Empire Center Shakes Up Retail Mix as New Tenants Move In

Empire Center is getting a makeover. The sprawling shopping complex on Empire Avenue has seen significant tenant turnover in recent months, with several longtime businesses closing their doors while new retailers and restaurants set up shop.

The most visible change? The former Payless ShoeSource space now houses Pressed Juicery, which opened its doors last month. The health-focused juice bar joins a growing trend of wellness-oriented businesses choosing Burbank as their next expansion market.

“We looked at several locations in the Valley, but Empire Center made the most sense,” said district manager Sarah Chen. “The foot traffic from Target and Best Buy customers, plus all the studio workers who live nearby – it’s exactly what we were looking for.”

The juice bar’s arrival comes as Empire Center landlord Regency Centers works to refresh the property’s tenant mix. Property manager David Rodriguez says they’re actively courting businesses that serve both families and the entertainment industry professionals who call Burbank home.

“We’re not just looking to fill spaces,” Rodriguez explained. “We want tenants who understand our community. Burbank shoppers are sophisticated – they work at Disney, Warner Bros, Netflix. They want quality options close to home.”

New Arrivals and Departures

Pressed Juicery isn’t the only newcomer. A Korean BBQ restaurant called Seoul Kitchen is preparing to open in the former Subway location near the theater, with soft opening planned for next month. The 2,400-square-foot space will feature tabletop grilling and a full bar.

Meanwhile, longtime tenant RadioShack finally closed its doors in September after nearly 15 years in the center. The electronics retailer’s 1,200-square-foot space remains vacant, though Rodriguez hints that “something exciting” is in the works.

“RadioShack served its purpose for many years, but retail has evolved,” he said. “We’re in talks with a tenant that would bring something completely different to the center.”

The biggest departure came earlier this year when Office Depot closed its 20,000-square-foot anchor space. The office supply giant’s exit left a significant hole in the center, both physically and financially. That space has been subdivided, with fitness concept F45 Training taking over 3,000 square feet at the corner.

“F45 is exactly the kind of tenant we want,” Rodriguez said. “High-energy, community-focused, and they draw people multiple times per week instead of just occasional shopping trips.”

Industry Challenges

The turnover at Empire Center reflects broader challenges facing retail real estate. Rising rents, changing shopping habits, and competition from online retailers have forced many traditional tenants to close locations or downsize.

Local commercial real estate broker Jennifer Walsh, who specializes in Burbank properties, says Empire Center is actually weathering the storm better than many shopping centers.

“Having Target and Best Buy as anchors provides stability,” Walsh explained. “Those stores drive consistent traffic, which makes the smaller spaces more valuable. Plus, Empire Center’s location between the studios and residential neighborhoods creates a built-in customer base.”

The center has also benefited from Burbank’s population growth. The city added nearly 2,000 new residents over the past five years, many of them young professionals working in entertainment. That demographic tends to favor experiences and convenience over traditional big-box retail.

Looking Forward

Several more changes are in the pipeline. The former Brookstone location is being converted into a combination nail salon and blow-dry bar called Glow Studio. Owner Maria Santos, who previously operated locations in Studio City and West Hollywood, says Burbank was a natural next step.

“I’ve been watching Burbank for years,” Santos said. “The demographics are perfect – working professionals who value their appearance but don’t want to drive to Beverly Hills or Santa Monica for quality services.”

The center is also adding its first dedicated coffee shop. Local roaster Groundwork Coffee will occupy 1,800 square feet near the AMC theater, creating what Rodriguez calls “an entertainment district” on that side of the property.

“We’re trying to create different zones within the center,” he explained. “Retail near the Target entrance, dining and entertainment near the theater, services and fitness scattered throughout.”

Community Impact

The changes haven’t gone unnoticed by regular shoppers. Burbank resident Tom Martinez, who lives in the nearby Rancho neighborhood, says he’s cautiously optimistic about the new tenants.

“I’ll miss RadioShack – bought a lot of cables there over the years,” Martinez said while leaving Target. “But I’m curious about that Korean place. We need more good restaurants around here.”

City economic development officials are pleased with the activity. Deputy City Manager Mark Scott notes that retail turnover, while disruptive in the short term, often signals a healthy, evolving marketplace.

“Empire Center serves as a community hub for that part of town,” Scott said. “Having property owners who actively work to maintain a strong tenant mix benefits everyone – residents, other businesses, the city’s tax base.”

The center’s evolution continues. Rodriguez says they’re in lease negotiations for the remaining vacant spaces, including a potential grocery concept that would complement the existing retailers.

“Retail is always changing,” he said. “Our job is to stay ahead of what the community wants and needs. Based on what we’re seeing with these new tenants, I think we’re on the right track.”

With Hollywood’s return to full production and Burbank’s continued growth, Empire Center appears positioned to adapt successfully to the changing retail landscape. For a shopping center that opened in 1999, staying relevant requires constant reinvention – something the property management team seems to understand.