Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. signed a lease with the Monrovia, Calif.-based niche grocery store chain and is gearing up to submit a plan to Orange County for the $12 million Parkside at Dr. Phillips boutique retail center on Sand Lake Road.
Unicorp President Chuck Whittall said his firm bought the 2.6-acre site that houses the now-shuttered River of Life Church. He said the county could finalize its approvals for the project early next year and his goal is to open the new Trader Joe’s store by third-quarte 2014.
The 15,500-square-foot center will include the 12,500-square-foot market as well as a 3,000-square-foot chef-driven independent restaurant. Whittall said he’s close to finalizing a deal with a restaurant group and chef to run the eatery.
You can read the whole article in the Orlando Business Journal: