by Matt Wright
Construction continues at a fast pace on Lakeland Town Square (also known as Lakeland Commons) and several recent retail announcements are helping form a more complete picture of the mixed-use project. The project, currently in phase one of construction, is located at Highway 70 and Seed Tick Rd.
Carson Claybrook, Vice President of Retail Brokerage Services for Cushman & Wakefield, told Lakeland Currents things slowed down over the last year for retail but they are seeing an increase in activity over the last several months. “We’ve been pleased with the leasing, especially during a pandemic,” Mr. Claybrook said, adding “retail is starting to bounce back and there’s pent up demand for services.”
Four official announcements were made last week about the first round of retailers opening this summer and fall. These include Margaritas Mexican Grill & Bar, Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse, The Exercise Coach, and Shades of Nails & Spa. All four are expected to be open by September 2021, possibly sooner.
Margaritas already have about 8 locations in West Tennessee and according to Mr. Claybrook, the owner of the restaurant, Jose Flores, lives in Lakeland. Phase one of the Lakeland Town Square project has space for 2 more restaurants and Mr. Claybrook said they are close to signing two more. He said he hopes to make announcements on those signings soon. That would mean 3 restaurants in phase one of the project, something many locals should be excited to hear. With the new Lakeland Prep High School under construction across the street, he said certain types of restaurants, like pizza and sandwich shops, certainly make sense but they are pursuing all possibilities.
This will be the second location for Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse, the other being located in Collierville. The Collierville location has become a popular spot and they offer a full selection of coffeehouse products. Mr. Claybrook also pointed out the owner of Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse also owns The Exercise Coach, a national personal training franchise. He wanted to bring both of his businesses to Lakeland and developers made sure both of the businesses will be located close to each other in Building number 3 of the development.
Shades of Nails & Spa will also be a nice addition and Lakeland will be their 3rd location.
Like most things in Lakeland right now, business is booming and Mr. Claybrook said retailers should hurry if they want to be involved in the project. “We don’t have much space left,” said Mr. Claybrook.
