Selling Your Restaurant: What Do You Need To Know?

Are you looking to sell your restaurant? It's not always easy. There are a lot of factors that can make selling your restaurant a difficult and complicated process. From finding qualified buyers to navigating the legal and financial complexities, selling a restaurant without professional help can be an uphill battle. So, what do you need to know before you put your restaurant on the market? This article breaks down the key elements of selling your restaurant.

Advertising and Promotion

The first step in selling your restaurant is getting the word out. Advertising and promoting your business will attract potential buyers, so be sure to highlight the key features of your business that make it attractive—such as its location, customer base, menu options, or unique atmosphere—in any advertising materials or listings.

Potential investors will also want to know the financial details of your business, such as annual revenues, expenses, and profits. So, have those numbers ready when these buyers inquire.

You may consider hiring a real estate agent or broker specializing in restaurants to help with marketing and promotion if needed. They can quickly get your business in front of the right people and maximize your chances of selling quickly.

Qualifying Buyers

Once you have attracted potential buyers, you still need to take a closer look at them. Take the time to thoroughly vet each prospective buyer by confirming their identity, reviewing their credit history, and verifying that they have adequate funds for a down payment as well as sufficient resources for ongoing operational costs like rent and staffing expenses. This will ensure that you only work with buyers who are prepared to take on the responsibility of running your restaurant.

You should also as follow-up questions about their experience running a business if that's something you believe is important. If the buyer lacks experience in this area, you may need to include provisions that require ongoing assistance or guidance.

Navigating Legalities

Selling a business involves dealing with various legal issues, including contracts, permits, licenses, and taxes. Before putting your restaurant up for sale, it's crucial that all paperwork is in order so potential buyers won't be turned off by any unexpected surprises once they take ownership of the business.

A real estate agent who specializes in such transactions can help guide you through this process if needed. They can also advise on how to structure the sale and payment plans and other legal matters that may arise during negotiations. 

Contact a local real estate service, such as Restaurant Business Broker, to learn more.