by James Coulter
The retail recruiter who helped bring Slim Chickens and Panera Bread to Lake Wales may remain onboard with the city if their deal is renewed for $40,000.
At their workshop on Tues. Nov. 12, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed a consent agenda item regarding the proposed renewal of a deal with Retail Strategies, LLC. If approved, the agreement will be renewed for one year at $40,000.
Since entering into their initial agreement, the retail recruitment firm has “focused their recruitment on casual and full-service restaurants, coffee shops, and miscellaneous retail in the main corridors of Hwy. 27 and Hwy. 60,” wrote Assistant City Manager Deena Drumgo.
Garet Smitherman, Portfolio Director with Retail Strategies, during a teleconference call at the workshop, noted how his firm has actively sought new brands and maintained ongoing contact to attract more retail chains to Lake Wales.
Smitherman expressed his firm’s interest in the city’s economic development and growth, particularly regarding ongoing initiatives like the Walesbilt Hotel renovation, downtown streetscaping, and the proposed BMX park. These projects, he stated, would add market value and attract potential businesses to the area.
Commissioner Carol Gilespie asked which businesses the firm has already assisted in bringing to Lake Wales. Smitherman cited Panera Bread and Slim Chickens as examples, noting how both businesses generated $6.5 million in average sales, created more than 60 new jobs, and increased tax revenue by $65,000.
Commissioner Gilespie was not convinced, stating Lake Wales required a wider variety of retail businesses other than fast food outlets, especially those that already exist in surrounding cities. She contended that the City was turning into a “fast food Mecca” and doubted the company’s real contributions.
“I don’t think we want to be just a fast-food location,” she said. “I think you really need more variety in the brands you are appealing to…So, what really are you contributing?”
Smitherman emphasized that his company’s goal was not just to bring in more fast food, but to attract a diverse selection of retail chains. He noted how his firm has been communicating with numerous potential businesses interested in establishing themselves in Lake Wales and has been considering properties within the city for these enterprises.
“We are staying in continual communication with a number of these different brands to make sure we are effectively presenting the Lake Wales market in the most attractive way possible to bring these brands into the market,” Smitherman said.
Mayor Jack Hilligoss expressed his support for the company and his readiness to extend the agreement, noting that the collaboration has brought back millions in investments.
The agreement will be voted on, along with the rest of the consent agenda, at the next regular city commission, scheduled for Tues. Nov. 18 at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
