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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For active buyers, this data provides a competitive edge:
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:
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.