Time to sell your restaurant? How to defend your listing price
When it’s time to sell your Restaurant, how do you plan to defend your listing price? This question is excellent for anyone considering hiring a Restaurant Broker or For Sale by Owner.
It’s easy to think of a random number, list a restaurant for sale, and answer buyer inquiries. Selling a restaurant is like fishing; it’s time to make the catch when a customer is interested (a fish bite).
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “The Restaurant Story is an opportunity to help buyers visualize themselves as part of the story. An experienced Restaurant Broker will explain the Restaurant’s financial, staffing, liabilities, food cost, and startup story to interested buyers”.
The 3 rules of defending your listing price:
Rule #1
Tell your Restaurant Story: The number one question buyers ask a Restaurant Broker when inquiring about a restaurant for sale is, why are they selling? Once this happens, it’s time to tell the Restaurant Story.
The Restaurant story is the message/description of opportunities that should be provided to the buyer. Buyers want a background of the Restaurant’s current and past operations, growth opportunities, and why the restaurant owners are selling? It’s time to sell the “Sizzle” of the Restaurant to the buyer.
Each Restaurant will have a different Restaurant Story, but the core of the stories will be the same. They will include the total expense of the rent, labor, and cost of goods (COGS); these three categories should be 60%-70% of gross sales.
Rule #2
Clean Books and Records make a BIG difference: Good bookkeeping and accounting help the odds of a restaurant selling. Once the seller and the buyer agree to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the due diligence process starts.
Buyers will request several financial documents to verify the Restaurant’s operations and profitability.
The documents most requested from buyers include:
-Tax Returns
-Profit and Loss Statements
-Sales Tax Filings
-POS Sales Reports
-Franchise Royalty Reports
-Bank Statements
-W-2s for Owner/Operator or manager replacing an absentee owner
When it’s time to sell a restaurant, owners should check and verify all financial documents tell the same Restaurant Story. A Restaurant Owner can make or break a deal if the financials tell multiple stories. Buyers are looking at financials with suspicion and analyzing every line item.
Restaurant Broker Tip: The Restaurant Owner keeping two sets of books and records or cheating the IRS on tax payments will hurt the chances of your restaurant selling.
Rule #3
Repair and Maintenance-The lack of maintenance in a restaurant can hurt the chance of the Restaurant selling to a new buyer. Buyers will inspect the Restaurant and equipment for flaws and repairs needed.
A neglected restaurant appearance or broken equipment gives a buyer a great reason to reduce the offer price. Restaurant owners should focus on the Restaurant’s presentation before listing a restaurant for sale.
These three rules help any restaurant seller defend its listing price when it’s time to sell a restaurant.
To learn more about EATS Broker consulting services or receive 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 Jimmy John’s franchise
Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox of EATS Broker sells Jimmy John’s in Benbrook, Texas. EATS Broker represented the seller and buyer for this transaction.
The buyer is a multi-unit owner expanding his territory and ownership in Jimmy John’s. The new ownership group takes over a successful location with sales of over $840,000 in 2022. The seller was an absentee owner ready to exit the business.
Benbrook, Texas, is located in the southwestern corner of Tarrant County, Texas, and a suburb of Fort Worth. Benbrook, Texas, is experiencing growth in the surrounding area. The city of Benbrook is currently contracted to build 10,000 homes and one apartment complex, all within the delivery area of this location.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “the sellers were initially trying to sell their restaurant For by Owner. They eventually decided to hire a Restaurant Broker and allowed my company to get their franchise restaurant sold.
EATS Broker received a 5-star Google review that says, “He went above and beyond at all times. Would highly recommend”. This marks the 12th 5-star Google Review the Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker has received.
Jimmy John’s is an American sandwich chain headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. The business was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983.
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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Thinking about selling a restaurant in 2023
It’s the time of the year when restaurant owners are thinking about selling a restaurant in 2023. It’s been a challenging year with increased labor costs, supply chain issues, food price inflation, and a lack of government financial assistance.
