The real estate market’s contraction - having finally made its way into commercial real estate prices - has been nothing but a good thing for eager Spicy Pickle (SPKL) franchisees. Early in November a couple of new leases were signed, and another one was just signed this week for a new location in San Antonio … the Texas town’s first.

At a point in the real estate crisis’ timeline it seems like nobody wants anything to do with real estate, Spicy Pickle’s people realize this is an opportunity to find new locations at very reasonable prices. Rent and lease terms weren’t as tenant-friendly as they were a year ago, and they’ll probably not be as tenant-friendly a year from now. For those who are willing and able, getting prime real estate now is going to be highly-advantageous in the long run. So, Spicy Pickle is basically making lemonade out of the economy’s lemons.

The San Antonio store will be located near the University Square shopping center on DeZevala Road, and should be opening in early 2009. That’s not the only new thing we heard from Spicy Pickle though…

Canada’s Bread Garden Urban Cafes - a wholly-owned group of restaurants located in and around Vancouver - is moving their Cloverdale store to a location with a drive-thru. It will be the first drive through for any Bread Garden or Spicy Pickle. But, if it works out well, the company may entertain the idea of adding more of them in the future. CEO Marc Geman thinks the company may be able to compete with other quick-service restaurants not just with speed, but also with menu choices (and quality) not available at other drive-thrus.

Note that Spicy Pickle’s initial growth plan from late last year, which was on hold for a while, appears to be getting back on track.

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