March 2025 data reveals a surge in buyer interest for restaurant opportunities boasting strong locations, affordable pricing, and immediate cash flow, reflecting a resilient restaurant industry navigating a dynamic economic landscape. By analyzing buyer inquiries, signed confidentiality agreements (CAs), and page engagement, we’ve pinpointed the listings capturing the most attention and their significance.

Charlotte remains a hotspot, with multiple listings topping the ranks across all metrics, while Orlando, Nashville, and major Texas metros like Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin also draw significant buyer focus. This momentum underscores a robust market for restaurant resales, fueled by consumer demand and operator adaptability. Whether you’re a seller aiming for a quick deal or a buyer assessing competition, this breakdown highlights where opportunities are thriving in March 2025.

The restaurant industry’s strength this month aligns with broader trends. According to the National Restaurant Association’s projections, the sector is on track to hit $1.5 trillion in sales for 2025, with employment reaching 15.9 million by year-end after adding 200,000 jobs.

Reports from April 2025 show the industry added 29,800 jobs in March alone, pushing total employment to 15.7 million. This signals cautious yet steady growth amid economic uncertainty. This hiring surge, paired with a stable unemployment rate of 4.2%, suggests restaurants are adapting to labor challenges while capitalizing on consumer spending, which remains a key driver despite inflationary pressures.

The metrics we’re revealing are from WeSellRestaurants.com, the nation’s largest online marketplace of restaurants for sale. Whether you're a seller looking to position your listing for a fast sale or a buyer trying to gauge where the market is most competitive, this breakdown offers valuable insight into where momentum is building in the restaurant resale space.

The Metrics That Matter

To determine which restaurant for sale listings were trending this month, we analyzed performance across three core metrics:

• Top Confidentiality Agreements Signed: Buyers who signed a CA took the next step, demonstrating a serious intent to evaluate the business beyond the public listing.
• Top Page Views: These measures overall online traffic and visibility. High views often indicate popularity, location appeal, or curiosity, whether the listing translates to next steps.
• Top Buyer Engagement: Measured by time spent on the listing, this shows where buyers linger, click deeper, and analyze in more detail.
  
  

Together, these metrics reveal trends in location demand, buyer preferences, pricing, and investment types, offering a window into what drives the market in March 2025.

Listings with the Most Signed Confidentiality Agreements

Signing a confidentiality agreement marks a clear shift from browsing to serious intent. According to Robin Gagnon, CEO of We Sell Restaurants, “When a buyer executes a confidentiality agreement, they’ve moved beyond curiosity. They’ve shared personal information, agreed to legal terms, and taken a concrete step toward evaluating a business opportunity. It’s a strong signal of engagement.”

Buyers last month showed a strong preference for listings in high traffic, well established locations, particularly in vibrant urban neighborhoods and affluent suburbs. Turnkey and fully equipped spaces were especially appealing, as they allowed for faster openings and minimized upfront investment. Many buyers responded positively to listings that offered concept flexibility, giving them the freedom to launch their own ideas without the constraints of a fixed model.

On both sides of the pricing spectrum, value-priced restaurants for sale or those with proven financials sparked rapid attention. Financial performance stood out, with lower entry costs or strong earnings driving faster interest. Franchise and branded opportunities also attracted attention, as buyers looked for listings that offered built in support, operational ease, and name recognition. The listings shown in table 1 had the highest number of CAs signed, showing serious buyer intent.

Most Viewed Restaurant Listings – March 2025

Traffic data from Google Analytics revealed the restaurant for sale listings with the highest page views for the month. These restaurants for sale had the highest traffic. They also shared several key traits that consistently attracted buyer attention. First, multi-unit and scalable opportunities dominated interest. Listings like the 10-unit Schlotzsky’s group in Dallas/Fort Worth, the 4-unit Wingstop offering, and multiple Subway franchise packages stood out for their ability to offer immediate scale and infrastructure, features that appeal to experienced operators and investors looking to grow quickly.

Franchise brand recognition was another strong driver of traffic. Well known QSR names such as Subway, Wingstop, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Schlotzsky’s pulled significant search volume due to their established reputations and operational playbooks. Buyers looking for resale opportunities clearly favored listings that offer proven systems and built-in support, minimizing the risk often associated with independent operations.

Geographic market strength played a major role as well. Listings in high growth or high demand cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, and Dallas/Fort Worth were among the top performers. These markets not only offer strong local economies and population growth but also tend to attract a broad mix of buyers, from local entrepreneurs to out of state investors. Charlotte in particular saw multiple listings rank highly, reinforcing its position as a hot market for restaurant buyers.