At the end of the year, some Restaurant owners must sacrifice time spent with their loved ones to work in the restaurant during the Holidays. It’s a time of the year some Restaurateurs think about life after restaurant ownership.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “if a restaurant owner wants to sell a restaurant in 2023, I would advise getting a Restaurant Valuation now”. Talking with a Restaurant Broker now can provide restaurant owners with excellent points to discuss with their tax professional, to help them get the highest restaurant valuation.
EATS Broker provides three tips on how to get ready to sell a restaurant.
1st Get your documents in order– This is one of the essential steps in getting a restaurant ready to sell. Buyers will request several financial documents during the due diligence process, and sellers should be able to provide several copies promptly. Remember, time kills deals; buyers want information provided quickly.
Restaurant Brokers Checklist for documents to collect:
Three years of tax returns
Three years of Profit and Loss statements
Equipment List- should only include items owned by the seller
A copy of the lease and all amendments
Copy of Vendor/Supplier List
Copy of Employees with pay rates
POS Sales Reports
Sales Tax Filings
Franchise Disclosure Document (if franchise)
2nd Check Restaurant Equipment-the presentation of how the equipment looks and works will help or hurt the chances of a restaurant selling. Before listing a restaurant for sale, restaurant owners should inspect all restaurant equipment to ensure it’s working correctly.
Deep clean equipment
Clean hood system
Replace any missing knobs or handles
Broken restaurant equipment should be removed
Any equipment not included in the sale should be removed.
3rd Be Patient– Selling a restaurant could be a marathon at times if the restaurant even sells. Only 30%-40% of restaurants listed for sale will sell, and it could take 6-8 months to sell a restaurant. January-March is the busiest time of the year for restaurants to go under contract.
Thru the process, restaurant owners should operate their restaurants as usual and not relax on the standards and procedures because the restaurant is listed for sale.
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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4 Tips – How to Sell a Restaurant
How to Sell a Restaurant and get the highest and best offer can be challenging. Restaurant owners can help themselves sell a restaurant by checking their “restaurant paperwork” details before listing it for sale!
When selling a restaurant, the real work starts before the restaurant has been listed for sale. An experienced restaurant owner should know the details, expiration dates, and options available in crucial restaurant paperwork.
Today’s buyers are more educated than ever when buying a restaurant. The internet provides information on restaurant valuations and lists of items that buyers should collect during the due diligence period.
Restaurant owners have to remember that the buyers are looking for Problems, Opportunities, and Lies when verifying information provided to them for review.
The Restaurant Broker provides 4 Tips – How to Sell a Restaurant– Items to review:
- Lease
Review to understand the terms and conditions that the buyer must agree to before selling the restaurant.
Questions to know:
- When does the lease expire?
- How many option terms and years?
- Security Deposit?
- Assignment language-any specific qualifications net worth/experience/restaurant concept
- Guarantor language
- Profit and Loss Statements (P&L)
An income statement or profit and loss account is one of a company’s financial statements and shows the company’s revenues and expenses during a particular period.
P&L is the document that tells the story of the restaurant. The restaurant owners should understand the story the paper is telling and why?
Questions to know:
- Does P&L tell the same story as the Tax Returns?
- Does P&L include all sales?
- Did you include PPP loans in net sales? (remove)
- Restaurant Upgrade Requirements (Franchises only)
Several franchises require franchisees selling a restaurant to bring the location up to current company specs and standards.
The restaurant upgrade requirements can include new signage, new chairs, tables, cooking equipment, painting, and more.
Questions to know:
- Last time the restaurant was remodeled?
- Does the Franchise require an upcoming remodel?
- What estimated cost of upgrades would be required to transfer the store to the new owner?
- Do you plan to pay for upgrades, or will you require the buyer to pay upgrade costs?
- Franchise Agreement (Franchises only)
Franchise owners should know how many years are left on the Franchise agreement and how much it costs to extend the Franchise Agreement, and for how many years.
It helps if the seller also knows the Transfer fee amount because usually, the buyer will be responsible for paying this fee.
