Buying a restaurant
Restaurants can be attractive because the site, team and customer base already exist, but small changes in rent, wages and owner involvement can move profit quickly.
Verify sales
Check point of sale reports, VAT returns, delivery platform statements and bank deposits. Cash businesses require extra care because reported sales may not match banked sales.
Inspect the lease
Location value depends on secure occupancy. Confirm remaining term, renewal rights, landlord consent, rental escalation, operating costs and any trading restrictions.
Licences and compliance
Food, liquor, municipal and health compliance should be current. Transfers can take time, so make licences and consents conditions of the deal.
Staff and owner role
Understand who runs the kitchen, front of house, ordering, payroll and customer relationships. A restaurant that depends on the seller daily deserves a lower multiple.
Margin and seasonality
Review food cost, wastage, labour cost and seasonality across a full year. A single strong month is not enough to support price.
Next step
Register for restaurant and hospitality alerts.
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This guide is general information, not legal, tax, accounting, finance or investment advice.