Each week, We Sell Restaurants brings restaurant buyers, sellers, and aspiring brokers the top stories shaping the industry. In our most recent broadcast, we shared restaurant sales successes, standout new listings, economic insights, and updates from the national franchise landscape. Here’s a look at the highlights and takeaways from this week’s episode.
Market Headlines: What’s Shaping the Restaurant Landscape Right Now
Chipotle is setting the stage for the future with its acquisition of MeatMe, a plant-based startup focused on customizable protein bowls. The company’s “Cultivate Next” fund is fueling this early-stage concept, with test stores launching on college campuses soon.
At the same time, FAT Brands is tightening its portfolio, exploring sales of legacy concepts like Ponderosa and Bonanza while leaning into high-growth brands like Twin Peaks and Fatburger.
Another major conversation continues to gain traction: the fallout from California’s $20 minimum wage. Robin Gagnon’s recent article in QSR Magazine, “Has California Created Its Own Doom Loop for Restaurants?” is resonating across the industry.
In it, she outlines how rising labor costs, paired with urban decline and crime, are causing closures, layoffs, and significant market hesitation. Since the wage hike, over 22,000 restaurant jobs have been lost in California. Operators are adopting automation as a survival tactic, and legacy brands are pulling back expansion plans. Commercial real estate foreclosures are also up over 400% year-over-year.
With another proposed 3.5% wage increase already on the table, the spiral continues — what Jim Collins calls a “doom loop.” Higher costs lead to job cuts, which drive lower traffic, which leads to closures, feeding back into the cycle.
As Robin noted, “This isn’t just a wage story — it’s about long-term viability in a market where operators are being squeezed at every level.”
Top Listings in Winning Locations
While California faces headwinds, listings in growth-focused markets are thriving.
What Sellers and Buyers Should Know Right Now
For Sellers:
One franchise brand to watch is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. The chain just passed $1 billion in sales, growing nearly 7% year over year — triple the category average. They’re succeeding by investing in quality, innovation, and operations, including a new center focused on automation.
Robin noted: “Buyers value efficiency, consistency, and guest experience. Sellers who’ve invested in those areas can command stronger valuations.”
For Buyers:
Four trends buyers should watch:
Recently Sold: Celebrating Our Clients’ Success
We Sell Restaurants brokers continue to close deals and deliver value across the nation. Recent transactions include:
Customer Experience Worth Sharing: Testimonials That Inspire
At the heart of our brand is a commitment to integrity and client service. As Robin and Rob shared, “We only make agreements we’re willing and able to keep.” That’s a value that builds lasting relationships, and the feedback from our clients says it all:
Josh Taylor on Doreen (Arizona office):
“Working with Doreen on buying a restaurant couldn’t have been a smoother experience. She went above and beyond assisting and communicating between us and the seller, as well as walking us through the process. If you’re in the market to buy or sell a restaurant, you definitely want to have Doreen on your team!”
Jason Jemmott on Sally (Carolinas):
“Sally was attentive, understanding and handled all my many questions throughout selling my business.”
Ryan Coomer on Taylor Clemmer (Nashville, TN):
“Had a great experience with Taylor. He is very knowledgeable and stayed in constant communication with me. Taylor did a great job finding me a suitable buyer in my first business sale. Good at answering questions and informative throughout the entire process. Glad we found him when we did!”
Becoming a Franchise Partner: Training the Next Generation
This week, a new group of franchisees is completing the most robust training in restaurant brokerage. After time in their local markets with our Appetite for Acquisition guide and learning our Broker’s Operations and Sales System (BOSS), they arrive for in-person training at our headquarters. From role plays to marketing mastery, each step prepares them for launch.
As Robin shared: “They’re not starting from scratch — they’re starting from strength.” If you’re ready to join a brand that provides real support, proven systems, and professional freedom, visit wesellrestaurants.com/franchise.
Franchise Resale Partnerships: Supporting National Brands
Robin also returned from the IFA Summer Board Meeting, where she serves as a Director and Chair of the Franchisor Forum. Through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), We Sell Restaurants partners with national franchisors to manage unit resales with precision and trust.
“We’ve built specialized infrastructure for franchisors to support smooth transitions and preserve brand value,” Robin said.
If your brand needs structured resale support, visit wesellrestaurants.com and explore the “For Franchisors” section.
Let’s Make Your Move
Ready to buy, sell, or explore a future in restaurant brokerage?
✅ Visit wesellrestaurants.com
✅ Browse our listings by city, state, or keyword
✅ Contact a Certified Restaurant Broker near you
✅ Learn about our franchise opportunity
✅ Follow us for weekly updates
And as Rob reminded viewers: “Great restaurant deals move FAST — don’t wait if something caught your eye.”
We’ll see you next Friday for another episode of Deals Revealed.