JLL secures leases with Babe’s Smokehouse and Tavern

INDIO, CALIF., March 11, 2024 – Confirming strong demand for well-located retail space, JLL announced today that it has signed Babe’s Smokehouse and Tavern to a new lease for 2,275-square-feet of space with an additional 850-square-foot patio at Canopy at Citrus, a newly built 25,200 -square-foot retail center located at 49730 Jefferson Street in Indio, California. Founded by Donald Warren Callender of Marie Callender’s restaurant, Babe’s Smokehouse and Tavern restaurant is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year.

The signing of Babe’s Smokehouse and Tavern brings Canopy at Citrus to 100 percent leased. In the past 12 months, the center has added several new tenants including a modern, state-of-the-art Ralphs Fuel Center, Mechanics Bank, Chipotle, Coral Sushi, Ryan Ryan Fine Jewelry & Gift Bar, Modern Hippie Interiors, Jersey Mike’s, Cork & Fork, the desert’s long time hit Keedy’s Restaurant, and Sumo Dog. The Canopy is a new phase adjacent to the Ralphs and CVS anchored Citrus Plaza.

“Our plan has always been to create a unique experience with Canopy at Citrus where the community is excited about visiting and feels welcomed,” said Bob Lichter, of Lichter Equities and developer of the center. “Babe’s Smokehouse and Tavern is the perfect fit and final piece to creating a premier center for the fast growing region.”

JLL’s Brian Quinn represented the landlord Canopy, L.P., in the lease. The center is managed by Reef Real Estate Services.

"The retail industry continues to thrive with record low vacancy and continued demand from established and new restaurants and retailers," said Brian Quinn, JLL Senior Vice President. “Premier centers like Canopy at Citrus are benefiting from strong demographics and continued residential growth.”

According to JLL’s United States Retail Outlook, vacancy currently sits at four percent, the lowest since 2007 with rents continuing to rise.