The restaurant industry continues to evolve at record speed, blending creativity, technology, and brand storytelling in ways that redefine success. In this edition of Deals Revealed, Robin Gagnon and Rob Morrison, co-founders of We Sell Restaurants, share powerful insights on what is shaping restaurant profitability in 2025, along with top listings, success stories, and franchise opportunities.

From signature drinks and global salads to restaurant-branded merchandise, today’s most successful operators are doing more than serving great food. They are building loyalty, identity, and scalable value that buyers recognize instantly.

Trends Transforming the Industry

The Sipper Economy: Drinks That Drive the Brand

Beverages are now a key ingredient in brand identity. Non-alcoholic drink sales have jumped across both fast-casual and full-service concepts, with customers visiting solely for unique, photogenic beverages. Whether it is a butter latte, dirty soda, or sparkling matcha, one signature drink can transform traffic and loyalty.

Restaurants are now treating beverages like limited-edition product drops, featuring bold visuals and creative marketing. These high-margin items require little overhead and no new equipment, making them a powerful opportunity for both buyers and sellers. A strong drink program signals brand creativity and consistency, two traits that increase perceived value.

Takeaway: Drinks are no longer secondary items. They are brand builders and revenue drivers that tell a restaurant’s story in every sip.

The Salad Renaissance: Greens, Grit, and Global Flavor

Healthy dining is no longer predictable. Modern salad concepts are bold, flavorful, and globally inspired. Tahini, miso, and spicy grain bowls have replaced the iceberg lettuce of the past, attracting health-conscious guests who crave taste and variety.

Quick-service salad concepts grew nearly eight percent last year, making this one of the fastest-rising segments in the restaurant world. For sellers, showcasing customizable and healthy menu options helps listings stand out. For buyers, these low-overhead operations deliver strong returns and repeat business.

Takeaway: Fresh, fast, and flexible dining continues to lead growth, proving that wellness and flavor can go hand in hand.

Merch Madness: Restaurants as Lifestyle Brands

Restaurants across the country are discovering that their brands extend far beyond the dining room. From hoodies and collectible cups to candles inspired by menu favorites, merchandise is becoming a profitable extension of hospitality.

Selling branded products creates long-term engagement and new revenue streams. Guests become ambassadors who carry the restaurant’s identity wherever they go. For buyers, this signals strong community connection and brand depth.

Takeaway: Merchandise builds emotional equity. When customers wear your logo, they are doing more than marketing your brand; they are becoming part of it.

This Week’s Top Listings

The Deals Revealed lineup features real opportunities where strong performance meets strong potential.

Listing #30239 – Bonita Springs, Florida
Represented by David Whitcomb, this multi-unit casual sushi bar group is listed for $450,000. It operates in a high-traffic corridor surrounded by retailers and steady daytime business. The concept is known for loyal guests, efficient operations, and a professional staff that runs the business seamlessly. Buyers gain a creative and profitable business ready for immediate transition.

Listing #30342 – Raleigh, North Carolina
Represented by Paul Peterson, this package of seven franchise territories is listed for $699,000. Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast, it offers scalable systems, national brand recognition, and strong support for multi-unit expansion.

These listings reflect two distinct ownership paths: operational excellence in Florida and scalable growth in North Carolina. Both demonstrate how restaurant resales deliver structure, performance, and lifestyle flexibility.

Seller Insight: The Presentation Premium

The listings that move fastest do more than show clean numbers; they look like opportunity. Great presentation creates what we call the “presentation premium.”

Sellers who invest in updated photos, refreshed summaries, and cohesive branding are seeing stronger offers in less time. Data shows that listings with new visuals or rewritten descriptions sell about twice as fast as those that remain static.

For anyone planning to sell in the next year, preparation is key. Consistent messaging across your financials, online reviews, and visuals builds instant credibility. Sellers who communicate enthusiasm rather than fatigue stand out and attract buyers who see potential instead of transition.

Takeaway: Strong presentation builds confidence and drives faster, higher-quality offers.

