Just over three years after the opening of destination grocer Wegman’s, Wake Forest’s Grove 98 is set to welcome its latest round of new businesses. Among those planning to occupy space at Grove 98’s northeast quadrant are dining concepts, personal care services and a big-box fitness facility.
The unveiling of Grove 98’s third phase comes as commercial space in the northwest quad is fully leased and operating. “Everything there is done and occupied and open for business,” says Mark Hebard, Senior Development Director for the Carolinas at Stiles Corporation, the Florida-based real estate company developing approximately 70-acres of the Grove-98 tract.
“We have some really good tenants there,” Hebard adds. Also attracting attention in the Phase II quad is the residential component. A 230-unit apartment complex known as The Lindley has been complete since last fall, with 133 units leased as of late June, Hebard reports.
Set to open later this year in the property’s final phase will be Five Guys, Lee Nails Spa, Dave’s Hot Chicken, BIBIBOP Asian Grill, Piada Italian Street Food, VIO Med Spa, and massage provider, The NOW.
A popular international chain featuring burgers, hot dogs and fries, Five Guys was founded in 1986 and is based in Alexandria, Virgina. It will be the private company’s 47th North Carolina location. Salads, flatbread sandwiches, and pasta bowls are popular items at Piada Italian Street Food, a young, growing fast-casual brand from Ohio. Piada serves dine-in and take-out meals, as well as catering. Hebard expects Five Guys and Piada will be open for business by the end of this year
Franchise nail salon Lee Nails Spa provides manicures, pedicures, artificial nails, and related services. VIO Med Spa provides specialty aesthetics and wellness services such as body contouring, skin rejuvenation, hydrofacials, and IV therapy. The Cleveland, Ohio-based franchise concept has 56 locations across the country, including four in North Carolina. Both businesses plan to open their doors to customer traffic in Q4 2024, Hebard says.
Dave’s Hot Chicken started in 2017 in a Hollywood, Florida parking lot with a little more than $900 and an Instagram page. It will be the fifth North Carolina location for the national chain, which serves chicken tenders and sandwiches with customized spice levels ranging from “Lite Mild” to “Reaper.” “I’m sure it’ll be a very popular spot,” Hebard says. BIBIBOP serves healthy, Korean-inspired meals centered on customized rice bowls, specialty sauces, and fruity beverages. The chain was founded in 2013 in Columbus, Ohio. Its Grove 98 location will be BIBIBOP’s second in North Carolina.
Founded in Los Angeles, The NOW creates “an oasis of relaxation” for its customers. In addition to a wide variety of massage treatments, NOW therapists provide guided sound baths, meditations, and tips for home-based stretching. The firm’s three other North Carolina locations are in Brier Creek, Raleigh’s North Hills district, and downtown Cary.
Hebard says two remaining spaces have letters of intent, and he expects leases to be signed this summer. Work also is commencing on an outparcel space along the eastern edge of Phase III that will become an Outback Steakhouse. The Australia-themed restaurant chain currently has over 1,000 locations worldwide. It is owned by Bloomin’ Brands [Nasdaq: BLMN], based in Tampa, Fla., where the first Outback Steakhouse launched in 1988. Hebard expects the restaurant to open by October 2025. A final, single-acre outparcel in the northeast quad will likely be developed for another food concept, with details on those plans becoming available later this summer.
Construction is about halfway done on another outparcel which will house O2 Fitness Clubs’ new Wake Forest location. Stiles Corp is not involved in the vertical construction of the 20,000-sq.-ft. building, Hebard says, though he estimates the destination gym will open in early 2025. O2 Fitness, launched in 2002, now has 18 locations in North Carolina and South Carolina. A unit of Raleigh-based MDO Holdings, the fitness chain offers personal training, group fitness classes, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and more.
The northeast quad will be Stiles Corp’s final phase at the well-traveled intersection of Dr. Calvin Jones Highway and Ligon Mill Road. “For the most part, Grove 98 proper will be completed,” Hebard says. He credits the Town of Wake Forest for helping keep the company’s vision on track. “Everything’s been up to par,” he says. “The Town has been accommodating to work with.”
Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Stiles is active in Florida’s major markets. In addition to Grove 98, the full-service real estate company also has projects in Nashville and Charlotte, where Hebard maintains an office. He says there are no current plans for other Triangle development projects, but that could change. “We’re always looking, but right now, there’s nothing definite,” he says.
“Grove 98 is adding significantly to Wake Forest’s inventory of high-end consumer businesses and national retail and restaurant brands. The result is convenient community amenities, new jobs, and expanded municipal tax-base,” says Jason Cannon, President of the Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership (WFBIP). “You can literally watch opportunity taking share at Grove 98 that’s going to benefit everyone here,” Cannon says. “Stiles Corporation is synonymous with upmarket commercial real estate development, and the fact that Wake Forest is on a par with Charlotte, Nashville, Orlando, and other high-growth destinations is something we are proud of here in Wake Forest. WFBIP will continue to support their success here, and we look forward to seeing more great things take shape at Grove 98.”
