Open Strong: The Complete Guide to Leasing Commercial Space for Restaurants and Retail Operators

“Open Strong is a must-read for any business owner preparing to open a brick-and-mortar location—and a proven launchpad for entrepreneurs ready to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.”
—Larry Feldman, Serial Entrepreneur and Former CEO of SUBWAY Development of Washington

The wrong lease can ruin a great business. The right one can power years of success.

Cut through the confusion, jargon, and guesswork that sink too many great businesses before their doors ever open.

With 30-plus years of dealmaking spanning thousands of leases and hundreds of restaurant and retail launches, veteran expert John M. Rodgers gives you the clarity and real-world insight you need to move through each step of the leasing process.

Step by step, you’ll learn how to spot issues early, ask the right questions, avoid common pitfalls, and negotiate terms that set you up for long-term success.

From site selection to Letters of Intent, buildouts, and lease terms, this no-nonsense guide turns an overwhelming process into clear, strategic action—so you can lease smart, launch well, and open strong.

John M. Rodgers is a commercial real estate expert with more than 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and franchise owners choose, lease, and launch successful business locations.As the former Vice President of Real Estate and Development for Subway(R) of South Florida, he personally identified hundreds of profitable sites, negotiated thousands of leases, and helped build one of the world's largest and most successful franchise brands.Today, through his consulting work, online courses, and books, John teaches business owners how to approach commercial real estate with strategy, confidence, and a healthy dose of humor-turning complex decisions into practical, real-world steps.

Lesley Marlo is a writer, editor, and ghostwriter specializing in helping experts turn their ideas and experience into compelling books. Through her company, ExpertCopy, she has helped dozens of first-time and established authors publish books that have gone on to become bestsellers and award winners. She is also an award-winning marketing professional.