To learn more about EATS Broker consulting services or to receive a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Texas 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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Step by Step Process to Buy a Restaurant Franchise
The Step by Step process to buy a restaurant franchise for sale can be a complex process with multiple guidelines, requirements, and documentation to read. Did you know the top restaurant brands have a Checklist that potential franchisees have to complete before they can purchase a Franchise Restaurant Resale?
The Restaurant Resale Specialist at EATS Broker will share information on the step-by-step process to buy a restaurant franchise resale.
Restaurant Broker 6 Steps to Buying a Restaurant Franchise Resale:
Step 1: Asset Purchase Agreement
When buying a restaurant for sale that is a franchise, it’s considered a resale/transfer. The buyer and seller will agree to terms on an Asset Purchase Agreement. Once both parties have signed the agreement and the buyer has deposited the escrow, the approval process with the franchise brand starts.
Step 2: Contact Franchise for Approval
- Submit an inquiry by:
- Inquiries are made online by visiting the company’s website to submit an inquiry
- The buyer will have to fill out a Contact Us form; information usually asked includes:
-Franchise State
-Timeframe for opening
-Liquid Capital to invest
- The Franchise will reach out to potential candidates for an initial conversation
Step 3: Initial Conversation with Franchise
- The Franchise Development Team will reach out to discuss your interest in the brand. This initial call is an excellent opportunity for buyers to ask questions about the brand.
- This conversation usually covers the following topics.
– The buyer’s background
-Familiarity with the Brand
– Current Financial Situation; Liquidity and Net Worth Requirements
-Time frame to buy/open
- Restaurant Franchise Resales-buyers will let the Franchise know that they are buying a Restaurant Franchise Resale and are currently under contract with the seller and the location.
***Most franchise brands Net Worth Requirements are lower for Restaurants for sale than new restaurant openings.***
Step 4. Complete & Submit Required Materials
- Items required for the franchisee approval process:
- Completed Application For a Franchise
- Prospective Franchisee Business Plan
– Plans should include an executive summary, operating plan, marketing, advertising plan, and financials.
- Signed Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Receipt
- Validation Documents
Step 4. A
Signed Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Receipt
- You will receive a PDF copy of the Franchise’s current FDD for signature.
- The Franchise Disclosure Document should be signed and returned to Franchisor.
- You must receive this Disclosure Document at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement with or make any payment to the Franchisor or an affiliate in connection with the proposed franchise sale.
- The FDD summarizes a company’s history, business experience, assistance, support, franchisee’s obligations, training, fees, estimated initial investment, financial performance representation, franchise agreement, and other essential information.
Step 4. B
Validation Documents:
- Documents are required for financial validation with your application. The necessary documents can include depending on the Franchisor:
- Photocopy of your ID
- Last 3-6 months of your bank statement – including Checking and Savings
- Pay stubs, W-2s for 2-3 years, or other proof of Income.
- 401Kor other retirement account statements.
- Authorization for Franchisor to complete a background and credit check.
- Discovery Day
- Buyer will fly to the headquarters of the Franchisor
- During the visit, buyers are introduced to the leadership team and representatives of every operational department who will train, support, and assist you as a franchisee.
- Face to face meeting with the decision-makers for franchise approval.
- Buyer should understand this is an interview to see if the Franchisor feels the candidate will be a good fit with the brand.
- Final Decision:
- Franchise Development Team member will contact buyer/candidate with approval.
- Franchisor will draft Franchise Agreement with buyer’s business entity information.
- Restaurant Buyer will sign the agreement and send Franchisor Transfer Fee.
- Franchisor will schedule a required training session for the buyer.
The transfer process can’t be completed until the restaurant buyer completes training. The required training depends on the Franchise Brand, which can range from 2 weeks – to 8 weeks.
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 by email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Pros and Cons for a Restaurant Asset Sale
The Pros and Cons of buying or selling a restaurant as an Asset Sale can be a Win-Win situation for both parties. In an asset sale, the seller retains possession of the legal business entity name and stocks, and the buyer only purchases the company’s assets.
The assets include equipment, leasehold improvements, Goodwill, trade secrets, trade name, telephone number, website address, social media accounts, and lease assignment.
