RD Management Signs Lease with Earth Fare at Shady Oaks Shopping Center in Ocala, Florida

RD Management LLC, one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate development and management organizations, has entered into a lease agreement with natural and organic food retailer Earth Fare at its Shady Oaks Shopping Center in Ocala, Florida. Earth Fare will occupy 29,618 square feet of the 260,419-square-foot shopping center and is expected to open in spring 2017.

Since 1975, Earth Fare has distinguished itself as a leader in the healthy foods industry by developing a unique Food Philosophy that informs every product offered in the store. This Food Philosophy is exemplified by a rigorous set of Quality Standards, which ensures that all products sold are free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial fats and trans-fats, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, bleached or bromated flour, and are never administered antibiotics or growth hormones. The full list of unacceptable ingredients can be found on its Boot List. Every aisle of the new store will adhere to these standards so shoppers can easily make healthier choices, every day.

“Earth Fare offers an unparalleled selection of natural, organic, and healthy products that our shoppers can trust, and that is exactly what Ocala shoppers deserve and are missing,” said Earth Fare President and CEO Frank Scorpiniti. “We are looking forward to expanding our reach to the state of Florida, and becoming an integral part of the Ocala community.”

Shady Oaks Shopping Center is located at 2401-2499 SW 27th Avenue and College Road, in one of the highest-trafficked trade areas in Marion County. Situated on 25.5 acres, the center offers ample parking for shoppers and recently underwent a $2.2 million renovation, which included façade enhancements, improved parking lot configuration, and new tenant renovations. Earth Fare will join other newcomers Tuesday Morning, Mattress One, and Pushti Eyebrows.

“The completed renovations and continued efforts to bring new tenants to Shady Oaks demonstrate our commitment to providing the community with a diverse shopping experience,” said Richard Birdoff, principal and president of RD Management. “Earth Fare is a tremendous addition to the center that not only offers a unique product selection, but makes healthy living more accessible for Ocala residents.”

Shady Oaks Shopping Center is one of eight properties owned by RD Management across Florida, and one of more than 200 properties in its national portfolio. Other Florida properties RD Management has acquired, developed, and/or redeveloped include: Fern Park Plaza in Fern Park; Groves Shopping Center in Lakeland; Merchants Crossing in North Fort Myers; Seminole Centre in Sanford; and University Mall in Tampa.

Shady Oaks Shopping Center is leased exclusively through Front Street Commercial Real Estate Group. Those interested in leasing space at the center can contact Nick Robinson at (352) 512-0956 or nick@frontstreet.net.