Challenge
Gyu-KaKu is a chain of Japanese yakiniku restaurants specializing in Japanese barbecue. When Matthews™ was introduced to Gyu-KaKu, they did not have any national representation and struggled for a few years to find a location in Santa Monica, CA. The Matthews™ leasing team took on the challenge of helping find a Santa Monica site for the Client. Associate Nick Day and Senior Vice President and National Director Michael Pakravan represented Gyu-KaKu in their search.

Strategy
Leveraging market knowledge and current private-client relationships, Matthews™ was able to find an off-market opportunity at the corner of 3rd street and Arizona, otherwise known as Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade. The world-famous alfresco 3rd Street Promenade shopping experience includes national stores, name brand clothing, boutiques, and restaurants, all in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. The property is located on the 50-yard line of 3rd Street Promenade, features a wrap-around patio opportunity and over 45 feet of frontage to the promenade.

Results
After signing this location with Gyu-KaKu, Matthews™ has since obtained the exclusive right to represent Gyu-KaKu Corporate across the United States. This Santa Monica location also became the company’s west coast flagship location. Matthews™ has now brokered seven Gyu-KaKu transactions in high-profile locations such as San Francisco, San Jose, Austin, Orlando, Charlotte, San Diego, and Santa Monica. The Matthews™ team continues to work with Gyu-KaKu in its national expansion. Gyu-KaKu was recently named one of the Nation’s top growing restaurant chains to watch by National Restaurant News.