Dominique Maddox, a Dallas Restaurant Broker and Founder of EATS Restaurant Brokers, says, “there are only two ways to provide a restaurant valuation, selling a paycheck or selling as an Asset Sale.”
Restaurant Valuation – Two Methods
1st Selling a restaurant that is profitable with good books and records. The restaurant buyer can anticipate receiving a paycheck from the restaurant ownership. For example, restaurant nets a profit of $100,000 a year, the restaurant buyer can expect to receive that income.
2nd Selling a restaurant that is not profitable, open for less than 2 years, has terrible books and records is an Asset Sale. They are priced pennies on the dollar. A quick way to spot a restaurant for sale that is an Asset sale is to look at the cash flow or EBITDA. If these numbers are missing or show a $0, chances are good the restaurant for sale is an Asset Sale
Pros and Cons of buying or selling a restaurant as an Asset Sale
Pros for Restaurant Seller
- Can close quickly (if franchise training is not required)
- Requires cash buyer-don’t have to worry about lending
- Can ask the landlord to be removed as lease guarantor
- No longer has to worry about restaurant ownership
Pros for Restaurant Buyer
- Will receive the equipment free and clear of any UCC liens
- Easy to convert to a new concept
- Saves thousands of dollars on build-cost
- Can benefit from Goodwill like previous owners Google Reviews, website, and social media followers.
- Buying a restaurant for pennies on the dollar
- Transfer cost fee is less than the original new store franchise agreement cost
- The majority of Asset Sale deals are restaurants that are still open and have employees.
Cons for Restaurant Seller
- The listing price is usually a lot less than build-out expenses.
- A more significant number of restaurant sellers will take a loss to get out of restaurant ownership.
- Harder to sell a restaurant that is not profitable or shows a small amount of profit.
- Cash buyer required because banks will not finance an unprofitable restaurant for sale.
Cons for Restaurant Buyer
- Buying a restaurant that might not be profitable is risky
- Buying opportunities can be challenging to price correctly
- Lease Assignment is agreeing to the previous owner’s lease terms and obligations,
- Becoming a guarantor on the lease
Asset Sales can be a perfect opportunity for existing restaurant owners to expand or for new restaurant owners to save money on opening a new restaurant.
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 by email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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Commercial Lease Assignment: What should you know?
What should you know about a Commercial Lease Assignment before signing the lease? The lease assignment can be short and brief, but it has a tremendous impact on the capability of a restaurant owner selling a restaurant in the future.
When buying or selling a restaurant, it is essential to evaluate the strength or weakness of a commercial lease assignment language.
A restaurant owner that wants to sell a restaurant can easily be stopped by the language in their lease that covers the possibility of a lease assignment to a new tenant.
What should you know if you are negotiating a lease assignment language for a commercial lease? This blog presents a brief breakdown of some of the key points involved in a lease assignment.
When a tenant’s lease interest is assigned to a new tenant/buyer, this is called a lease assignment. The current tenant has already agreed to terms with the landlord; once the new tenant signs the lease assignment, they are now responsible for the lease terms. The landlord’s standard practice is to keep the previous tenant on the lease as a guarantor and add the new tenant.
Most negotiated leases will contain a provision requiring that landlord’s consent to an assignment is necessary, but such approval will not be unreasonably withheld. The tenant will likely also try to include the landlord’s obligation to not unreasonably delay or condition its consent, according to Attorney John G. Kelly.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “Selling a restaurant has multiple tasks/assignments that have to be completed before restaurant ownership is transferred. Practically every commercial lease will have detailed requirements for the assignment process.
Landlord approval for a lease assignment is a critical part of the selling process. The majority of restaurant owners are clueless about the provisions in their lease for a lease assignment”.
EATS Restaurant Brokers list language to know in a commercial lease regarding a lease assignment
Assignment Fee:
This fee is payable to the landlord before a tenant can transfer the rights to a commercial lease. The amount is usually not negotiated between landlord and tenant, most leases landlord input whatever number they want.
