3 Types of Restaurants for Sale
The start of a new year brings an increase in the inventory of listed restaurants for sale. There are three types of Restaurants for Sale that buyers will find on the market. The difference between the three types of for-sale methods is how they are listed.
– Restaurants for Sale by a Business Broker or Restaurant Broker
-Franchise Restaurants for Sale by Franchises
– Restaurants for Sale by Owner
Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “sellers should understand the pros and cons of each method of listing a restaurant for sale. The resale of a restaurant is much different than operating a restaurant or selling a new franchise unit”.
EATS Broker discuss the Pros and Cons of these methods to Sell a Restaurant:
Restaurants for Sale by a Business Broker or Restaurant Broker- The difference between Broker types is that a Restaurant Broker specializes in selling restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Business Brokers usually will have many different concepts for sale, for example, car wash, dry cleaners, etc.
Restaurant Brokers understand restaurant valuations, Franchise Resale process, and SBA lending requirements and have a team of professional vendors to help close deals.
On a day-to-day basis, Restaurant Brokers view restaurant Profit and Loss statements, tax returns, and balance sheets, read restaurant leases, and prequalifying buyers.
Experienced Restaurant Brokers are a valuable resource to a restaurant owner that wants to sell a restaurant.
CONS: Business Broker/Restaurant Broker will charge a commission of 10%-15% and require an exclusive listing agreement for 6-12 months.
Franchise Restaurants for Sale by Franchises
Franchise Brands are great at selling a new unit to a Franchisee but need help with reselling a franchise. Most Restaurant Franchises cannot help franchisees ready to exit the franchise system.
Restaurant Franchisors are in a challenging position trying to provide Restaurant Valuations to current franchisees. Franchise Brands have a Franchise Development Department but will not have a Restaurant Exit or Restaurant Brokerage department.
Buyers will find that some Franchise Restaurant brands will try to handle the resell process, and franchises will list their resales for sale and follow up with buyer inquiries.
Cons: The Franchise Brands represent their company’s best interest and not the seller or buyer. Restaurant owners should understand how the franchise will help with the resale process. Restaurant owners should have a legal team review all documents.
Restaurants for Sale by Owner:
Buying a Restaurant for sale by Owner can be challenging for a buyer. For Sale by Owner, listings are increasing and becoming more popular. The great news is buyers have more inventory on the market than buy and consider. The bad news is that For Sale by Owner, listings can be regarded as risky!
CONS:
Sales numbers can be hard to validate– some restaurant owners have creative accounting systems that the IRS does not know about. Buyers should use caution when verifying sales data provided by the seller.
Equipment-buyer should confirm who has the title to the equipment. The restaurant equipment can be owned by the landlord, have a UCC lien, or be leased.
Finding out the truth-Dealing directly with an owner/seller can make it hard to get the truth. There is no independent third party verifying or analyzing the information.
The old saying is, “buyers lie, and sellers lie too.”
Restaurant Broker advice: Request Tax Returns directly from the IRS and Sales Tax Receipts. Confirm that total sales numbers match.
For more information on the restaurant market and other available consulting services or a complimentary restaurant valuation, contact Texas 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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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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3 Mistakes to Avoid in Selling Your Restaurant
Selling a restaurant can be a complicated process. What are the mistakes to avoid when selling your restaurant? The Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker has been selling restaurants for over ten years. This blog will provide insights for restaurant owners thinking about selling a restaurant.
Mistake #1 Listing your restaurant for sale too late
Ask the Dallas Restaurant Broker when it is time to list your restaurant for sale. The response will be when you start to think about it. It takes an average of 6-8 months to sell a restaurant in today’s market. Even once listing a restaurant for sale, it’s a process to get sold.
It’s human nature that once a person has decided the restaurant industry demands are not for them, the restaurant becomes a mental and physical burden. When people decide they are tired, bills are hard to pay, and mentally checking out, it’s time to sell a restaurant.
Restaurant Broker advice: Call a Restaurant Resale Specialist for a complimentary restaurant valuation. Discuss your options to list your restaurant for sale before deciding to close the doors to your restaurant forever.
Mistake #2 – Going to market without Good Books and Records
It’s a common saying, “time kills deals.” Once a buyer is interested in a restaurant for sale, it’s essential to provide the buyer with accurate financials. When a seller goes to market without the ability to give a buyer up-to-date tax returns and profit and loss statements, it always kills a deal.
Restaurant Owners that decide to list a restaurant for sale without the capability of providing financials in a timely matter are making a big mistake. The buyer will request some financials before making an offer and more during the due diligence.
Mistake #3 – Closing the doors
Buyers like to see the lights on, customers coming in the doors, and the cash register ringing. One of the biggest mistakes is to get a restaurant valuation and list your restaurant sale, only to close the doors months later.
Once a restaurant is closed reduces the value in the buyer’s mind. Instead of getting a turn-key restaurant, they are getting used equipment and rights to the lease. These types of transactions are harder to sell. 41% of buyers will be 1st-time restaurant buyers and favor an open restaurant.
Restaurant Broker advice:
List your restaurant for sale months before you decide to close the doors. Contact a Restaurant Resale Specialist to discuss the value before deciding to close your restaurant.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Are you selling your restaurant? Are you ready?
