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.
Read More
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.
Read More
How to sell a restaurant? Tell your Restaurant Story
To sell a restaurant, one must first tell “The Restaurant Story” to the buyer that they believe and want to be a part of the story moving forward. Restaurant buyers want to know the story of the Restaurant and the owner. The “Restaurant Story” explains why, how, and opportunities for continued success to the buyer.
Most restaurant buyers will purchase a restaurant based on the opportunity to make a profit and the Restaurant Story. The most complex restaurants to sell are locations that are losing money or buyers don’t can’t relate to “The Restaurant Story.”
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “The Restaurant Story is an opportunity to help buyers view 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”.
EATS Broker “Restaurant Story” Kit Includes:
– Restaurant’s startup story explains:
- Why was the Restaurant started?
- How was the Restaurant started?
- Who began the Restaurant?
- Success stories
- Failure stories-includes opportunities to improve business
– Financial Picture– Restaurant Profitable or not
– Liability Picture– Lease terms, franchise terms, UCC lien search, and financing liabilities
– Staff Concerns
- Labor Cost and why?
- Full-time vs. part-time?
- Legal workers or paying under the table?
- Employee benefits and perks
- Longevity of staff members
– Food Cost Concerns
- Food Inventory Cost and why?
- Food ordering system
Franchise Restaurants
– Royalty Fee and Marketing Fee
– Transfer Fee
– Required Training Time
– Store upgrades required by Franchisor
– Franchise has first right of refusal to buy (sometimes)
– Training location
– Years left of Franchise Agreement
Before a Restaurant Owner contacts a Restaurant Resale Specialist for a restaurant valuation or tries to sell by themselves, they should be ready to tell their Restaurant Story!
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.
Read More
When to sell a restaurant? 8 reasons why that start with D!
When to sell a restaurant is a difficult decision for most restaurant owners. Interesting fact that the reason a restaurant owner wants to sell a restaurant usually will start with the letter D! Buyers are always curious about why a restaurant owner wants to sell a restaurant?
The Dallas Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker explains the most common reasons to sell a restaurant. There 8 reasons to sell a restaurant:
1. Debt– A restaurant owner has multiple forms of debt. All these forms of debt can affect a restaurant owner mentally and physically. One of the biggest concerns of a restaurant owner is to avoid bankruptcy and sell a restaurant for a profit.
-Landlord Debt
-Bank loan Debt
-Vendor Debt
-EIDL Loan Debt
-PPP Loan Debt
-UCC lien
2. Disability- There are many types of disabilities, such as intellectual, physical, sensory, and mental illnesses.
3. Divorce- Restaurant ownership’s demanding physical and financial requirements can break up a happy home and lead to divorce. Many restaurants depend on an owner/operator to be present to be successful.
It’s common for a restaurant owner to work 50-60 hours a week and work on the holidays. The life of a restaurant owner requires sacrifices from the family and owner.
4. Death- Everybody deals with recovering from death differently. The thought of restaurant ownership after death could seem impossible.
5. Disinterest– It’s easy to get disinterested in a restaurant that is unsuccessful or doesn’t live up to the restaurant owner’s dreams.
6. Declining Sales- This is one of the biggest reasons for selling a restaurant business. Inflation is at an all-time high, labor costs are exploding, and rents keep increasing.
7. Dissension among owners-Once partnerships start to be unproductive, and the relationship between parties starts to crumble, it’s time to sell your restaurant.
8. Disaster- The pandemic is a good example of a disaster that happens and changes everything.
**Delivery of a child would be another good reason for selling a restaurant business**
To learn more about EATS Broker consulting services or receive a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Restaurant Resale Specialist Dominique Maddox at 404-993-4448 or email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
Read More
Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox of EATS Broker sells two Schlotzsky’s
Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox of EATS Broker sells two Schlotzsky’s franchises in Galveston, Texas. EATS Broker represented the seller and buyer for this transaction.
