The restaurant resale market in July 2025 was vibrant, with significant activity across buyer inquiries, signed confidentiality agreements (CAs), Google search traffic, and closed sales. By analyzing data from We Sell Restaurants, the nation’s largest restaurant for sale brokerage firm, we uncover key trends in buyer behavior, geographic hotspots, and the types of restaurants driving market momentum. This month’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the restaurant for sale activity, by focusing on the top 25 listings for signed CAs, buyer inquiries, and Google searches, as well as an analysis of sold listings.

The top 25 represents the highest transactional activity from more than 1,250 restaurant for sale listings and over $515 Million in listing inventory, offering actionable insights for buyers and sellers.

What are the results? The July data shows continued buyer confidence, a rising interest in lower-investment opportunities, and a clear preference for listings in high-growth regions. From Florida to Arkansas to the Carolinas, this is what restaurant buyers and sellers need to know.

Listings That Checked Every Box: Where Buyer Demand Was Concentrated

Twenty percent of the top listings appeared across all three lead categories: signed confidentiality agreements, buyer inquiries, and Google searches. These top performers attracted attention at every stage of the buyer journey. The details on these listings follows:

Pompano Beach, Florida – Café with Over $80,000 in Earnings: Listing #26456

With very high counts of signed CAs and strong placement across search and inquiry categories, this Broward County café proves that a profitable, simple-to-operate concept in a desirable coastal market remains highly appealing. This listing’s ability to attract interest across all channels also highlights how critical digital visibility is—buyers can’t pursue what they can’t find.

Northwest Arkansas – Multi-Unit Franchise Portfolio: Listing #26616

With $9 million in gross sales across multiple locations and $662,000 in owner benefit, this multi-unit listing in the Bentonville-Fayetteville-Rogers market was a major standout. It's rare to see a single listing generate this level of activity across all metrics. For franchisors and operators looking to divest high-performing units, this demonstrates that buyers are still actively pursuing larger, scalable opportunities—especially in economically expanding regions.

Orange City, Florida – Coffee Shop Under $35,000: Listing #10339

This turn-key coffee concept dominated July’s search rankings and captured 28 signed confidentiality agreements, alongside multiple buyer inquiries. What does this tell us? Low price points and simplicity sell—especially when listings are marketed effectively. These types of opportunities also attract E2 visa buyers looking for manageable businesses that meet investment thresholds.

St. Augustine Florida – Pizza Shop Priced to Sell: Listing #21440

This one didn’t just draw interest—it sold. With a sale price under $20,000, this fast-casual pizza restaurant saw a high level of activity in July and officially closed the same month. It underscores a key trend: restaurants priced under $50,000 are moving quickly, especially if they are turn-key and in serviceable condition.

Trending Restaurants: Signed Confidentiality Agreements

Signed confidentiality agreements indicate serious buyer intent, as they mark the transition from casual browsing to detailed evaluation. A buyer progresses from a casual inquiry to actual registration on the site and ultimately, more detailed conversations with the Certified Restaurant Broker representing the restaurant for sale listing.

The top 25 listings with the most signed CAs in July 2025 highlight a strong preference for affordable, turnkey operations in high-growth markets, particularly in the Sunbelt region.

• Geographic Hotspots: Charlotte, NC, dominated with eight listings, reflecting its growing population and vibrant economy. Florida followed with five listings, including Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, Miami, Winter Garden, and St. Augustine, driven by tourism and favorable business climates. Other notable markets included Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, and Phoenix, AZ.
• Price Points: Listings under $100,000 were highly sought after, with 12 of the top 25 priced at or below this threshold. Examples include a St. Augustine pizza shop (Listing #21440, $19,000) and a Charlotte bar (Listing #27075, $75,000). Mid-range listings ($100,000-$350,000) also saw strong interest, particularly franchises like a Houston sandwich shop (Listing #10522, $150,000).
• Business Types: Fast Food/Quick Casual (12 listings) and Catering/Delivery/Takeout (10 listings) were the most popular, reflecting demand for scalable, low-overhead concepts. Asset sales (no cash flow) also appeared frequently (11 listings), appealing to buyers seeking flexible, conversion-ready spaces.

Top Performer: A multi-unit franchise in Arkansas (Listing #26616, $2.1M) led with 33 signed CAs, driven by its $9.3M in net sales and $662,472 in owner benefit, showcasing the appeal of high-revenue, multi-unit opportunities. 

Chart: Signed CAs by State

Top Inquiries: Buyer Engagement

Buyer inquiries reflect initial interest, often driven by listing visibility and market appeal. The top 25 listings by inquiries in July 2025 show a similar geographic and price trend to signed CAs, with a focus on Sunbelt markets and affordable opportunities.

