From the Desk of the CEO
Over the past few years, the retail landscape has faced incredible challenges. From the pandemic to evolving consumer preferences and digital disruption, it often seemed like brick-and-mortar businesses were on the defensive. However, as we approach 2025, I’m thrilled to witness—and be part of—a tremendous rebound in physical retail, food and beverage (F&B), banking, and more.
At Stark Enterprises, we are seeing this resurgence firsthand. Crocker Park has welcomed several new tenants, including Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Macy’s, ERIEBANK, Bank of America, Original Steaks & Hoagies, and Océanne in the past few months alone. Each of these brands brings a unique energy to the property, reinforcing Crocker Park as a vibrant hub for commerce and community connection. Similarly, Eton Chagrin Boulevard has introduced Chopt Creative Salad Co., Fiamma, Zero Doubt Club, Cold Stone Creamery, and Planet Smoothie to its tenant mix. These additions showcase the diversity and dynamism that continue to make our properties attractive destinations.
This retail rebound isn’t happening in isolation. Macro-economic trends across the U.S. and micro-economic factors here in Ohio are creating fertile ground for physical locations to thrive.
Nationally, consumer spending has proven more resilient than many anticipated, even amid inflationary pressures and rising interest rates. People are prioritizing experiences, dining out, and in-person interactions—needs that brick-and-mortar businesses uniquely fulfill. This trend aligns with what we’re observing at our properties: dining, specialty retail, and health and wellness brands are expanding their footprints.
Regionally, Northeast Ohio is benefiting from its stable economy and growing appeal as an affordable place to live and do business. Cleveland, in particular, is seeing an influx of professionals and entrepreneurs seeking lower costs without sacrificing cultural and economic opportunities. This is reflected in the success of local businesses like Océanne at Crocker Park, which emphasizes the importance of community connection, as well as Zero Doubt Club at Eton, a wellness concept that supports holistic health—a key priority for today’s consumers.
As developers, we have a unique responsibility to foster this growth. At Stark Enterprises, our mission has always been to create great experiences, and that means developing spaces that meet the needs of both businesses and consumers. The demand for physical locations isn’t just a rebound; it’s an evolution. People want shopping centers and mixed-use properties to provide more than just retail—they expect vibrant destinations where they can work, play, dine, and connect.
Our role is to listen and adapt. Adding anchors like Macy’s alongside smaller, specialized tenants such as Fiamma and Original Steaks & Hoagies reflects this approach. We aim to cultivate tenant mixes that support local economic growth while meeting the needs of the communities we serve.
Brick-and-mortar is back, but it’s not just about recovery—it’s about reimagining what these spaces can be. As we continue to expand and adapt, I remain optimistic about the future of physical retail and F&B, particularly here in Ohio. There’s no substitute for the personal, tangible experiences that in-person spaces provide, and our properties will continue to lead the way in redefining how people engage with their communities.
We’re just getting started. 
Sincerely,
Ezra Stark
Chief Executive Officer
