Q&A: How Launch Utilizes Second-Gen Real Estate
As a forward-thinking brand, Launch Entertainment’s strategic and sustainable decision to repurpose existing commercial spaces for our franchise locations continues to set us apart as an innovative leader in the family entertainment industry.
Hear from John Day, a member of our experienced real estate team, on why Launch Entertainment chooses this approach and how it provides a win-win situation for both the company and its franchisees in the exclusive Q&A below:
What is tenant improvement, and how will Launch help me negotiate?
JD: Tenant improvement is an agreement between Launch and the landlord concerning the space we rent meeting the standards to start moving in equipment, or the landlord will compensate the tenant for any improvements needed.
Our experienced real estate team will be with you every step of the way, from tours to signing, helping you negotiate tenant improvement.
What is the ‘Amazon Effect?’
JD: The ‘Amazon Effect’ has led to the shutdown of many stores, but experiential entertainment, like we’ve built at Launch, is something families can’t recreate online. Plus, customers are willing to travel twice the distance to visit entertainment concepts compared to standard retail locations. With Launch, your business is Amazon-proof.
Will I be able to secure a location for my Launch? It seems like a lot of big box retailers are closing.
JD: Though the closing of some big box companies might lead you to believe this isn’t the best time to invest in Launch-sized real estate, the second-generation real estate market is hot right now! Landlords love the Launch name and its “eatertainment” value—our team can even help you compete for the right space for your Launch.
How much of the real estate negotiations will I be involved in?
JD: Though Launch handles negotiations between landlords and franchisees, we review everything with our franchise partners. We guide each franchisee from the bottom to the top of the mountain and provide them with all the tools they need to get their Launch up and running.
Launch Entertainment’s strategic use of second-generation real estate demonstrates our innovative thinking, adaptability, and dedication to creating a streamlined and efficient franchise development process. Join our thriving franchise network and capitalize on the growing demand for family-oriented entertainment!
About John Day
John began his real estate career in 2007. Before joining Venture, his real estate career took him all over the country. John started his career with Judge Fite Commercial, working Landlord and Tenant representation and land sales. In 2011, John switched sides of the business after being recruited by Spirit Halloween as the Senior Manager of Real Estate. John also spent time in-house as the Director of Real Estate at Tuesday Morning.
In 2017, John returned to brokerage with The Weitzman Group as Vice President of Portfolio Leasing, responsible for overseeing the leasing team for the JV Portfolio, formerly Cencor. John then took a master broker role representing Altitude Trampoline Park nationally. He played an integral role in the national placement strategy and site selection process for the franchisees, identifying over 500 big box locations throughout the country. John has seen almost every big box vacancy in the country—a fact that he is not sure if he is supposed to be proud of or slightly embarrassed.