How to Sell a Restaurant: The Ultimate Guide
Did you know there are just over 1 million restaurants in the US?
On some nights, nothing beats heading over to your favorite restaurant. It feels good to give up cooking duties for the night.
Unfortunately, on the other side of the coin, the owner of the restaurant is over their head. They’re pulling out their hair while you slurp pasta. Or they may simply ready to move on from the business.
Does the owner sound like you? If you own a restaurant and want to sell it, keep reading. We’ll teach you how to sell a restaurant.
Tidy Up the Appearance
Just like you would when you sell a house, spend time tidying up the appearance to better appeal to potential buyers. It’s best to survey the restaurant when there aren’t any customers.
Look at the flooring, doors, windows, and counters. Does anything need a renovation or repair? We’re sure some bumps and dents have occurred over the years.
Head into the kitchen for a peek. Are the appliances working correctly? How bad are the splotches and stains?
Take a look at the overall aesthetic of the restaurant. The decorations and paint job may need some love and care.
Lastly, tidy up the outside of the restaurant. Guarantee the entrance is inviting and appealing to those passing by.
Contact local designers and contractors for anything you need to be taken care of. To save money, head to the local hardware store to get supplies for minor DIY fix-ups.
Know the Legal Stuff
Potential buyers need to know all about the legal formalities. Be one of the most organized restaurants for sale by keeping track of your lease, licenses, and permits.
Guarantee everything is up-to-date, and highlight any important rules and guidelines the new owner needs to know. It’s best to type up a comprehensive handbook or document to present to a potential buyer.
Never lie about the information you give the potential buyer. One way or another, the truth will come back around. If you’re having issues, tell the truth, and offer a solution.
Get a Grip on Your Finances
When looking at all the businesses for sale in an area, you’ll notice many are being sold due to unorganized finances and poor bookkeeping. Get a grip on the numbers.
Even if you don’t have the tools or resources to save the restaurant yourself, do what you can to organize the books so you aren’t handing off too large of a mess to the new owner. Work with an accountant if you need extra assistance.
Do you notice any loose ends? Before selling off the restaurant, tie up loose ends where you can.
Contact a Business Broker
Not many people can say they know how to sell a company. Business brokers do. Get in contact with one to keep the ball rolling in the right direction.
They’ll have a list of contacts to reach out to for leads on buyers. To be more specific in your search, hire a business broker with experience and a specialization in selling restaurants.
Brokers are large investments, but they’ll most likely be able to sell your restaurant at a much higher price than you could on your own. Plus, they take the extra stress off your back.
Remain Rational and Logical
Selling something you worked hard to create is emotional. You’ll go through waves of sadness, disappointment, happiness, and relief. It’s a rollercoaster ride.
Recognize your emotions, but remain logical throughout the selling process. Don’t let the emotions get to your head. Do your best to steer clear of cold feet.
If the stress and anxiety are too much, seek out a therapist. Even if it’s only for a short time, a trusted therapist will help you work through what you’re feeling.
Refrain from dragging your employees into the emotions. They may also be sad, especially if they’re left without a job.
Learn How to Negotiate
Did you decide to do without a broker? Spend time learning the psychology of negotiation. It’s crucial.
Smart and experienced buyers will do their best to push down the price. Depending on how good they are, you may not even realize they’ve lowered their asking price to an unfair level of low.
One written or verbal error on your end can wreck a big deal. Be thoughtful with your pitch and offers.
Place an Ad
If you’re having a difficult time selling your restaurant, it’s time to place an ad. Head on over to Google, a local newspaper, or even Facebook.
Advertise your restaurant, and always provide contact information. Take time each day to sift through any emails or phone calls you’ve received regarding your offer.
Keep an open schedule to meet with potential buyers. Give them a short tour of the restaurant, answer any questions, and ask about their experience owning a restaurant. Be friendly and professional.
Before giving a tour, remember first impressions are key. While you might be in the middle of renovations, do your best to keep the place clean.
Trust Your Gut
Until the papers are signed and the money is paid, the restaurant is yours. Take care of it.
Trust your gut and intuition throughout the selling process. If an offer seems too low, it’s too low. If a buyer doesn’t seem like they’re a good fit, they’re not a good fit.
Seek out a business coach and trusted friends if you need advice and reassurance.
Let It Go: How to Sell a Restaurant
Hiding under the stress and work it takes to keep a restaurant afloat is especially overwhelming as you learn how to sell a restaurant. Hopefully, our guide above provided clarity.
Perform maintenance and touch-ups before advertising the space. If you need help selling the company, reach out to a business broker. No matter what, always trust your gut through the process.
Are you not sure where to turn to find a trustworthy business brokerage? Look no further than our site. Contact us today for the help you need.
