Selling your restaurant is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make as an owner. From pricing to negotiations and landlord approvals, the process can feel overwhelming without the right support.

Working with a professional restaurant business broker can make the difference between a stressful, drawn-out sale and a smooth, profitable transaction. Here’s a complete guide on how the process works — and why hiring a broker is the smart move for restaurant owners.

 

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1. Start With a Proper Restaurant Valuation

 

A proper restaurant valuation ensures you list at the right price — not too high (scares buyers away) and not too low (leaves money on the table).

A broker evaluates:

 

• Cash flow / Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE)
• Lease terms and assignability
• Licenses and permits
• Equipment and assets
• Foot traffic and location quality
• Comparable restaurant sales

 

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2. Prepare Your Restaurant for Sale

 

Your broker will help you prepare your business to attract qualified buyers. This step includes:

 

Financial Preparation

 

 

• Clean financial statements
• Organized tax returns and P&Ls
• Add-back schedules for accurate cash flow

 

 

Operational Preparation

 

 

• Updated equipment listings
• Staff documentation
• Health permits and records

 

 

Lease & Legal Preparation

 

 

• Reviewing lease terms
• Understanding landlord approval requirements

 

 

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3. Protect Confidentiality

 

Maintaining confidentiality is critical. Staff, customers, and suppliers should not know your business is for sale.

Your broker protects confidentiality by:

 

• Listing the business anonymously
• Requiring NDAs from buyers
• Screening inquiries
• Sharing details only with qualified buyers

 

 

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4. Marketing Your Restaurant to Serious Buyers

 

Restaurant business brokers have access to the right channels to market our listings, including:

 

• Private buyer databases
• Industry-specific sales platforms
• Investor networks
• Other brokers and agents
• Local restaurateurs looking to expand

 

Marketing highlights:

 

• Strengths of your location
• Profit and cash flow
• Growth potential
• Licenses (especially liquor)
• Equipment package

 

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5. Managing Buyer Inquiries & Showings

 

Qualified buyer management includes:

 

• Screening financial capability
• Ensuring NDAs are signed
• Providing information packages
• Coordinating discrete showings
• Managing communication and follow-ups

 

This saves you time — and reduces risk.

 

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6. Negotiating Offers

 

Negotiation includes more than just price. A broker helps with:

 

• Purchase price
• Deposit amount
• Conditions
• Equipment and inventory allocation
• Training period
• Closing timeline
• Transition support

 

Brokers are experts in managing expectations and protecting the seller’s interests.

 

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7. Supporting Buyer Due Diligence

 

Due diligence is when buyers verify the information provided. This includes:

 

• Reviewing financial documents
• Lease discussions
• Inspecting equipment
• Verifying licenses
• Confirming staff and operational details

 

A broker keeps the deal moving and helps prevent small issues from derailing the sale.

 

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8. Managing the Closing Process

 

A restaurant business broker ensures:

 

• All conditions are satisfied
• Lease assignment is approved by the landlord
• Liquor license transfers are initiated
• Buyer and seller paperwork is finalized
• Possession date is coordinated smoothly

 

 

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9. Transitioning to the New Owner

 

Sellers often provide short-term training (usually 1–4 weeks). Your broker will help structure the transition fairly for both parties.

 

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Why Sell Your Restaurant With a Broker?

 

A professional restaurant business broker provides:

 

• Accurate valuation
• Proven marketing strategies
• Confidentiality protection
• Buyer screening
• Contract negotiation support
• Experience with leases, permits, and licensing
• Faster, smoother closings

 

Selling through a broker can help you secure a higher sale price and reduce stress throughout the process.

 

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Thinking of Selling Your Restaurant?

 

If you’re considering selling your restaurant, the first step is a free, confidential valuation.

 

Let us help you understand what your restaurant is worth — and how to sell it successfully.