What I Learned from Talking to America's Biggest Brands
Some brands lease everything. Some brands aim to own everything. And some toggle back and forth depending on who just took over the finance team.

Some brands lease everything. Some brands aim to own everything. And some toggle back and forth depending on who just took over the finance team.

Back in 2015, I was building Starbucks stores across the western U.S. At the time, the core and shell came in around $180 per square foot.

Founded in 2020, Back Nine is one of the fastest-growing franchise concepts in the country with more than 165 locations open or in development across 38 states.

Even fast-growing brands are making tough calls—scaling back in-house real estate teams, hitting pause on expansion, or cutting costs wherever possible. So what solution have they found?
Realm helps franchisees, multi-unit brands, developers, and business owners open new locations, starting with site selection and staying involved through grand opening.
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Some brands lease everything. Some brands aim to own everything. And some toggle back and forth depending on who just took over the finance team. ...more
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August 30, 2025•2 min read

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