Have you thought about selling your restaurant? Are you ready to sell and let go? Selling a restaurant can be a mentally tough and draining decision. Several restaurant owners view ownership of a restaurant as having a child, an business identity, a way to provide for the family, and a legacy.
According to Forbes, baby Boomers, defined as people born between the years 1946 and 1964, account for approximately 40 percent of small business or franchise ownership.
Forbes also states that the Baby Boomer generation accounts for an estimated 2.3 million small businesses in the United States, employing over 25 million people. Many of these businesses are thriving, and nearly 60 percent have no succession or transition plan in place.
The Baby Boomer population today is listing restaurants for sale or looking for a restaurant valuation to consider their options to sell a restaurant.
Reasons for Baby Boomers to Sell a Restaurant:
- Pandemic
- Work labor shortage
- Inflation
- Retirement
- Health
- Divorce
- Partnership Issues
The Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox states, “EATS Broker provides restaurant owners with a complimentary restaurant valuation. Numerous restaurant owners will inquire about a restaurant valuation but are not ready to sell”.
Today’s Restaurant Owners must be honest with themselves if they are ready to sell a restaurant? The Restaurant Broker provides some questions to consider when thinking about selling a restaurant.
How to know if you are ready to sell a restaurant? Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the restaurant ready for a sale?
- What are my plans after I sell my restaurant?
- Am I ready to sell a restaurant?
- What happens if I don’t sell my restaurant?
- Who can help with selling a restaurant?
- Should I try For Sale by Owner or hire a Restaurant Broker?
- What sales price will I need to be happy?
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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Closing Attorneys for Restaurant Sales Transactions
Closing Attorneys for restaurant sales transactions are an essential part of the selling a restaurant process. Closing Attorneys act as neutral third parties in the transaction. Since they don’t represent either buyer or seller, as an attorney would.
Closing Attorneys are known by multiple names like Escrow agents and Real Estate attorneys. The Closing Attorney’s job is to ensure a smooth closing transaction, UCC-1 lien search, and wire closing proceeds to all parties.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “picking an experienced Closing Attorney that understands the Asset Sale Purchases is extremely important. Yes, you can close a deal without a Closing Attorney but EATS Broker always recommends a buyer to use a trusted Closing Attorney”.
Duties of a Closing Attorney
– Hold escrow deposit, and disburse closing proceeds to all parties
– Prepare Settlement Statement
– Prepare Bill of Sale
– UCC-1 lien Search
– Prepare Escrow Agreement
– Form of Restrictive Covenant Agreement-(sometimes)
– Prepare Representations and Warranties of Seller and Principal(s) (sometimes)
Closing Attorneys have to confirm that multiple tasks are completed before they will release escrow and send closing proceeds to all parties.
EATS Brokers provides a list of tasks that are completed or confirmed by an experienced Closing Attorney before closing:
Asset Purchase Agreement signed by all parties
All amendments are provided to Closing Attorney
Equipment List provided
Landlord’s Approval of Assignment or New Lease
Final inventory amount (if the purchase price is to be adjusted)
Prorations or Adjustments (if needed)
Franchise Agreement Approval
Wiring instructions for Franchise Transfer Fee
Wiring Instructions for Seller
Wiring Instructions for Broker
Allocation of Purchase Price-(8594 Form)-Asset Acquisition Statement
Buyer Funds-wired directly to the escrow account
Release of Liens or Payoff Letters
Lender’s Instructions (if third-party financing)
When selling a restaurant, EATS Broker always recommends contacting a closing attorney specializing in business transactions rather than residential transactions.
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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Questions to ask when Buying a Restaurant Franchise Resale
Customers that are buying a Restaurant Franchise resale do intensive research on the restaurant for sale opportunity but not enough research about the Franchise Brand. The relationship between a Franchisee and Franchisor is a business marriage that can end in success or divorce.
Franchise Brands provide the franchise disclosure document (FDD) to individuals interested in becoming a Franchisee. The FDD is the blueprint on how the working relationship between Franchisee and Franchisor will work.
Franchisors must provide the potential Franchisee with the FDD at least 14 days before it can be signed or any money transferred. It’s a great time to ensure potential restaurant buyers get some critical questions answered.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “most restaurant buyers only think about the royalty fees, marketing fees, transfer fees, and restaurant upgrades required.
When Buying a Restaurant Franchise for Sale, I think buyers should be focused on researching and asking questions about the Franchisor, Franchise Support Services, and operations.
The Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker provides a list of critical questions that should be answered or considered before buying a restaurant franchise for sale.
-How long has the Franchisor been franchising?
-What is the experience of the Management Team?
-What is the expansion strategy of the Franchisor?
-What is the Franchisee selection process?
-How long is the term of the Franchise Agreement?
-What does the initial training consist of?
-Does the Franchisor have a preferred food supplier?
-What makes the product unique?
-What is the brand position within the category?
-What is the market demand for the product?
-Have unit sales been decreasing or increasing?
-How many units does the Franchise have open?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) has some of the answers to these questions above but does not have them all.
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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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.
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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.
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