The seller, a multi-unit owner, had experience selling their restaurants for sale by the owner in the past. After researching EATS Broker, they decided to give the Restaurant Brokerage Firm located in Dallas, Texas, an opportunity.
Texas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “I really enjoyed this transaction. The seller was previously For Sale by the Owner. After a free phone consultation and a free restaurant valuation, they decided my Restaurant Brokerage was the best choice.
When I decided to start my Restaurant Brokerage in October 2019, I was challenged with a 2-year non-compete agreement in Georgia (which expires in October 2022). Low startup funds and the pandemic starts six months; later, in March 2020!
I will be forever thankful to Mr. Jain and his organization for giving my company an opportunity. This was my first Texas Restaurant for Sale I have sold since my relocation to Dallas, Texas”.
The buyer has an established history of success in the local market. Upgrades to the exterior and interior of both restaurants are coming soon. The new owner acquires the franchises for sale at the perfect time; summer tourism is booming in Galveston, Texas, right now!
Galveston is an island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. It’s known for its restaurants that line Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier on the south shore. West is bird-rich Galveston Island State Park, with its trails, kayak launches, and fishing spots. Stewart Beach and East Beach are on the island’s eastern end.
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
What is Restaurant Prime Cost?
Restaurant Prime Cost can be described as the most critical number a restaurant owner should know to operate a profitable restaurant. Restaurant Prime cost should get extensive attention on the profit and loss statement because the category is highly volatile.
Today’s restaurant industry is faced with increasing labor wages and an explosion in food costs. These factors stress restaurant owners’ net profits because it’s expanding the Restaurant Prime Cost.
What is Restaurant Prime Cost?
The formula for Restaurant Prime Cost is: COGS + Total Labor = Prime Cost
Restaurant Prime Cost should be reviewed monthly and, at worst quarterly, to monitor any changes that can negatively affect the Profit and Loss statement. Many successful restaurant owners actually calculate and evaluate prime restaurant costs weekly.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “the first items I review on a profit and loss statement is the Cost of Good Sold “COGS” and the total labor cost total percentage cost. Prime cost should be 55%-65% or less (total sales)”.
Breakdown of Restaurant Prime Cost:
Cost of Goods Sold:
The cost of goods sold (COGS) in a restaurant includes the price of all products, materials, and condiments used to create a dish or drink.
Total Labor Cost:
Total labor cost includes employees’ wages and benefits. This category contains hourly employees, salaried employees, payroll taxes, and employee benefits.
Restaurant Broker Tips:
-Training managers to be proactive in monitoring food loss, employee scheduling, and comps.
– Provide proper training for new employees
– POS System and technology should be up to date with inventory count
-Increase food prices
-Review restaurant numbers weekly
-Owner/operator or General Manager operated
To learn more about EATS Broker consulting services or to receive 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.
Read More
Dominique Maddox featured in Voyage Dallas Magazine
In the February issue, the founder and President of EATS Broker Dominique Maddox was featured in VoyageDallas magazine Local Stories. This is Dominique’s second time being featured in the Voyage magazine; he was featured in VoyageAtlanta in 2020.
Voyage Dallas magazine’s goal is to highlight the best of Dallas people, businesses, organizations, and events. The Voyage Group of Magazines is based out of Los Angeles; they have magazines that feature local hidden gems in multiple states.
The company’s mission is to build a platform that fosters collaboration and support for small businesses, independent artists and entrepreneurs, local institutions, and those making different cities interesting.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “the opportunity to be featured in VoyageDallas is a blessing for my company. The article allows people to get to know me personally and learn more about EATS Broker.
I talk about my struggles as a Restaurant Broker and starting my Restaurant Brokerage firm. I moved from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX in August 2021 to grow my business”. http://voyagedallas.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-dominique-maddox-of-eats-broker/
EATS Broker is a boutique restaurant brokerage specializing in exclusively selling restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Our brokerage is known as Restaurant Resale Specialists that are Subject Matter Experts in the selling a restaurant and the buying a restaurant process.
