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PHOENIX-With plans to open more than 10 locations in the Valley, a San Jose, CA-based sandwich restaurateur has committed to 14,924 sf for its local distribution center. The 10-year pact carries a $765,000 payday for building owner, Rreef Funds Inc.

Lee's Sandwiches, recognized for fresh-baked baguettes, will move into 1858 E. Encanto Blvd. this month, says DJ Bean, a senior associate with Cutler Commercial who brokered the transaction. He says Lee's Sandwiches wanted to be close to its flagship store, which is also opening this month. "We had a couple of different locations we were considering," he says, adding the search for dry storage and cooler space started in November 2004.

Bean tells GlobeSt.com that Lee's Sandwiches came close to committing to another location, but the deal fell through. Lee's Sandwiches distribution lease takes the 82,000-sf building off Loop 101 to full. The warehouse is just a five-minute drive from its soon-to-open store, according to Bean.