The assignment fees usually range from $0-$10,000 (listings for sale under $2 million); it really depends on the landlord and the language in the lease. The lease assignment fee majority of the time, is paid by the seller.
EATS Restaurant Brokers tip: Read the lease before signing and know how much the assignment fee will cost you.
Financial Qualifications:
Landlords have several different qualifying metrics a tenant should pass before getting approved for a lease. The lease assignment language should not be as strict as the current lease for a new tenant because the business is up and running, usually generating sales.
Depending on the landlord, EATS Restaurant Brokers has seen lease assignments that automatically approve a new tenant if they keep the lease space the same franchise brand. But also seen lease assignment language where the new tenant has to have as much or more liquid assets as the previous tenant. This can be an unreasonable requirement if the first tenant is financially well off when signing the original lease.
Renewal Option
The renewal option gives a tenant the right to extend a commercial lease expiring in the future. Lease options are usually extended by 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years.
Renewal options should have specific language on the conditions required for a tenant to extend an expiring lease. Many leases need a tenant to give 90-180 days’ written notice to confirm if the tenant plans to extend the lease.
Restaurant owners who are trying to sell a restaurant and lease are about to expire might think they will just have the new buyer sign the tenant.
If the window to provide a landlord with a written notice has expired, the landlord has the right to refuse to agree to a lease assignment.
EATS Restaurant Brokers Tip: The restaurant owner should know how far in advance written notice to extend the lease is required to the landlord.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or by email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com
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Independent Owned Restaurants-How to Build Value?
As an Independent Owned Restaurant, how do you increase restaurant value for resale besides good food and environment? Independent Owned Restaurants for sale usually sell for less than Franchise Owned Restaurants.
Franchise Restaurants for sale provide a potential buyer with systems, training, and brand awareness to customers; these are non-tangible items that improve resale value.
The best time as a non-franchise restaurant to start thinking about organizing and operating your restaurant like a franchise is at the very beginning. Start thinking about training manuals, required training time for a position, social media presence, and misc.
60% of Independent owned restaurant operators will fail within three years of opening the doors for business. 80% will close within 5 years. The reality of opening a restaurant is you should always have an exit plan.
When it’s time to sell a restaurant, how does a non-franchise restaurant for sale increase its odds of selling a restaurant to a new buyer?
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “ my suggestions to improve value are create a story behind the establishment, cook from scratch, have fantastic food, and create systems easy to follow.
After ten years of selling restaurants, I have found that non-franchise-owned restaurants for sale that are not unique and organized usually don’t sell.
EATS Restaurant Brokers provides TIPS to improve value!
- Story behind establishment: Have a story behind your restaurant; people relate and remember stories. This is one of the best ways to build brand loyalty from customers. Make sure your customers can read your story by posting on the wall, website, cups, etc.
Has the restaurant been passed down from generation to generation? Did a unique passion project inspire the owner to start the restaurant? These are exciting stories that make a restaurant unique. Key take-away people remember stories!
- Create Systems: The POS system should be updated to record all valuable sales information. POS systems are useful tools to analyze to improve restaurant profitability.
Create Training Manual: A manual with all the training material needed for a new operator is a valuable tool. The manual should have the job descriptions for each position. The manual should describe the process and time requirements for new hires.
- Unique Food– Do you have a unique cooking style, use exciting ingredients, how is the presentation? Outstanding food and experience will always get customers talking about a restaurant. Word of mouth referrals is the best and cheapest way to grow your restaurant.
Create a unique style of cooking that customers have to visit your restaurant to enjoy. Besides the type of cooking is the taste of food. The best non-franchise restaurants cook from scratch.
Create a menu book that lists all of the cooking recipes, measurements required and cooking time.
The suggestions listed in this blog are intended to help an Independently owned restaurant owner sell a restaurant business in the future. These tips should help the restaurant operator stand out from the competition.
Want more help selling a restaurant? Contact 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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Restaurant Resales are HOT right now
Restaurant Resales are HOT regarding buyer’s demand as restaurant sale prices jump 34% in 2021 compared to 2020. BizBuySell’s Insight Report just released its report for Quarter 2 of 2021. Restaurant resale numbers are showing very promising growth and buyer interest. Restaurant resales headline growth as the buyer market seeks reopening opportunities.
