JLL signs two new restaurant leases at Potomac Place

POTOMAC, MD – November 11, 2024 - JLL’s Mid Atlantic Retail Group announced two new restaurant leases at the Zuckerman Gravely-owned shopping center, Potomac Place, in Potomac, Maryland. Cava Mezze Group will open a new concept in 2025 in the former Renatos space and Duke’s Grocery, in its first venture outside the District, will replace the former Lock 72, and will open imminently.

“As a resident of Potomac, I am particularly enthusiastic about the addition of these two new restaurants,” stated Andy Corno, Managing Director, JLL. “This marks a significant step in the evolution of this cherished community hub. Potomac Place is the heart and soul of our neighborhood, and while we have fond memories of the restaurants that previously occupied these spaces, we eagerly anticipate this next chapter with an opportunity to support these new, homegrown restaurants. We warmly welcome Duke’s Grocery, and a brand new concept from the founders of Cava here.”

Cava Mezza Group, which has been growing rapidly since its local inception in 2006, will place a brand new concept in Potomac, offering “Italian-inspired cuisine in the heart of Potomac, the Cava founders bring a Mediterranean touch to their dishes, using the freshest ingredients and drawing from the Italian coastline, where mountains meet the sea. Led by Chef Aris Tsekouras, who also oversees Julii, Melina, and Bouboulina, the menu will feature fresh crudo, classic Italian meatballs, fried mushroom polenta, handmade pastas, burrata, and the ever-popular chicken parmesan,” according to Ted Xenohristos, Founder & Chief Concept Officer, Cava.

Duke’s Grocery, A DC-based British-style gastropub with several locations within the District most notably known for one of the best burgers in D.C., will feature a regularly updated menu, offering dishes made from scratch, sandwiches, salads, and full service bar featuring cocktails and beer and wine.

Suburban retail real estate options are in low supply. According to JLL research, retail has an average vacancy of only 4.3 percent. “Core grocery-anchored shopping centers like Potomac Place are thriving right now,” added Corno. “Businesses are growing and expanding. That, coupled with a lack of new supply, is what’s driving value to our shopping centers. We are really pleased with how these deals came together and the new future of Potomac, MD.”

JLL’s Andy Corno, represented Zuckerman Gravely and CBRE’s Kelly Silverman represented Cava Mezza Group and Miller Walker’s Alex Walker represented Duke’s Grocery in the transactions.

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