Want to sell your restaurant? What Restaurant Equipment do you own?
Want to sell your restaurant, and it’s time to create an equipment list? What Restaurant equipment do you own as a restaurant owner? This seems easy to answer, but most restaurant owners misunderstand what they own when leasing a restaurant space.
The landlord is responsible for creating a lease to protect their interest when leasing a restaurant space. The restaurant owner is responsible for reading the lease to understand the terms.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “ restaurant owners are shocked when they find out they don’t own any fixtures in the restaurant. The key items in a restaurant like the hood system, grease trap, sink compartments, walk-in coolers/freezers, and misc. Belong to the landlord”.
When selling a restaurant, a restaurant owner must create an equipment list to provide to interested buyers. The Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker requests an equipment list from restaurant owners ready to sell a restaurant before it goes on the market.
Restaurant owners are asked only to provide restaurant equipment that they own. The equipment list and details will differ from restaurant owner to owner, and restaurant owners unfamiliar with the language in their lease usually provide an incorrect equipment list.
A restaurant that is not profitable or closed will be listed as an Asset Sale. Selling a turn-key restaurant fully equipped as an Asset Sale is an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to create their own concept. Restaurant buyers will be curious to know the restaurant equipment involved in the sale.
The Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker creates an equipment checklist to consider:
Items Restaurant Owners should keep off an equipment list because they are attached to the building:
-Walk-in coolers
-Walk-in freezers
-Grease traps
-3 compartment sinks
-Hood system
-HVAC systems
-Tankless water heater
***Leased Items should not be added either***
-Fountain Drink Dispenser
–Dishwasher
–POS System
-Refrigeration, if provided by the vendor
This blog was written to help restaurant owners create an equipment list that reflects what they own and can be removed from the building. Next time when making an equipment list, restaurant owners should ask themselves do I own this equipment?
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or complimentary restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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What are the most demanding Restaurants to Sell
The most demanding restaurants to sell fall into three categories. Chef-driven restaurants, BBQ restaurants, and unprofitable restaurants or new openings. All three types of restaurants present considerable challenges when it’s time to sell a restaurant.
The cold hard fact is that only 30%-40% of restaurants listed for sale will sell to a new buyer. Some restaurant concepts are much easier to sell than others, depending on the skill level required.
Restaurant owners can improve their chances of selling if they understand the obstacles they will face while selling a restaurant.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “ when a buyer is thinking about purchasing a restaurant for sale, they should think about an exit strategy. Concepts like pizza restaurants, sub sandwich restaurants, or ice cream concepts have a large ready, able, willing buyer pool looking to buy.
Restaurant Broker list of challenges to selling a restaurant in each concept:
Cons: Chef-Driven Restaurants: Are usually started by a trained Chef
-The majority of restaurant buyers looking to purchase are not trained, Chefs
-The restaurant is usually branded with Chef’s name and goodwill
-Some locations don’t have a trained Sous Chef
-The consistency of the food can be a problem
-Most will not have recipes documented
Cons: BBQ Restaurants:
–The skill level required to produce an excellent product can be high
-Some cultures don’t eat pork products, so they would not be interested in buying a BBQ restaurant
– Everybody does not want to be a pit master
-Time required to cook meats
– Most will not have recipes documented unless it’s a franchise
Unprofitable restaurants or new openings- The most common phrase from Restaurant Owners is, “I just want my buildout cost or original investment back” it sounds good, but it’s not that simple.
Cons: Unprofitable Restaurants
-Not making money-buyers mainly want profitable restaurants
-Can be considered risky
-Buyers are more cautious when buying restaurants that are not profitable
-Most times, limited books and records are provided
-The new buyer will assume lease obligations
-Buyer is purchasing used equipment and leasehold improvements
Cons: New Buildout-open less than one year (Seller usually doesn’t get original build-out cost back when selling)
-Tenant is usually responsible for obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
-Many restaurant owners go over the original buildout cost
-Can take an extended time to open depending on supply and demand for supplies and contractors
-The “unknown” cost associated with a new buildout
-Tenants can be responsible for the following build cost before opening the doors
Installing a Hood System
Installing a Grease Trap
Installing new plumbing
Installing sinks
Building out bathrooms
Building outside seating
Installing walk-in coolers
-First, all Restaurant Sellers should understand that the landlord owns all leasehold improvements that are fixtures.