• Geographic Trends: Arkansas led with the multi-unit franchise (Listing #26616), followed by Florida (six listings, including St. Augustine, Orlando, and Pompano Beach) and Charlotte, NC (three listings). Emerging markets like Atlanta, GA, and Columbia, MD, also saw strong engagement.
• Price Sensitivity: Listings under $100,000, such as the St. Augustine pizza shop (Listing #21440) and an Orlando Chinese restaurant (Listing #23882), dominated, indicating budget-conscious buyers. Higher-priced listings, like the Arkansas franchise ($2.1M), attracted fewer but more committed inquiries.
• Business Types: Fast Food/Quick Casual listings and Catering/Delivery/Takeout listings were prevalent, alongside niche concepts like pizza shops and cafes. Franchise opportunities, such as a Crumbl franchise in Marietta, GA
• Overlap with CAs: Listings like #26616, #21440, and #23882 appeared in both inquiries and signed CAs, suggesting that high-visibility listings convert curiosity into action.
  
  

Chart: Top Inquiries by Business Type

Insight: The common denominator among the top listings was simple operation with fast food and quick casual attracting buyers, particularly in tourist-heavy or growing urban markets. At the same time, pizza and franchises also caught the interest of buyers. What is missing from this list are complex, full service restaurants, signaling that buyers want simple to operate businesses. s.

Top Google Search Results

Google search traffic indicates broad market curiosity and listing visibility. The top 25 listings by Google searches in July 2025 highlight the power of strategic marketing and location appeal confirming something we have emphasized with our brokers for many years: Visibility isn’t optional.

If a listing ranks well in Google, it’s significantly more likely to convert. That’s why We Sell Restaurants has mastered SEO optimization, search-friendly listing formats, and local keyword strategies. In fact, our average listing reaches thousands of search impressions per month, helping restaurant sellers reach buyers they didn’t even know were looking.

• Geographic Leaders: North Carolina, with many in Charlotte, and Florida with focus on Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, and Miami, led search traffic. Other notable markets included Atlanta, GA, and Nashville, TN.
• Price and Type Trends: Affordable listings under $100,000, such as a Charlotte cafe (Listing #22477, $49,000) and a Jacksonville restaurant (Listing #26779, $85,000), ranked highly. Fast Food/Quick Casual (9 listings) and Catering/Delivery/Takeout (7 listings) were the most searched business types, aligning with buyer preferences for scalable models.
• High Performers: The Arkansas multi-unit franchise (Listing #26616, $2.1M) and a Charlotte drive-thru restaurant (Listing #26882, $350,000) were top performers, driven by strong financials and prime locations. Listings with unique features, like a Miami restaurant space (Listing #26668, $80,000), also attracted significant searches.
• Search Trends: Google data indicates a 99% increase in “food near me” searches and an 875% surge in “food near me open now,” underscoring the importance of visibility for convenient dining options.
  
  

Chart: Google Searches by State

Insight: High search visibility correlates with strategic pricing and location appeal. We Sell Restaurants works hard to effectively optimize listings with specific keywords and leverage platforms like Google.

Sold Listings: Market Momentum

The sold listings in July 2025 provide a window into what drives successful transactions, with dozens of restaurants sold, reflecting a robust market despite broader industry challenges recently recorded by BizBuySell. In the most recent quarter, while general brokers reported a 16% decline in transactions, We Sell Restaurants posted a 15.5% growth in restaurant sales, outpacing the industry average by 31.5 percentage points.

• Geographic Trends: Florida led the count of sales in markets like Augustine and Orlando. That was followed by North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Colorado.
• Price and Type Trends: The median sale price for the month was $199,000, with half the transactions under $200,000, indicating strong demand for affordable opportunities. Franchises sold faster than independents at an average of $223,000, with an average of 205 days on market for all sales. Fast Food/Quick Casual and Catering/Delivery/Takeout (7 sales) were the most common type restaurants sold)
• High-Value Sales: A Columbia, SC, restaurant stood out with $2.86M in net sales and $1.06M in owner benefit, highlighting the profitability of fine dining in strategic markets. Another notable sale was a Florida bar with real estate appealing to buyers seeking long-term assets.
• Days on Market: Listings with 50+ signed confidentiality agreements, like an Atlanta cafe (Listing #25844), closed fastest, averaging under 100 DOM. Affordable listings under $100,000 also moved quickly, with the St. Augustine pizza shop (Listing #21440) closing in 164 days.
  
  Chart: Sold Listings by Business Type

Insight: The sold listings underscore the appeal of affordable, turnkey operations and franchises in high-demand markets. Sellers can accelerate sales by pricing competitively and providing transparent financials, while buyers should focus on listings with strong cash flow and location advantages.

What It Means for Buyers

For active buyers, this data provides a competitive edge:

• Speed matters. High-interest listings are moving in weeks, not months. If you’re serious, be ready to sign a CA and move into diligence quickly.
• Financing prep pays off. If you plan to use SBA financing, start now—not after you make an offer. A slow loan process is still the biggest reason deals fall through.
• Look beyond your backyard. More buyers are exploring secondary markets with strong economics and lower cost of entry.

