Power 100

BY THE EDITORS APRIL 20, 2016, 11 A.M.

98. David Firestein and Chase Welles (New)

Partners at SCG Retail

David Firestein has the Starbucks side of SCG Retail’s business—Chase Welles has the Whole Foods side. Together, they’re representing two of the most high-profile national tenants locally.

This week, Starbucks will be opening its smallest store (450 square feet) in the city, at the new underground concourse TurnStyle at Columbus Circle. It will be an express store, providing a streamlined coffee experience.

But the coffee giant also recently announced plans for a 20,000-square-foot roasting plant in the Meatpacking District, which “will be the largest Starbucks on the planet,” Mr. Firestein said, adding, “2016 is off to a great start. “

Mr. Welles is busy working on behalf of Whole Foods in New York City and Northern New Jersey.

Last year, the grocer unveiled a value-focused brand for millennials, called 365 by Whole Foods Market.

“We are still seeking sites and are actively negotiating in the city,” Mr. Welles said.

Another client of his in the city and the Hudson Vallley, LA Fitness, signed a 38,000-square-foot deal in Queens last year and recently opened. It “has been well-received by the community,” Mr. Welles said.

The most exciting part of the last 15 months (from a real estate perspective, as he got married on Jan. 30) “is working on Industry City in Sunset Park,” Mr. Welles said. “Working with the unbelievably creative indigenous Brooklyn retailers has reminded me that retail is supposed to be fun—by the people for the people.”

Some tenants he signed on at IC in 2015 Taco Mix, Burger Joint, Moore Brothers Wine Company and furniture store Roche Bobois with a short-term lease.—L.E.S.

Original article appeared here.