New to the state is Devon Seafood Grill, a four-unit upscale concept owned by Houlihan's Restaurants Inc. of Leawood, KS. Devon Seafood Grill has locations in Philadelphia, Chicago and Milwaukee, with Watters Creek slated to come on line as part of the first 10 in the US. The 68-acre Watters Creek, situated at the corner of US Hwy. 75 and Bethany Drive, is a joint venture project with Cleveland-based Developers Diversified Realty Corp. and New York City-based Coventry Real Estate Advisors, with Trademark in the driver's seat.

Also claiming a spot in line are Sephora, Vera Bradley, Chico's, White House|Black Market, Swoozies, Sunglass Hut, Starbucks and Cru. "We are making virtually every deal we want," Terry Montesi, CEO of the Fort Worth-based Trademark, tells GlobeSt.com. "We are attracting cream of the crop retail. It's putting us into very elite company as far as co-tenancy goes."

Even Starbucks has carved out a niche play, according to Montesi. The coffee king will have space in the public green with outdoor seating in a grove of trees, keeping company with restaurateurs Cru, a wine bar and bistro, and NAAN plus two others that are in the letters of intent stage.