Looking Ahead: July and Beyond

We anticipate continued momentum in the market through July and into early fall. While seasonality may impact certain northern markets, coastal and sunbelt states remain active.

Trends to watch:

• Growth in franchise resale activity
• Continued demand for under $100K listings
• Increased traffic on listings in growth markets like Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado

Conclusion

July 2025 was a dynamic month for We Sell Restaurants, with Charlotte, NC, and Florida leading in signed CAs, inquiries, and Google searches. Buyers showed a clear preference for affordable, turnkey operations and franchises, particularly in Fast Food/Quick Casual and Catering/Delivery/Takeout categories. The sold listings, with a median price of $199,000 and strong activity in Sunbelt markets, reflect a resilient market driven by consumer demand and operator adaptability.

For sellers, the data suggests emphasizing location, financial transparency, and turnkey readiness to attract serious buyers. Buyers should prioritize listings in high-growth markets like Charlotte and Orlando, focusing on scalable concepts with proven profitability. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, We Sell Restaurants remains a leader in navigating this competitive landscape, delivering exceptional results for buyers and sellers alike.

Methodology: How We Track the Market

Each month, we analyze:

• Top 25 Listings by Signed Confidentiality Agreements: A strong proxy for buyer intent, as it shows the listings that prompted a buyer to take action and request private details.
• Top 25 Listings by Buyer Inquiries: Reflects direct engagement and interest via our platform.
• Top 25 Listings by Google Search Volume: Indicates organic visibility and top-of-funnel interest.
• Sold Listings: Provides insight into pricing, days on market, and what actually converts.

When a listing shows up across all three engagement categories and ultimately sells, it’s a sign that the market is in alignment—and that buyers are serious.

Ready to Sell or Buy? We’re Here to Guide You

Whether you are ready to list, exploring a sale, or just looking for insight, We Sell Restaurants is your trusted partner. Our Certified Restaurant Brokers are experts in pricing, deal structure, and marketing strategies that drive results.

Tap into our nationwide platform and get your listing in front of the right buyers—faster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurants for Sale in July 2025

1. What are the top restaurant sales trends for July 2025?

In July 2025, fast food and quick casual restaurants, along with catering and delivery-focused businesses, dominated buyer interest. Charlotte, NC, and Florida markets saw the highest activity, with affordable listings under $100,000 and franchises driving significant inquiries and sales. Multi-unit opportunities, like a $2.1M franchise in Arkansas with $9.3M in sales, were particularly popular.

2. Why are Charlotte, NC, and Florida hotspots for restaurants for sale?

Charlotte’s growing population and vibrant economy make it a prime market for restaurant investments, with eight listings leading in signed confidentiality agreements. Florida’s tourism-driven markets, including Orlando and St. Augustine, attract buyers due to high foot traffic and favorable business climates, with affordable listings like a $19,000 pizza shop in St. Augustine drawing strong interest.

3. How much does it cost to buy a restaurant in 2025?

The median sale price for restaurants sold in July 2025 was $199,000, with half of the sold listings priced under $200,000. Affordable options, like a $19,000 pizza shop in St. Augustine or a $99,000 Charlotte restaurant, were highly sought after, while high-value franchises reached up to $2.9M in Columbia, SC.

4. What types of restaurants are easiest to sell in 2025?

Fast food, quick casual, and catering/delivery restaurants were the easiest to sell in July 2025, accounting for half of the sold listings. Franchises, such as a $210,000 Firehouse Subs in Gulf Breeze, FL, sold faster than independents, averaging 205 days on market. Turnkey asset sales also moved quickly due to their flexibility.

5. How can I find restaurants for sale in Charlotte or Florida?

Visit WeSellRestaurants.com to browse listings in Charlotte, NC, and Florida, including turnkey cafes, fast food restaurants, and franchises. Popular listings include a $49,000 cafe in Charlotte’s NoDa area (Listing #22477) and a $69,000 Chinese restaurant in Orlando (Listing #23882). Contact our Certified Restaurant Brokers for personalized guidance.

6. Are franchises a good investment for restaurant buyers in 2025?

Yes, franchises were a top choice in July 2025, with many sold listings averaging $262,250. High-performing franchises, like a $2.1M multi-unit operation in Arkansas (Listing #26616) with $662,472 in owner benefit, offer scalability and brand recognition, making them attractive to buyers.

7. How long does it take to sell a restaurant in 2025?

The average days on market for restaurants sold in July 2025 was 205 days. Listings with strong financials and 50+ confidentiality agreements, like an Atlanta Cafe closed faster, often under 100 days. Affordable listings under $100,000 also sold quickly, averaging 164 days.

8. What makes a restaurant listing attractive to buyers?

Buyers in July 2025 prioritized affordable listings (under $100,000), turnkey operations, and locations with high foot traffic, like Charlotte and Florida. Transparent financials, such as net sales and owner benefit, and features like drive-thrus or low rent, significantly increased buyer interest.