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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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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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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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.
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How is Selling a Restaurant like Fishing?
Are you asking yourself how is selling a restaurant like fishing? The best fishers in the world know that they are not guaranteed to catch a fish every time they go fishing. The art of selling a restaurant is a process that is not guaranteed to end successfully for the restaurant owner.
If there were guarantees in fishing, they would call it catching. Fishing can be defined as the activity of trying to catch a fish. Selling a restaurant could be described as trying to catch the RIGHT buyer.
When it’s time to sell a restaurant, the owner needs patience, just like if they were going fishing. It can take an average of 6-8 months to sell a restaurant, and only 20%-30% of all restaurants listed for sale will actually sell.
When fishing, bait is used to attract the fish to bite the hook. When selling a restaurant, the lure is the details about the restaurant for sale to attract buyers.
Dallas Restaurant Broker Dominique Maddox says, “ providing a buyer with the cash flow, gross revenue, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization), and asking price is the bait to attract a buyer.”
While fishing, a person can get a bite from a fish, and the process of securing the fish starts. The restaurant for sale listing can get multiple inquiries from interested buyers before the restaurant is sold.
The Restaurant Broker at EATS Broker knows it takes talking/emailing to anywhere from 60-75 buyers before finding the buyer that will actually buy the restaurant for sale. Only 2% of buyers looking to buy a restaurant will purchase a restaurant for sale.
Once a qualified buyer has signed the non-disclosure agreement and sent proof of funds to qualify for the listing, and decides to make an offer, the process of getting that buyer to the finish line starts.
Just because a fish bites the hook does not mean fresh fish is for dinner. The fishing line can break, get snagged on debris, or the fish just gets off the hook.
Every buyer that goes under contract for a restaurant for sale does not end in a closed deal. The due diligence period for a buyer and seller would be equivalent to a person struggling with a fish on the hook.
Unlike fishing, the wrestling match between the fish and person fishing is usually done within an hour. When selling a restaurant, the due diligence process is usually 10-30 days for deals under $2 million.
The conclusion in fishing is that you catch a fish, celebrate with a delicious meal, or if you don’t catch a fish, you just have stories to tell.
When selling a restaurant after the deal closes, The restaurant seller gets a check at the closing table, and the Restaurant Broker receives a commission. But if the deal doesn’t close, it’s time to go fishing for the next buyer.
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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