CNBC: Fed Rate Cuts: A Game-Changer for Commercial Real Estate Investors or a Head Fake?

Peachtree Group CEO Greg Friedman discussing the effect of the Fed's recent rate cuts on the Commercial Real Estate market on CNBC's Fast Money.

The Federal Reserve's 50 basis points cut to the Fed funds rate in September has sparked fresh conversations about its impact on commercial real estate (CRE) investments. While there's optimism in some corners about a return to a lower rate environment, the bond market signals a different story, with long-term rates remaining high and inflation risks persisting. This is a good reminder that short-term rates, set by the Fed, and long-term rates, like the 10-yearTreasury, often move independently.

 

Today's higher rate environment reshapes the value fundamentals of CRE. The current 10-yearTreasury rate of around 4%—double the pre-2022 average—demands that CRE values recalibrate. Reports of a 20% drop in CRE values since 2022 peak levels require context; those valuations were rooted in a vastly different interest rate environment. Today’s scenario implies a slower growth trajectory, requiring investors to adapt to a "new game" of higher rates for longer.

 

Across CRE assets, different sectors respond to higher rates in distinct ways. Hotels, for example, benefit from solid demand as travel returns, while multifamily assets continue to show resilience despite refinancing pressures. Office assets, however, face significant stress due to both secular and rate-driven challenges.

 

Even as the Fed cuts rates, refinancing on previously low-rate debt presents ongoing challenges for CRE assets, especially those with upcoming maturity dates. Higher rates elevate the cost of debt and squeeze cash flows while impacting the overall asset valuations, placing additional stress.

Despite headwinds, the current environment offers unique opportunities to strategic, agile investors. While higher rates may drive down asset values, for those prepared to navigate today's market with moderate leverage and a forward-looking strategy, today's challenges can evolve into future tailwinds. As the Fed's recent moves signal a "higher for longer" era, CRE investors who adapt swiftly may find unprecedented opportunities, making this a prime moment for decisive action in commercial real estate.

 

See Peachtree Group’s CEO and Managing Principal, Greg Friedman discuss this topic on CNBC’s Fast Money.

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Peachtree Group Launches Restaurant Management Division

Peachtree announces Partnership with AdventHealth with First Licensed Starbucks Location in Orlando.

ATLANTA (SEPT 4, 2024) – Peachtree Group, a vertically integrated investment management firm, has launched a restaurant management division. Under the leadership of Daniel Puglisi, SVP of corporate operations for hospitality management, this division will focus on operating quick-service restaurants, starting with coffee shops.

This new venture underscores Peachtree Group's commitment to expanding its footprint in the hospitality industry, beginning with a high-profile partnership with AdventHealth and launching a Starbucks location in its AdventHealth Orlando hospital.

From left to right: Nikki Garcia (Food and Beverage Manager, Peachtree Group), Ashleigh De Otis (Starbucks Store Manager, Peachtree Group),Rob Deininger (CEO AdventHealth Orlando) and Dan Puglisi (SVP, Peachtree Group)

The U.S. Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market was valued at approximately$320 billion in 2023, encompassing major chains like McDonald's and smaller regional players. Coffee shops, including big names like Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and Dunkin', make up 12-15% of this market, contributing tens of billions in annual revenue.

"Since our founding in 2007, we have consistently grown by identifying inefficient markets and capitalizing on them to achieve strong returns and build sustainable businesses," said Greg Friedman, Peachtree Group’s managing principal and CEO. "The expansion into restaurants from our existing hospitality management capabilities was a natural evolution.  Our partnership with AdventHealth marks a significant milestone as we look to replicate this successful model across their network and other captive locations."

The Starbucks at AdventHealth Orlando is now open and is the first storeto be opened under this new division. It is strategically positioned within the hospital's flagship university campus, featuring a two-story glass storefronton a prominent corner. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance patient satisfaction and provide convenient, high-quality service to hospital visitors and staff.

Peachtree Group is also in discussions with other coffee franchise offerings and aims to extend its reach to high profile or high demand markets with captive audiences. The goal is to establish a robust portfolio of high-profile quick-service coffee shop locations nationwide.

The new division will oversee all new and existing restaurant locations not within its own portfolio of hotels. This includes transitioning its downtown Orlando Starbucks location at its dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn andHome2 Suites by Hilton to the restaurant management division.

"Our commitment to excellence in service and operational efficiency sets us apart in the industry. By leveraging our extensive hospitality expertise and premium brand partnerships, we are able to deliver exceptional experiences to our customers and value to our landlord partners," Puglisi said.

This initiative follows a year-long development process, beginning with a lease agreement signed in August 2023 and construction commencing in February2024. Peachtree Group has toured several other AdventHealth campuses, laying the groundwork for future expansions.

Peachtree Group's strategic approach and customer service mindset have been key factors in securing this partnership. As other hospital systems observe the positive impact on AdventHealth's patient satisfaction scores and asset enhancement, Peachtree Group anticipates a growing demand for similar arrangements.

"We are excited about the potential to grow this venture rapidly, with an initial goal of reaching five stores as a beta test and ultimately aiming for 100 locations," Puglisi added. "Our focus is on hospitals, universities and other high-traffic, high-visibility locations where we can make the most significant impact."

About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.

Contact:

Charles Talbert

678-823-7683

ctalbert@peachtreegroup.com

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Peachtree Group Wins Multiple Marriott Select Brands Awards During Ceremony

Peachtree Group announced that it received multiple Marriott Select Brands (MSB) Awards during this year’s Marriott Select Brands Owner & Franchisee CONNECT Conference in Orlando, Fla., including Gold Circle winner, SpringHill Suites Dallas Rockwall, Texas

ATLANTA (July 2, 2024) – Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) announced that it received multiple Marriott Select Brands (MSB) Awards during this year’s Marriott Select Brands Owner & Franchisee CONNECT Conference in Orlando, Fla. The awards recognize hotels that demonstrate outstanding service, innovation and commitment to guest satisfaction.

“These awards are a testament to the exceptional work our hotel associates deliver every day,” said Steve Mackenzie, Peachtree’s senior vice president of operations, hospitality management. “These hotels have consistently excelled in guest and F&B satisfaction, setting a benchmark for unparalleled service, and we are proud to have them as part of the Peachtree family. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to our partners who entrust us with managing their properties. Their collaboration has been instrumental in achieving these accolades, showcasing our shared commitment to superior quality.”

The award winners include:

Platinum Circle

·        SpringHill Suites Lindale, Texas

Gold Circle

·        Fairfield Inn & Suites Gadsden, Alabama

·        SpringHill Suites Dallas Rockwall, Texas

·        TownePlace Suites Dallas Rockwall, Texas

Silver Circle

·        Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Plainfield, Indiana

·        SpringHill Suites Vero Beach, Florida

F&B Satisfaction

·        SpringHill Suites Lindale, Texas

“Every recipient of these awards embodies the essence of Peachtree’s mission, showcasing outstanding excellence, strong leadership and a relentless dedication to serving our guests, partners and communities,” said Shara Roddan, vice president of operations, hospitality management.

About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.