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Kingman reports broad retail interest after trade shows; Hobby Lobby, Starbucks and BOSA Donuts nearing openings
Summary
City staff and Retail Coach told the commission that multiple national retailers and restaurants are in active discussions with Kingman; Hobby Lobby is holding hiring events and aims for a soft opening around July 18, Starbucks turnover is expected around Aug. 10, and BOSA Donuts is nearly ready and will include a drive‑thru.
City economic-development staff and Retail Coach Project Manager Caleb Wilson told the Kingman City Commission that the city is seeing strong interest from national retailers and restaurant operators following recent trade-show outreach.
Caleb Wilson said the Retail Coach–Kingman partnership is approaching the end of its initial three-year collaboration and that several national and regional brands have expressed serious interest. He described ongoing grocery conversations (one operator with an agreed term near Stockton Hill and another evaluating an I‑40 interchange site), interest from an organic-format grocer (no suitable site yet), and multiple casual and quick-service restaurant prospects. "There's a lot of interest in Kingman," Wilson said, adding that confidentiality constraints prevent naming many prospective brands in public.
Staff also summarized the city’s booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) event and related outreach. An ICSC presenter noted the booth increased awareness among retailers, developers and brokers and cited a direct connection between a family-entertainment franchisor and a local franchisee as an example of a lead generated at the show.
On local openings, staff reported Hobby Lobby is wrapping up construction, is conducting a hiring event and is aiming for an around-July-18 soft opening with plans to hire about 75 employees. Staff said BOSA Donuts is finishing buildout and will include a drive‑thru, and that the Starbucks development has resumed interior finishing with an expected turnover around Aug. 10.
Commissioners asked about Dine Brands conversions (dual-brand IHOP/Applebee’s) and whether Kingman could be part of that pipeline; staff said it is possible but no decision had been received from Dine Brands. Commissioners discussed conference attendance and encouraged staff to coordinate schedules and budgets for commissioner participation.
Staff emphasized that many retail recruitment conversations remain in early stages and that confidentiality often limits what staff can disclose in public meetings. Follow-up and tracking of leads were described as ongoing activities for the economic development team.
