In a strategic move set to elevate commercial real estate across North Central Florida, Jason Hurst has recently joined CBRE, one of the world’s largest and most influential commercial real estate firms. After a successful decade with Colliers, Hurst’s transition to CBRE in July 2024 marks the start of a new chapter, one focused on expanding CBRE’s footprint and driving growth throughout Gainesville, Ocala, Tallahassee, and beyond.
Hurst’s specialization in landlord sales and leasing has already yielded notable success in Gainesville, where he’s played a key role in attracting new businesses and ensuring prime spaces remain vibrant and occupied. His work directly ties back to community growth, establishing an environment that nurtures Gainesville’s business landscape. His passion for real estate and community ties is evident, as he continually secures opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
Jason’s entrepreneurial spirit has roots in his past as the owner of Maple Street Biscuit in Gainesville, a beloved breakfast spot that he eventually sold to Cracker Barrel in 2022. This venture taught him the value of community-focused business, as he once shared a friendly rivalry with Luke’s Bagels, a small but popular bagel shop in Gainesville. After hearing that Luke, the original owner, was looking to step back from the family business, Hurst saw an opportunity to carry forward Luke’s legacy and transform it.
Hurst has ambitious plans for Luke’s Bagels, envisioning it as a brand that goes beyond breakfast. Working alongside food hall groups with locations in Orlando, Tallahassee, and Athens, Georgia, he plans to integrate Luke’s into these spaces with a unique twist: an all-day menu featuring inventive options like the after-hours pizza bagel. His 7-to-2 model, which expands bagel offerings to later in the day, is a departure from traditional breakfast-only schedules, and it signals a fresh approach to making Gainesville’s favorite morning spots accessible anytime. By taking a calculated risk, Jason aims to extend the accessibility and appeal of Luke’s Bagels, aligning it with the fast-paced lives of modern consumers.
Beyond his local focus, Hurst sees tremendous potential in neighboring markets like St. Johns County, Tallahassee, and Ocala, which are becoming increasingly attractive for commercial real estate. Recognizing the momentum in these areas, he has plans to expand his investment team into Jacksonville, highlighting his approach that success in real estate doesn’t require a singular focus. For Hurst, success is about pursuing what he loves most—building communities and fostering growth—across a diverse range of opportunities.
Jason Hurst’s journey from breakfast entrepreneur to one of CBRE’s rising commercial real estate stars exemplifies how passion, versatility, and a deep connection to community can drive meaningful impact. After speaking with Jason i understand that Success isn’t about sticking to one path—it’s about finding the thing you love so much that you’re willing to explore every avenue. Hurst’s story is one of reinvention and resilience, and with CBRE behind him, the possibilities for North Central Florida’s commercial landscape have never been brighter.