Buyer Insight: Speed with Certainty

Today’s most successful buyers are combining speed with preparation. They use data-driven tools to identify listings that meet their financial goals, then act decisively when they find the right match.

Lenders are responding with faster SBA approvals when buyers arrive organized and prequalified. This approach allows serious candidates to secure deals quickly while maintaining due diligence.

Takeaway: Readiness is the buyer’s greatest advantage. Organized financials, clear communication, and broker relationships create the foundation for confident, timely decisions.

Featured Sold Restaurants

Every closing tells a story of alignment between preparation, opportunity, and trust.

• Georgia: Certified Restaurant Broker Nick Pourhassan closed Listing #20449, a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Franchise for Sale, listed for $99,000. This sweet concept stood out for its simplicity, strong brand presence, and year-round appeal.

• Lexington, South Carolina: Justin Scotto sold Listing #17939, a turn-key restaurant listed for $40,000. Buyers were drawn to the flexibility of a fully equipped kitchen with high visibility and ready-to-run setup.

• Amherst, Virginia: Don Williams completed the sale of Listing #18760, a long-standing community favorite listed for $219,000. The buyer saw an opportunity to preserve the restaurant’s legacy while introducing fresh ideas for growth.

These transactions highlight the diversity of the restaurant resale market and the importance of organization. Each seller presented clean books, verified data, and clear pricing, allowing for smooth and timely closings.

Hot New Listings

Fresh to the market this week:

• Scottsdale, Arizona – Listing #30969, represented by Doreen Gorman, a beautiful restaurant and wine bar listed for $500,000. Fully built-out and profitable with a curated wine list and skilled team.

• South St. Paul, Minnesota – Listing #31068, represented by Scott Ruby, a fast-food restaurant listed for $149,995. Equipped, visible, and ideal for a hands-on operator ready to earn from day one.

• Kansas – Listing #31219, represented by Tony Miceli, a multi-unit legacy pizza group with liquor licenses listed for $1,348,000. Long-standing reputation, trained staff, and loyal customer base.

From upscale to quick-service, these listings show how the resale market remains strong and diverse across regions.

Client Stories that Reflect Our Core Values

Two exceptional brokers earned high praise this week:

• Ken Eisenband, representing Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida, received glowing feedback for his expertise and genuine approach. Clients called him one of the most trusted professionals in restaurant brokerage, known for honesty, knowledge, and dedication.

• Scott Hoopingarner, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, was recognized for skillfully managing a complex multi-party transaction. His professionalism and calm leadership kept every party aligned through closing.

These stories show how Certified Restaurant Brokers combine deep expertise with care, creating lasting relationships built on trust.

Franchise Opportunity: Own a We Sell Restaurants

For those seeking a new chapter in hospitality, owning a We Sell Restaurants franchise offers a career shift that keeps you in the industry you love without the long hours.

Franchisees receive full training through the Certified Restaurant Broker Program and ongoing support through the BOSS Platform, which simplifies marketing, valuation, and deal management. Owners enjoy freedom, flexibility, and the satisfaction of guiding others through major business transitions.

If you are ready to turn your restaurant experience into a scalable business with structure and balance, visit WeSellRestaurants.com/Franchise to learn more.

Franchise Resales: A Smarter Growth Strategy

Franchise systems that plan for ownership transitions show long-term stability and strength. We Sell Restaurants partners with brands nationwide to manage resales efficiently and protect franchise value.

Structured resale programs benefit everyone involved. Sellers exit confidently, buyers gain established businesses, and franchisors maintain royalties while ensuring brand continuity. It is the most reliable growth model for sustainable success.

Takeaway: Great brands plan for both openings and exits. Resales prove the health and resilience of the franchise system.

Final Thoughts

The restaurant market continues to thrive through innovation and preparation. From trendsetting menus to well-structured sales, opportunity remains strong for buyers, sellers, and future franchise owners.

To explore available listings, connect with a Certified Restaurant Broker, or learn about franchise ownership, visit WeSellRestaurants.com.

Join us live every Friday at noon for Deals Revealed, where we share real listings, real sales, and real insight into what drives restaurant success nationwide.