When leasing a restaurant, the Landlord is Not Your Friend

Posted by Eric Gagnon on Jan 4, 2011 4:57:00 PM

Restaurant buyers should always be aware that the landlord is not your friend. 

For a new restaurant owner, few things are more intimidating than facing a landlord with a prime Atlanta restaurant for lease if you don’t have expert help from a restaurant broker.  If you want to be first in line to receive the space there are definite ways to package your restaurant and yourself to cast the winning bid.  First and foremost, don’t try to negotiate first and introduce yourself second.  A landlord wants to know who you are before he opens up discussions on terms.  

Developers want to see certain items each and every time before they consider a new tenant on a restaurant for lease.  Don’t make the rookie mistake of requesting a meeting before you present your materials.  Your package is your introduction and the only thing the landlord cares about.  He’ll meet after the fact and not before.  

Successful restaurant brokers have already cemented deals in the past with most developers and will use these relationships to improve your likelihood of winning the restaurant lease.  The largest landlords in metro areas have in-house teams that check credit and perform background reviews but they still pick up the phone can call the expert restaurant brokers for input.  


 

Topics: Buying a Restaurant

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