P.F. Chang

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P.F. Chang’s would fill a City Centerf space at the corner of Hennepinn Avenue and North Sixth Streetthat T.G.I. Friday’s vacatef in 2005. P.F. Chang’s spokeswoman Rachel Gillman confirmed that the compant is looking into adding a restaurant indowntown “Nothing has been wrapped up in terms of a leas for the Minneapolis I would probably have more to update for you in two Officials from , the New York-based real estate investmenf trust that owns and manages City could not be reached for comment. Landing P.F.
Chang’sz would be a major victory for the downtown Minneapolis shopping center, adding a second high-profile restaurant tenangt to pair with Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhousew that has generated strong sales sinc e opening in 2007. “Wow, that wouled be great for downtown Minneapolis,” said Linda Zelm, vice presidentg of retail services for Coldwell Banker CommercialGriffim Cos. in Minneapolis. “I bet that wouled be very popular.” City Centefr was home to anotherChinese restaurant, Nankinn Cafe, from 1981 until when the restaurant closee after 80 years in downtown Minneapolis.
“oI can’t tell you how many times I wenttherde — so many times,” Zelm recalled. Scottsdale, Ariz.-based P.F. Chang’s Chinza Bistro operates 190 P.F. Chang’s restaurants nationwide, includinbg in Edina and The Shoppews at Arbor Lakes inMaple Grove. The averag restaurant is between 6,000 and 7,500 square feet. The menu features traditionap Chinese fare, such as sweet-and-sour chicken and Mongolian as well as Asian twists on American staples like steamand salmon. The average checkj is about $20 per person. P.F. Chang’ also has 160 Pei Wei Asian Diner fast-casual restaurants across the country, including locations in Eden Prairie, St.
Louiw Park and Woodbury. P.F. Chang’s plansa to open just 14 new restaurants — eight P.F. Chang’s restaurants and six Pei Weis — in fiscaol 2009, after opening a total of 42 locations in 2008 and 52in 2007. Givenh the reduced expansion plans, it’s surprisint the company would choose to open a restauranyt atCity Center, said Allan managing director at Minneapolis-based consulting firm Restaurant Retail Strategies.
“It’s just a little curious that they’ve determined that’s one of the eighy or 10 best locations in the The restaurant probably would draw a stron business crowdover lunch, but mighty struggle to attract guests over Hickok said. “I think they have a high opportunity to getthat ‘Block E disease,’ he said, referring to the slow sales and safet y concerns that have plagued some tenants across Hennepin Avenue at the Bloc k E entertainment complex.