We help our clients through the complex process of buying or selling a restaurant. Our company specializes in selling Restaurant Franchise Resales and Restaurant ReSales. We also help clients with Restaurant real estate site selection, Tenant Representation, Franchise Consulting, and Restaurant Price Evaluations.
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 by email at sales@eatsbroker.com. Visit our website at www.EATSbroker.com.
Read More
7 Most Common Restaurant Sale Deal Killers
The most common restaurant sale deal killers are items that are usually out of the hands of a Restaurant Broker. The process to sell a restaurant can feel like a marathon that many participants will have fatigue and not finish the race.
It’s a known fact in the Restaurant Brokerage industry less than 50% of businesses that go under contract will close. Some Restaurant Brokers might advertise hiring closing rates, which could be possible.
The Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker Dominique Maddox said, “some deal killers can be addressed upfront if they are known; it’s the unknown details that kill deals.
How will the landlord, bank, and Franchisor react to the new potential buyer? Did the seller provide all the details? Over my ten years of selling restaurants, I have seen it all”.
Restaurant Broker list of Common Restaurant Sale Deal Killers:
- Landlord- The landlord is the KING for restaurant sale deal killers. The landlord owns the property, and transactions cannot be completed without a lease assignment or lease. A majority of the landlords are simple to work with because they want a guarantee they will continue to receive monthly rent.
- Bank-When a restaurant for sale can qualify for SBA lending, the chances of that restaurant selling increase drastically. That’s the good news; the bad news is that it takes some serious legwork and patience to get a deal to funding.
Banks have several qualifying requirements a buyer must be able to pass. There are many reasons why a buyer may not qualify for lending. Example credit score, lack of liquidity, no collateral or don’t want a lien on collateral, etc.
- Franchisor: Franchise approval is only an issue with Franchise Restaurants for Sale. Franchise resale listings are popular with restaurant buyers, but the buyer has to get approved by the Franchise.
Franchisors have many requirements before they approve a buyer to become a franchisee. If a restaurant is a franchise for sale, the sale cannot be completed without the Franchisor’s approval of the buyer. Franchise resales require the buyer to travel to the Franchisor headquarters for a discovery day.
The Franchise can schedule training in a different state than the restaurant for sale. Buyers are responsible for paying the transfer fee, travel arrangements, and housing accommodations while attending training. The training time can range from 2-8 weeks depending on the Franchise Brand.
- Restaurant Buyer Expectations: Rule #1 Buying a restaurant differs from buying a home. The majority of buyers that purchase a restaurant are first-time buyers and don’t understand the buying process.
Buyer fatigue and misunderstanding is a fundamental reason why some transactions fall apart. The buyer should educate themselves about the buying process and work with a Restaurant Broker thru the process.
- Restaurant Seller Expectations: Restaurant sellers can misunderstand the restaurant sales process. Sellers have to understand that everything is negotiable for a buyer’s offer (except rent terms). Restaurant owners have to be willing to negotiate, provide supporting documentation, be patient, and be trustworthy.
Restaurant sellers have to understand if the documentation they provide to a Restaurant Buyer during the due diligence period doesn’t check out, the buyer might want to submit a counteroffer and renegotiate.
- UCC liens: A UCC-1 financing statement is a legal form that a creditor files to give notice that it has or may have an interest in the personal property. Restaurants for sale should have the ability to sell a restaurant that is free and clear of liens.
The closing attorney will conduct a UCC lien search on the business weeks before closing. If a UCC lien is discovered, the restaurant owner will have to pay the fees before closing or at the closing table.
- Time: It’s a known fact in selling a restaurant that Time Kills deals. The longer the process to sell a restaurant, the greater the deal’s chances of falling apart. Buyer fatigue and seller fatigue become an issue if an agreement is dragged out.
Buyer and seller work off a closing checklist, and both parties must work together to meet deadlines.
To learn more about EATS Broker consulting services or to receive 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.
Read More
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.
Read More