Universal CityWalk: seven years in one of Los Angeles' hardest locations

Why a destination location is different

Universal CityWalk is not a street corner. It is a managed destination next to a theme park, with its own landlord rules, its own approval process, and a large share of traffic from visitors rather than neighbors. That changes almost everything about opening and running a food business there.

More requirements, more red tape

Opening at CityWalk took far more requirements and approvals than opening anywhere on the street. On top of the usual city and health department process, a destination landlord has its own design standards, reviews, and rules for how and when work gets done. Each layer adds time, and each one has to be planned into the opening date from the start.

Everything costs more

Rent, buildout, and day to day operating costs all ran higher than at a street location. That is the trade for the traffic. A destination location only works if the plan accounts for the higher cost from the first spreadsheet, not after the lease is signed.

Who should consider a location like this

• Brands with a concept built for visitors and impulse purchases, not only regulars
• Owners with the capital to absorb a longer opening and higher costs
• Operators who are comfortable working inside a landlord's rules, not only the city's

For most first stores, a street location in the right neighborhood is the better start. A destination location makes sense once the brand and the operating model are proven. We help owners make that call before they sign.