MetWest International is an exciting opportunity and a natural fit for Kona Grill. Located near the airport and International Plaza, this is a highly desirable location. Our goal is to provide both office tenants and retail shoppers with a fresh, enjoyable dining experience,” said Kona Grill Chief Operating Officer Jason Merritt.
Not only does Kona Grill benefit from a location in the desirable, centrally-located Westshore area, it complements MetWest’s appealing mix of amenities. Once completed, MetWest will have a number of pedestrian-accessible amenities and a mix of retail, office, hotel, and residential space that will appeal to a broad group of businesses and individuals. “With Kona Grill and Skanska USA Building, Inc. we are well on our way to attracting the type of notable tenants that set this development apart,” according to Davis.
MetLife is redeveloping the 32-acre MetWest International into a mixed-use center. The transformation of the site is happening in phases, with infrastructure and the first office building slated to open in January of 2009, and the retail village in the first quarter of 2009. The hotel is currently in the design phase, and the two later phase office buildings will be started as demand dictates. |