Now with restrictions lifted across most industries, buyers are turning to restaurant acquisitions. Restaurants, specifically, was a sector that was drastically affected by the shutdown is coming back strong. While transactions are up 38% over the same time last year at the height of pandemic lockdowns, they are still 16% below Q2 2019 pre-pandemic levels leaving further room for recovery, according to BizBuySell Insight Report.
The restaurant for sale sector sees growth, with restaurant acquisitions up 17% in the second quarter of 2021. In addition to the bounce back in transactions, sale prices increased 34% versus Q1, tied to a 20% increase in median cash flow, according to BizBuySell Insight Report.
Dominique Maddox of EATS Restaurant Brokers says, “Labor Shortage, former employees seeking independence, and restaurant owners seeking retirement are increasing the number of restaurant acquisitions on the market.”
Restaurant Sellers and Restaurant Brokers will be happy to know that restaurants for sale during quarter two of 2021 had 190 median days on the market compared to 219 days quarter two of 2019. This data shows that restaurants are popular when it comes to buyer demand.
Dine-in establishments are expected to increase in market value as restaurant restrictions are lifted in most states. They are at the same time experiencing pressure for the labor shortage. A majority of restaurants have made tough decisions that have included reducing operating hours, closing for days, or going out of business.
The business-for-sale market continued to make gains in the second quarter of 2021, with closed transactions up 5% over the previous quarter. For bargain hunters, this may signal a closing window of the great opportunities made available a year ago, according to BizBuySell’s Insight Report.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or by email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
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How do you write a letter of intent for a lease
How do you write a letter of intent for a lease is a struggle for inexperienced brokers representing clients or unrepresented potential tenants? Once a potential tenant finds a commercial lease space, the process to negotiate with the landlord begins.
A letter of intent (LOI) is a document declaring one party’s preliminary commitment to do business with another. The letter outlines the key points of a deal that will be negotiated between all parties involved.
LOIs are useful when two parties, usually landlord and potential tenant, work together to hammer out the broad strokes before resolving the finer points.
Letter of Intents can be drafted and presented by either party. The receiving party can accept the terms or redline and revise the words to send back to the original sender.
Key Points on a Letter of Intent Include:
- Tenant Improvement Allowance (TI)
- Rent Abatement
- Personal Guaranty
- Rent structure
- Term of Lease
- Options to extend
- Permitted Use/Exclusive Use
- Rent Commencement Date
- Landlords Delivery Condition
- Lease Assignment Rights
- Security Deposit
- Advanced Rent
- Repairs and Maintenance
- Brokerage Disclosure and Commission
Dominique Maddox, a Restaurant Broker and Founder of EATS Restaurant Brokers says, “the letter of intent is an essential part for a potential tenant to address all concerning issues before signing a new lease.
Landlords pay lawyers to draft leases that protect all their concerns. In this business, I always say the landlord is not your friend. Potential tenants need to have a professional on your side when negotiating the lease”.
EATS Brokerssuggest hiring a professional Business Broker or Restaurant Broker to review the following items on a Letter of Intent (LOI):
- Personal Guarantees- how long will the tenant be a personal guarantor.
- Exclusivity-does the tenant have any protection from incoming tenants competing with their cuisine.
- Covenants, POA rules, and regulations
- Zoning issues
- Subordination
- SBA leases
- Renewals- Provides information on renewals and rates.
- Non-Disturbance
- Dispute resolution
The detailed information to consider when evaluating a new lease can be overwhelming to an inexperienced restauranteur or real estate professional. Most landlords hire property management companies to negotiate new leases. These hired professionals’ job is to get the landlord the best deal possible.
To all potential tenants, remember when you call the “For Lease” sign on a vacant restaurant space, you are letting the landlord know you are representing yourself in lease negotiations.
For more information on restaurant leasing and other available consulting services or restaurant valuations, contact Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or by email at sales@eatsbroker.com.
Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com
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