Ever had that perfect space slip through your fingers? In this raw and revealing episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of a deal that went from "sure thing" to "sh*t canned" in a blink of an eye. It's a nail-biting journey through the trenches that'll definitely have you shouting advice at your speakers – complete with unexpected plot twists, funding f*ck ups, and a landlord who wasn't exactly sitting by the phone. If you've ever wondered why securing that perfect location feels like an emotional rollercoaster, this story exposes all the thrills, spills, and behind-the-scenes drama that never makes it into the lease agreement.

Key Conversations:

• Why timing is everything when dealing with NYC landlords (especially post-pandemic)• The funding delay domino effect that ruins more deals than you'd imagine• How competing concepts swoop in when you're stuck in decision paralysis• The crucial negotiation moments where everything change

💡 Actionable Takeaways:

• The "golden window" for making decisions in competitive markets
• How to keep landlords engaged when facing inevitable delays
• Alternative funding strategies when traditional methods move too slowly
• The communication approach that keeps deals alive during uncertainty

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• First-time restaurant operators navigating lease negotiations
• Franchisees expanding into competitive markets
• Restaurant groups looking to avoid costly real estate mistakes
• Anyone who's ever lost a perfect location and wondered why

• If you enjoyed this episode, can we ask a small but mighty favor? Taking 30 seconds to leave a review truly changes everything for an independent podcast like ours.

  Here's why: Each review not only makes our day (seriously, we screenshot and share them with the whole team), but it also helps new listeners discover Closed Monday when they're searching for restaurant growth content.

  The algorithm gods favor podcasts with active reviews, and your words help us climb those charts and reach more restaurant operators who could benefit from these conversations.

  Whether it's a quick star rating or a few words about what you found valuable, your review helps us continue bringing you these expert conversations week after week.

  Thank you for being part of our community. We're building something special here, and your support makes all the difference!

  Thanks,

  Kyle