The ability to assist in restaurant development was, in fact, one reason why Gibson left his former job as development director with Dallas-based Metromedia Restaurants. "Having done this as long as I have, I think I've gotten good insight as to what the needs are from a restaurateur's point of view as it relates to market planning, deal structure, site planning and managing a pipeline on the tenant side," Gibson says. He adds his background allows him to help identify what should be done "hopefully keep a lot of deals moving fast."

Though the Phoenix-based division is still in its early days, Cheatham says there is a great deal of interest in it. "One of the things we're seeing in the industry is a lot of pressure on restaurants and retailers to shave costs," he says. "If they can leverage their organization and streamline things, it gives them a competitive advantage. If they're going to outsource, they want to make sure they're getting the expertise and best-of-class service."

As a result, Gibson says his personal goal is to bring more attention and focus to the restaurant niche. "I'd want us to come in and to try to be a full-service, real estate services provider for restaurants of all types of sixes, from those in shopping centers to large pad users," he says.