Here is a little insight into the fray between the developers of University Square and the owner of Dave's Hot Dog House, one of the last remaining tenants of the Arches shopping center. The owner of Dave's, David Cheren, is a retired lawyer. He's evidently playing hardball. The people who have leases in the building are obviously due fair compensation for being asked to move but I've gotta think this guy smells a golden opportunity to extort some considerable extra cash. His claim of future losses due to the lost opportunity of franchising sounds just like something a lawyer would say. He claims his ailing back and old age would keep him from restablishing the business elsewhere. Why that would preclude him from franchising makes no sense to me. Just because the original owner is no longer in business, doesn't mean franchises are not viable. Flimsy argument counselor!
Dave’s Dog House stands its ground against development
David Woodfill, Tribune
The owner of Dave’s Dog House restaurant said he’s become a lone wolf by refusing to close his business at the old Tempe Arches shopping center where a multimillion dollar mixed-use development is planned.
David Cheren has operated the East Coast-style hot dog eatery at 130 E. University Drive in Tempe for five years. He said his age and an ailing back prevent him from starting over at another location and that the project’s developers haven’t offered him fair compensation.
“It’s kind of like a poker game and who’s going to blink first,” he said.
Cheren said that while other businesses at the Arches on University Drive between Myrtle and Forest avenues have either relocated or negotiated deals with developers, he’s staying put with six years remaining on his lease.
Officials from University Square Investors LLC, a partnership between 3W Companies, Shea Commercial, Triyar Companies, did not return phone calls.
University Square is a planned 1.5-million-squarefoot, mixed use development to include offices, condos, retail businesses and a hotel.
The Arches, a fixture of student life near Arizona State University for 42 years, have been partially razed.
The buildings, recognizable for their slightly outdated facade of arched windows and faux-adobe slump block, has served as a revolving door for chain businesses and locally owned restaurants and shops since its construction in 1964.
Many of its businesses throughout the years have consisted of restaurants, coffeehouses and copy shops, all geared to ASU’s student population.
Cheren, a 69-year-old retired lawyer, said he has serious back problems and can’t start over from scratch at a new location and new clientele. He said he’ll be losing potentially lucrative franchising opportunities if he closes now.
Cheren, who would not say how much money he’s seeking from the company, said the company has tried forcing him out with no compensation by alleging he was in violation of his lease.
Chris Anaradian, Tempe’s development services manager, said he’s not concerned that the disagreement will stall construction.
“Nobody over here is panicking,” he said