Valley Partnership has announced the topic for its upcoming monthly breakfast on Friday, August 28. This month’s program will feature an update on the Valley’s restaurant driven development, including a look at the underlying economic factors at play and how adaptive reuse has become a driver for development.

The panel will feature Matt Pool, owner of Matt’s Big Breakfast; Lorenzo Perez, owner of Venue Projects; and Buzz Gosnell, Owner of DWG Phoenix. Moderating the panel will be Chris Gerow, Senior Vice President at NAI Horizon.

Perez’s company is developer and builder of The Newton, a popular retail adaptive reuse project at Central and 3rd Avenues. It is home to Southern Rail and Changing Hands Bookstore. Pool’s Matt’s Big Breakfast is a Valley staple. The restaurateur is currently completing improvements on his third Phoenix location at 32nd Street and Camelback Road in the space previously occupied by Noca. DWG Phoenix, a strategic acquisition and redevelopment firm, is currently transforming the former Crown Imports building between Missouri Avenue and Bethany Home Road into an 18,000-square-foot restaurant and retail complex.

“Recently, the Valley has seen significant growth from the restaurant sector. As the local economy continues to improve and the population’s earning potential increases, there is greater opportunity for restaurateurs in the market,” said Cheryl Lombard, CEO and President of Valley Partnership.

“Many of these projects are also getting creative with their real estate and adaptive reuse has become an integral part of the Valley’s restaurant and retail development landscape. These types of projects not only spur economic growth and bring vibrancy to their communities, but they are also excellent examples of responsible development.”

Valley Partnership is pleased to have Arizona Senior Senator John McCain make a special appearance this month as well. The Senator will update partners on Congress and take questions from the audience.

“We are honored Senator McCain will be joining us this month,” Lombard continued. “As an advocacy group for the development community, Valley Partnership realizes our members have a stake in federal policy. Our organization prides itself on creating opportunities for partners to learn about issues affecting the business, development and commercial real estate communities. We appreciate policy leaders like Senator McCain taking the time to address our members and answer questions they may have.”

Alexander Building Company is the August breakfast sponsor.