-Restaurant Valuations for new build-out locations is a challenge for a Restaurant Broker
**These restaurant segments were chosen from past experiences after 11 years of being a Restaurant Broker and specializing in selling restaurants only.**
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or complimentary restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Buying an existing restaurant to convert to a new concept
Buying an existing restaurant to convert to a new concept is an excellent way for a non-experienced restaurant owner and an experienced restaurateur to become a restaurant owner. The new buyers benefit from the hard work the current owner has experienced to build out the restaurant, open the restaurant, and maintain the restaurant.
An existing restaurant can be purchased to keep operating as the current concept or converted to a new one. The buyer who plans to convert an existing restaurant space to a new idea thinks about the deal differently than a buyer who keeps the concept the same.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “buying an existing restaurant for sale and converting to a new concept saves time to open the doors and money on the build-out cost.” It takes out some of the unknown cost that is usually associated with new restaurant openings”.
Restaurant Franchise Brands are buying Asset Sale Restaurants and converting the space to a new franchise opening for a fraction of the price of a completely new build-out.
Buying an existing restaurant doesn’t come with a checklist. EATS Broker Checklist provides a list of items to consider when purchasing an Existing Restaurant.
Converting Restaurant to New Concept: 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER
-Does the size of the kitchen work for your concept?
-What kitchen equipment currently installed will you use?
– Does the size of the grease trap work for your concept?
-Parking available for customers
-How long is the hood system?
-How much does new signage cost?
-How much will be painting the walls cost?
-Does the HVAC system work correctly?
-Can the new concept support the current lease and rent structure (rent should be only 4%-8% of total sales)
-Will the landlord approve the lease?
Items to have ready for the landlord to review:
Business Plan with three years forecast- Tell your Restaurant Story and why your new concept will succeed.
Personal Financial Statement
Copy of Menu-
Resume or Bio-explain how our past work experience will help you in the new role.
Proof of liquid assets-Bank Statement, 401K statement, or letter from your bank
Copy of Personal Tax Returns
Restaurant buyers that want to buy a restaurant and convert an existing restaurant to a new concept can see that a restaurant space has potential but needs the right idea!
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services, contact Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or by email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Selling your Franchise Restaurant
Are you thinking about selling your franchise restaurant in 2023? We have finished the Holiday season, and now it’s time to get ready to start a new year with new challenges. Some of the most seasoned restauranteurs, managers, and employees exited the restaurant industry in 2022.
The challenges of labor rate inflation, labor shortage, food inflation, and Covid relief funds no longer available will have some restaurant owners ready to sell in 2023. Selling a franchise restaurant has different challenges than selling an independently owned restaurant.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “selling a franchise restaurant is more complex than selling a non-franchise. Regarding Restaurant Franchise Resales, you are dealing with transfer fees, restaurant upgrades required, training requirements, and Franchisor approval”.
Selling a Franchise Restaurant vs. a Non-Franchise restaurant has pros and cons for each transaction. Franchise Restaurants’ popularity keeps growing, and more franchise restaurants are opening daily. Franchise resales usually get more buyer inquiries compared to non-franchise brands.
EATS Broker lists the differences between Selling a Franchise Restaurant vs. Non-Franchise -Pros and Cons.
Selling a Franchise Restaurant: Advantages
- Books and records are usually clean and accurate. Franchise Brands will require Franchisees to have an updated POS Sales System to track sales.
- Restaurant Valuations are usually higher because the multiple ranges from 2.5x-3.25 ex. ($100,000 profit x 2.5 = $250,000 listing price)
- Franchisees benefit from the Franchisor’s trade Name, logo, goodwill, and trademark secrets.
- Landlord approval for a lease assignment or a new lease can be more accessible. Landlords like having franchise brands in their shopping centers.
- Bank lending is more likely to be approved when applying to buy a Franchise Brand.
- Franchisors will provide training support to Franchisees. A Franchise Business Consultant offers ongoing support.
Selling a Franchise Restaurant: Disadvantages
- Franchise Royalties are collected weekly or monthly from the gross sales. Franchise royalties range from 3%-12%.
- National Marketing Fees are collected weekly or monthly from the gross sales. The fee ranges from 1%-5%
- A transfer Fee is required when a current Franchisee wants to sell a restaurant. The fee ranges from $5,000-$50,000, depending on the Franchise Brand.
- Required training for new franchisees can range from 2 weeks-12 weeks. Buyers are usually required to pay for travel and lodging.
- Remodel costs or upgrades can be required before a Franchisee can sell to a new buyer. These costs can range from $10,000-$200,000 or more.
- The Franchisor has to approve the new buyer.
- Preferred Vendors are usually in place, and Franchisees don’t have the flexibility to shop with other vendors.
