The restaurant industry never stands still — and this week proves it. In this edition of Restaurant Market Weekly: News, Listings, and Wins , Robin Gagnon and Rob Morrison from We Sell Restaurants share industry insights, highlight featured listings, celebrate sold restaurants, and give practical advice for buyers and sellers.
Restaurant sales for eating and drinking places rose 6.5% year-over-year in August, marking the sixth straight month of growth over 6%. This is a strong indicator of the industry’s continued resilience.
Three major trends are shaping the market right now:
Inflation pressures have shifted guest expectations. Consumers want value but are also seeking lighter, more affordable portions. Olive Garden is testing smaller entrée sizes in nearly half its restaurants, offering the same experience at a lower price point.
Operators and buyers should evaluate their cost of goods, adjust portion sizes where it makes sense, and test value-tier menu offerings. These strategies attract price-conscious guests and encourage repeat business without compromising the brand.
Chick-fil-A is debuting Daybright, a new beverage-forward concept opening this fall in Hiram, Georgia. It will focus exclusively on specialty coffee, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and light foods — no chicken sandwiches on the menu.
Beverage-led models are growing in popularity due to their smaller footprints, high margins, and ability to capture morning and midday traffic. For buyers, this is a reminder that a strong beverage program can be a driver of revenue and a differentiator for a listing.
After a long slump caused by remote work and schedule changes, breakfast traffic is recovering. Commuters are returning to morning routines, fueling demand for coffee, protein-rich breakfast items, and wellness beverages.
For sellers, highlighting the potential of morning business can make a listing more attractive. For buyers, concepts that can serve early-day traffic may offer higher margins and additional growth opportunities.
This week’s featured listings represent a range of opportunities for different types of buyers:
Listing #29596 – Top-Rated Italian Restaurant for Sale
Located in Colorado and represented by Allison Gregory, this restaurant produces $1.25M in annual sales and is priced at $535,000. With a fully equipped kitchen, loyal customer base, and consistent traffic, this listing is ready for a new owner to grow.
Listing #29192 – Dessert Franchise for Sale
Located in Tomball, Texas and represented by Tamara Hamilton, this franchise is priced at $75,000 and offers built-in marketing, training, and franchisor support. It’s an excellent first business or addition to a multi-unit portfolio.
Listing #29481 – Fully Equipped Restaurant for Sale
This Nashville, Tennessee location is offered at $89,000 and represented by Taylor Clemmer. The 1,500-square-foot space has a complete kitchen setup, a $2,875 monthly rent, and is ideal for a chef-driven concept or an existing business relocation.
Operational readiness and financial transparency are crucial for sellers. Clean books, updated technology, minimal deferred maintenance, and well-trained staff make a restaurant more attractive to buyers and often lead to higher sale prices.
Sellers should audit profit and loss statements, invest in updating equipment, and ensure all documentation is in order before going to market. Buyers reward businesses that demonstrate organization and reduce perceived risk.
Location, concept flexibility, and financial clarity are key factors for buyers. Listings in high-growth markets with adaptable spaces and well-documented financials attract multiple offers and move quickly.
Buyers should focus on:
Locations with visibility and population growth
Concepts that can pivot between dine-in, takeout, and delivery
Clean, well-documented financials and favorable lease terms
Three recent sales highlight what buyers are prioritizing right now:
Listing #22725 – Cafe in (Charleston, SC)
Sold by the Charleston Team, this cafe with six-figure owner profit attracted strong interest thanks to clean financials, low rent, and weekday-only hours.
Listing #24668 – Fully Equipped Restaurant (Jasper, GA)
Sold by Paul Rogers, this $49,000 restaurant sold quickly due to its complete equipment package and low monthly rent, allowing the buyer to open under their own concept almost immediately.
Listing #16700 – Italian Restaurant with Seller Financing (Fort Collins, CO)
Sold by Rina Vieweg, this listing drew multiple buyers with its combination of a proven concept, flexible use, and seller financing options.
The newest listings on the market are a strong mix of health-focused concepts, proven franchises, and prime-location spaces:
Listing #29476 – Franchise Smoothie and Juice Bar
Located in Mandeville, Louisiana, this $200,000 listing represented by Sam Hopkins comes with franchisor training and support and offers daytime business hours.
Listing #29004 – Franchise Pizza Restaurant
Represented by Robin Gagnon, this Lancaster, Pennsylvania store generates $689,000 in annual sales and $86,000 in owner earnings and qualifies for SBA lending.
Listing #29442 – Downtown St. Petersburg Wine Bar & Restaurant
Priced at $399,000 and represented by Don Mason, this turnkey space produces $555,000 in annual sales and is located in one of the busiest nightlife districts in St. Pete.
Client testimonials reinforce the value of working with Certified Restaurant Brokers:
Charlotte, North Carolina: Patty Mills praised brokers Justin and Zofia for their diligence and professionalism in overcoming challenges and successfully closing her transaction.
Clermont, Florida: Renan and Chris highlighted broker Mel’s professionalism and collaboration, noting that she created a smooth and cooperative process for all parties.
These testimonials demonstrate the dedication of the We Sell Restaurants team to guiding clients through a successful transaction.
For entrepreneurs who love the restaurant industry but want a better work-life balance, the We Sell Restaurants franchise offers a proven business model. Franchise partners receive access to the nation’s largest restaurant buyer database, proprietary BOSS technology, and ongoing training and support.
Learn more and see available territories at wesellrestaurants.com/franchise.
This week’s news and listings reflect an industry that is growing, adapting, and providing opportunities for buyers, sellers, and future restaurant brokers.