More businesses plan to make 140 West home

Four businesses are slated to open in the 140 West Franklin development in the upcoming year, leaving room for only four more.

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar and Asian Restaurant, Gentlemen’s Corner and Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom will be opening locations in the mixed-use development in early 2014, while eyecarecenter will arrive in a few weeks.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill and Gigi’s Cupcakes already opened locations in 140 West earlier this year.

Shari Meltzer, director of marketing for Ram Realty Services, said the company is trying to create an ideal retail environment for the downtown area, so they have been very selective of their tenants.

“We could have filled the space already, but being mindful of the right fit has lengthened the process,” Meltzer said.

Above the retail area are condominiums, and 120 out of 140 have been sold, Meltzer said. She said it would be difficult to forecast when full leasing would be complete.

Gentlemen’s Corner, a high-end clothing boutique that has locations in Pinehurst, Wilmington and Palm Beach, Fla., plans to open its location in February 2014.

Bennett Gibson, who will manage the Chapel Hill location, said they wanted to open a store in a lively place where they would see a market.

“We aren’t a big store, but we will go the extra mile to provide everyone with what they need,” he said.

“We want to embrace the artistic and cultural lifestyle of Chapel Hill.”

Gibson said he was aware Franklin Street has a similar store — Julian’s — but he wants to reach out to more people.

He said the store is unique because it isn’t afraid to add vibrant colors to popular menswear styles.

Lime opened in 140 West in April, but the restaurant hasn’t seen the kind of traffic it hoped for.

“Business is not quite as good as we anticipated, but it’s still pretty good,” said Jason King, manager of Lime.

King said the majority of its daytime business comes from people who work on Franklin Street, and all business after 4 p.m. is 90 percent UNC students.

“There’s always good business in Chapel Hill,” King said.

Some 140 West newcomers aren’t coming from so far away.

Eyecarecenter will make its way to 140 West because its current home in University Square will be demolished in February 2015. The eye center plans to open at 140 West in December.

Amy Delp, who manages the Chapel Hill location, said she chose the close spot to retain their patient base of UNC students, faculty and people who visit UNC Hospitals.

“We wanted to stay on Franklin because we are currently the only eye care place on the street,” Delp said. “Plus, 140 West is a beautiful place.”

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