At NewMark Merrill, we believe the American Dream thrives in the people who bring ambition, care, and character to our shopping centers each day. More than 65% of our tenants are local entrepreneurs — innovators, risk-takers, and visionaries who reflect perseverance, creativity, and purpose. Alongside them are dedicated store managers whose leadership, pride of ownership, and commitment help their businesses grow and their communities prosper. We are proud to support both with the platform, resources, and partnership they need to make a lasting impact.
From family-owned restaurants and first-time retailers to established brands led by passionate managers, these businesses are the heartbeat of our centers. Their dedication creates jobs, strengthens local economies, and transforms everyday spaces into vibrant community destinations. We stand beside them through every challenge and success because when the people behind our businesses thrive, our communities do too.
Here are some of their unique stories:
Carlos Villasenor
Villa Corona • Nut Tree • Vacaville, CA
I grew up in this business, it’s what I know, and I enjoy it. If you’re going to start a business, make sure you do your research and find something you love.
Robert & Anthony Lira
Grocery Outlet • Norwalk Town Square • Norwalk, CA
Times are tough. We wanted to give Norwalk a good shopping experience, great environment and have money left over.
Cara Sun
Scenthound • Piazza Carmel • San Diego, CA
NewMark Merrill has been fantastic to work with through th4e leasing process to working with them over the past 3 years. They are very supportive, very responsive. I also do appreciate all the marketing events that they host.
Kelly Chuong
Hot Pot Spot • Village at the Peaks • Longmont, CO
NewMark Merrill creates a lot of event out on the Lawn which brings customer in.
Scott Whidden
Fentons Creamery • Nut Tree Plaza • Vacaville, CA
Nut Tree wanted Fentons Creamery to have its place as the Nut Tree restaurant… and with me having known it as a child, we wanted to be part of that magic.
The NewMark Merrill people are experienced and professional, and they’ve helped us enhance our business by sharing with us industry data that otherwise we wouldn’t have access to.
Amy Sun
Super Dumpling • Piazza Carmel • San Diego, CA
NewMark Merrill brings a lot of people to us because when we open, just a few people know abut us, and when customers come for events, they stay and eat.
Master Ben
Elite Tae Kwon Do Center • Anaheim Town Square • Anaheim, CA
Our goal is bigger than teaching Tae Kwon Do — it’s about building confidence, character, and community.
Sandra Nava & Eddie Chie
Sistar Beauty • Winston Plaza • Melrose Park, IL
Starting with the construction and build-out process to co-promoting our Grand Opening celebration, the continuous marketing support like online promotions and special events from NewMark Merrill has helped us drive traffic to our store.