Selling a Non-Franchise Restaurant: Advantages
- Fewer requirements to get a deal done
- Buyers don’t have extra fees when buying a franchise restaurant, like royalty or marketing fees.
- Don’t have to worry about Franchisor not approving the new buyer
- No training is required before a new buyer can take ownership
- Non-franchise restaurants transactions can closer quickly
- A new buyer can change the concept if the landlord approves
Selling a Non-Franchise Restaurant: Disadvantages
- Books and records have a better chance of not being accurate or don’t exist.
- Landlord approval for a lease assignment or new lease can be challenging if the new buyer doesn’t have restaurant experience.
- Restaurant Valuations are usually lower because the multiple ranges from 1.75x-2.5x ex. ($100,000 profit x 1.75 = $175,000 listing price)
- Training a new buyer is informal and sometimes not enough to ensure the new buyer will be successful. There usually is no ongoing support.
- Non-franchise brands don’t have goodwill and brand awareness.
- Most don’t have systems or manuals for food preparation, operational, staff, or back-of-house procedures.
Which is better depends on the individual that wants to sell a restaurant and the buyer. Both concepts have pros and cons that should be considered when buying or selling a restaurant.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or complimentary restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Restaurant Owner-Do you have an exit strategy?
A Restaurant Owner should start planning an exit strategy before signing the lease. Thinking about the exit strategy should be as important as planning for the opening. It’s a known fact that 80% of restaurants close within five years of opening their doors or has a change in ownership.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “Most restaurant owners EATS Broker talks with daily don’t have an exit strategy. The main deciding factors in selling a restaurant usually relate to partnership issues, divorce, health, debt issues, lack of sales, money, or just being tired.”
Restaurant Broker lists three critical things to consider when selling a restaurant and planning an exit strategy.
Lease Terms and Conditions-the ability for a restaurant owner to transfer the lease to a new buyer via lease assignment is a critical segment of the resale process. Most restaurant owners don’t understand the lease terms they sign and don’t know the requirement for an exit.
Clean Books and Records-When a Restaurant Broker list a restaurant for sale; we are only selling two things. It’s either selling a buyer a paycheck or used equipment. When buyers purchase a profitable restaurant for sale, they buy a “paycheck.” If the restaurant is not profitable, it’s considered an Asset Sale (used equipment). Profitable restaurants get the highest price valuation.
Reporting Financials to the IRS– It’s a known fact that restaurant owners write off many personal items and non-business related expenses on their tax returns or Profit and Loss statements. This strategy helps restaurant owners pay less in taxes.
Over-aggressive tax write-offs work if a restaurant owner is not trying to sell a restaurant. Restaurant Brokers would recommend that restaurant owners, 2-3 years before trying to sell a restaurant, keep clean and accurate books and records.
Franchise Requirements– When a restaurant owner that owns a Franchise brand wants to sell a restaurant, it’s different from an independently owned restaurant. The following are additional factors for owners to consider.
–Transfer Fee-how much is it?
–Training requirement- how long it the training and where training is conducted?
–Franchise approval process and requirements
–Restaurant Upgrades required- any major updates required soon?
–Franchise years left of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD)-how much is the renewal cost?
The Restaurant Business is one of the most demanding business segments to have success for an extended time. The ideal exit strategy helps the Restaurant Owner get into the right mindset about exiting the restaurant business and gives them a timeframe to think about.
Planning for an exit strategy is critical when trying to sell a restaurant. The Restaurant owner should consider what they plan to do after selling the restaurant.
EATS Broker is available to provide free, confidential restaurant valuations for all restaurant owners thinking about selling a restaurant.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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3 Challenges to Selling a Franchise Restaurant
Are you thinking about selling your franchise restaurant in 2023? This blog covers three Challenges to selling a franchise restaurant that every Franchisee will face.
We have finished the Holiday season, and now it’s time to get ready to start a new year with new challenges. Some of the most seasoned restauranteurs, managers, and employees exited the restaurant industry in 2022.
The challenges of labor inflation, labor shortage, food inflation, and burnout will have some franchise restaurant owners ready to sell in 2023. Selling a franchise restaurant has different challenges than selling an independently owned restaurant.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “most restaurant owners know what it takes to buy and open a franchise restaurant but don’t understand the challenges to exit. A Restaurant Resale Specialist understands the ins and outs of the franchise restaurant resale process.”
I currently hold the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) because I have always wanted to specialize in selling restaurant franchise resales”.
EATS Broker provides the 3 Challenges to Selling your Franchise Restaurant
1. Transfer Fee– Franchise Brands require a transfer free once the current Franchisee wants to resale their franchise. This fee can vary depending on the brand; they usually range from $5,000-$50,000 per location.
The buyer and seller will need to negotiate who pays the transfer fee. Eats Broker commonly sees the buyer paying the transfer fee, which covers a new buyer’s required training class/on-the-job training fee.
This transfer fee goes straight to the Franchisor and usually is non-negotiable. Franchisees can find out how much the transfer fee is by viewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
2. Store upgrades– Franchise brands will have requirements for Franchisees to keep locations up to current brand standards and upgrades. These upgrades can include new signage, chairs, tables, Point-of-sale (POS) system upgrade, equipment, building improvements, and more.
Required upgrades can range depending on the Franchise Brand; EATS Broker has seen the costs range from $1,000-$100,000. The Franchise Brand will send a Business Consultant to evaluate the location and equipment.
The Franchisee will be presented with a checklist of items that need to be fixed, repaired, or upgraded before a resale transfer can occur. The Franchisee can try to negotiate to have the buyer responsible for store upgrades after closing.
3. Training Requirements- Franchise Restaurant Brands have training requirements for new franchisees to complete before the sale. The training requirement can range from one to ten weeks, and the buyers must attend training before resale is complete.
Attending training can be a challenge if the activity is done in a different state than the restaurant location. Buyers must pay for travel, food, and lodging during this time, and some franchise brands need two people to attend the training.
Franchise Restaurant owners should understand the challenges they will face when it’s time to resell a franchise restaurant. Operating a Franchise Restaurant and trying to resell a restaurant are two different assignments; we recommend contacting a Restaurant Broker for help.
EATS Broker are Subject Matter Experts in Franchise Restaurant resales. Let us provide you with a complimentary Restaurant Valuation; contact us today at sales@eatsbroker.com or 404-993-4448.
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Why do Restaurant Brokers prequalify buyers
Why do Restaurant Brokers prequalify buyers before providing the restaurant name and financials? The answer is simple to protect the confidential information on the restaurant for sale. Restaurant buyers sometimes don’t understand the process of buying a restaurant and what’s involved. Many potential buyers understand they must first sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or confidentiality agreement.
After the Non-Disclosure Agreement (DNA) is signed, restaurant buyers expect instantly to get the name and financials of the restaurant for sale. Buyers sometimes will request a copy of tax returns, profit and loss statements, a copy of a lease, etc. A professional Restaurant Broker should now ask buyers to provide proof of funds once this occurs.
Why do Restaurant Brokers prequalify buyers? The short answer is that only 2% of buyers that inquire about a restaurant for sale will buy. A Restaurant Broker usually must communicate with 60-75 buyers before a restaurant is sold.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “we prequalify buyers by getting proof of funds in the form of a bank statement, brokerage statement, 401K, or letter from a banker before providing their name, address, and financials on our restaurant listings”.
EATS Broker reasons to qualify a buyer:
- To protect the confidentiality of the listing agreement, limit the number of buyers with the information on the listing.
- Ensure the buyer has enough liquid assets to be approved by the landlord.
- Ensure the buyer has enough liquid assets to be approved by the Franchisor.
- To confirm, buyers can put down 10%-20% for SBA lending
Protecting the confidentiality of our client’s listing is a top priority at EATS Broker. Once the buyer signs the non-disclosure agreement and submits proof of funds, we provide the name and financials of the restaurant for sale.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Bring your own bottle (BYOB). Is it good for restaurants?
Bring your own bottle (BYOB) policy can be good for restaurants, but it also has some significant downsides. If a restaurant has a BYOB policy, customers are allowed to bring their alcoholic beverage of choice to the restaurant. Strict licensing requirements and high taxes on alcohol sales have made the idea of restaurant owners to offer a Bring your own bottle (BYOB) popular.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “BYOB restaurants and bars are popular in Texas; this is a practice not commonly seen in Georgia, where I relocated from last year to Dallas, Texas. The concept of providing customers the freedom to BYOB is growing in cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Phoenix, and Dallas Fort Worth”.
EATS Broker provides a list of the pros and cons of owning a BYOB restaurant:
Pros:
-Does not require a state license to serve liquor (restaurant owners may have a beer and wine license). Restaurant owners can save money by not paying for a full liquor license.
-Can charge a corkage fee, usually, $3-$10 is the average cost, but the cost can go up to $20-35 depending on the city and state.
-Buyers tend to spend more money on food and desserts
-Customers like the freedom to bring their drink
-Can charge for glassware or mixture to compliment their drinks
-There are no statewide BYOB laws in Texas
-Less storage space is needed in the restaurant for liquor inventory
Cons:
-Liquor and cocktails are high-profit margin items on the menu
-When it’s time to sell the restaurant, BYOB concepts can be hard to resell to a buyer that prefers to have a full liquor license.
-Buyers can take advantage of the policy and order minimal food
-The server’s/waiters tips might be affected by lower check averages
-Customers can complain about the corkage fee
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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What are the Hardest Restaurants to Sell?
The Hardest Restaurants to Sell have several issues that make it difficult to sell a restaurant. The grim reality is that only 30%-40% of restaurants listed for sale will be sold to a new buyer. Why do some restaurants sell, and others don’t?
We’ve seen it all, but these two concepts we will focus on for this blog can be the hardest to sell:
Not Profitable or Losing Money: Asset Sales
Selling a restaurant that is not profitable or losing money yearly is challenging. These types of sales are called Asset Sales.
Buying an existing restaurant sold as an Asset Sale is a quick path to Restaurant Ownership. The previous seller has done the hard work of building the restaurant, dealing with contractors, getting the permits, negotiating the term on the lease, and establishing the location as a restaurant.
CONS:
-Buying a restaurant that is losing money is a liability
-Lease Assignment is usually involved when selling a restaurant; the current tenant has already negotiated the lease terms.
-Buying used restaurant equipment, leasehold improvements, and goodwill. It can be hard to estimate restaurant value and offer price.
Sellers usually are only interested in what they “want” or “need” for the restaurant. The problem is that buyers don’t care and only put a value on the Furniture, fixtures, Equipment, and goodwill.
Restaurant Broker Tip: The Seller should be ready to negotiate on terms. The seller might not get the sales price and terms they originally wanted when listing for sale. Restaurant owners should consider the money saved on monthly payments for the remainder of lease obligations.
Example – Monthly rent $7,000 per month x 36 months left on the lease as personal guarantor
$7,000 x 36 = $252,000 savings!
Chef-Driven Concept:
Starting a restaurant is a Chef’s dream to have the ability to use their culinary skills to create unbelievable dishes. Chefs are trained to stand for hours and work in an intensive working atmosphere. Several chef-driven concepts don’t have written recipes; they are all in the Chef’s head.
Many chefs will burn out and want to sell to someone who can work demanding shifts.
CONS:
– Hard to find a trained chef with liquid assets to buy the restaurant and qualify for lease assignment with the landlord.
– Only a tiny minority of buyers looking to buy a restaurant are comfortable cooking in a commercial kitchen or have the desire to cook.
– The lack of documented recipes creates a problem with consistency
– Takes a certain level of culinary training and experience to be successful
Restaurant Broker Tip: These restaurant owners need to consider the importance of having a trained Sous Chef. The Chef needs to be skilled enough to operate the kitchen like the owner. When a buyer knows that an experienced Chef will stay on board once the restaurant is sold, it provides a certain level of comfort.
The restaurant owners need to have documented recipes with measurements to ensure consistency.
When trying to sell a restaurant that can be considered some of the Hardest Restaurants to Sell, owners should have realistic expectations.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox of EATS Broker sells Lenny’s Subs & Grill
Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox of EATS Broker sells Lenny’s Subs & Grill in Humble, Texas. EATS Broker represented the seller and buyer for this transaction.
The seller had owned the location for 16 years before deciding to sell and retire. The new buyers are excited about the opportunity to own a restaurant in the United States. They were approved for an E-2 visa to purchase the franchise.
The E-2 Investor Visa allows an individual to enter and work in the United States based on an investment in a U.S. business. The E2 visa is valid for three months to five years and can be extended indefinitely. The investment must be “substantial,” although no legally defined minimum exists.
The city of Humble is home to some of the best-hidden gems in Texas. Rich in history, and located only 20 minutes from Houston, it’s known for the diverse community and family-friendly events and recreational areas.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “to see someone have the ability to purchase a restaurant in America.
Receive an E-2 visa and start living the American Dream of business ownership is one of the reasons I’m in the business”.
The buyers plan to upgrade the restaurant with some visual changes and work in the restaurant daily as the Owner/Operator. Multiple members of the family plan to work in the business. If you are in the area stop by to grab a sub!
The buyers were trained to operate the restaurant in Memphis, TN, at the headquarters for Lenny’s Grill and Subs.
EATS Broker would like to thank Lenny’s Subs and Grill franchise development department for all the help in getting this deal to the closing table. The Franchise Department team made the process simple.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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