A notable trend across many of these listings was the appeal of turnkey or flexible concepts. Buyers gravitated toward listings that allowed for a quick opening or concept rebranding without the time and cost of a full build out. Examples include the fast casual Asian restaurant designed for conversion, the Atlanta restaurant with lease or real estate flexibility, and the Charlotte turnkey café. These types of listings meet the needs of buyers eager to launch quickly while still allowing room for customization.

Finally, a few standout listings, such as the 2-unit Subway franchise and the turnkey Charlotte restaurant, appeared in both the high traffic and high confidentiality agreements signed. This crossover suggests that some listings are not only capturing attention but also converting interest into real buyer activity. These dual performing listings typically combine strong brand presence, desirable markets, and price or performance metrics that align with buyer expectations.

Listings with the Highest Buyer Engagement

When a buyer lingers on a restaurant for sale listing and engages with content, it signals deeper analysis and consideration. The listings with the highest buyer engagement this month, measured by average time on page and user interactions, shared several key characteristics that suggest a deeper level of interest and consideration.

What drove that strong interaction time and deeper engagement? Strong financial performance paired with reasonable pricing was a recurring theme. Listings like the American restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida, with over $300,000 in cash flow, and the affordable turnkey opportunity priced at $69,000 (#22817), drew in buyers who spent time reviewing the financial details, photos, and lease terms. This suggests that buyers are not only price sensitive but are also carefully evaluating return on investment.

Another clear commonality was turnkey readiness with concept flexibility. Several of these listings, such as the BBQ restaurant in Cary, NC and the bring your own concept restaurant, allowed buyers to envision their own ideas in a space that required minimal upfront effort. This kind of adaptability encourages exploration and deeper engagement, as buyers consider how they could personalize the opportunity.

Special use cases also played a role in driving buyer interest. For example, the profitable restaurant in Clermont, Florida qualified for an E2 visa, drawing international buyers who typically spend more time on listings to assess visa compliance and financial viability. Similarly, the two-unit neighborhood bar and grill in Florida's Panhandle appeared to attract lifestyle buyers, such as retirees or relocators, who tend to engage longer as they evaluate how the business fits into their personal plans.

Unique branding and character emerged as another factor that encouraged buyer interaction. The Asian fusion restaurant with a rock and roll flair stood out for its niche positioning and local reputation, signaling that personality and brand identity can be just as compelling as financials in capturing buyer attention.

Finally, university town dynamics and accessible investments rounded out the list. The Charlottesville restaurant and deli, likely boosted by its location in a well-known college town and strong lease terms, appealed to buyers seeking low barrier entries into a stable, student driven market. The high engagement suggests that buyers are drawn to listings that combine manageable investment size with long term community presence.

In summary, the highest engagement listings this month were defined by a mix of strong returns, flexibility, uniqueness, and lifestyle alignment, each prompting buyers to stay longer, dig deeper, and consider their personal fit with the business opportunity.

Market Trends and Activity Insights

• Charlotte Dominates:
  With five listings across the signed confidentiality agreement counts, Google views and and engagement categories, Charlotte North Carolina was a standout market for March of 2025. Affordable turnkey concepts and growing population centers contribute to this momentum.
• Florida Stays Hot:
  Orlando, Fort Myers, Clermont, and the Panhandle all made appearances across different lists. Restaurants in the Sunshine State continue to draw strong investor attention, especially those with liquor licenses, E2 Visa eligibility, or bar components.
• Franchise Brands Hold Strong:
  Subway, Wingstop, Schlotzsky’s, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe are franchise systems appearing repeatedly in buyer activity. Buyers seeking proven systems and operational support are leaning into multi-unit models.
• Conversion Ready & Flexible Concepts Win Attention:
  Buyers are showing deep engagement with listings that allow creative control. Listings advertised as “bring your concept” or offering generic QSR buildouts have high conversion potential.
  
  

Restaurants Sold – March 2025

March 2025 was a banner month for restaurant sales with an increase in units changing hands that was 45.8% higher than last year. Florida continues to lead in sales, with multiple transactions in Flagler, Naples, Broward County, Sarasota, Port St. Lucie, St. Petersburg, and Sanford, solidifying the southeast as a top restaurant sales market.

Texas followed closely, with high activity in Tomball and Austin, reinforcing the state's strong demand for restaurant acquisitions. Georgia remains a hot spot, particularly in Northwest Georgia and Marietta, where multiple transactions signal continued buyer interest in metro-adjacent locations.

Across the Southeast, South Carolina and North Carolina are gaining momentum, with multiple sales in Charleston, Charlotte North, and Raleigh, reflecting the region’s growing restaurant industry. Colorado and Arizona also saw movement, with Boulder, Phoenix, and Chandler experiencing successful sales, demonstrating buyer confidence in these high-income, high-growth markets. Notably, there were several other transactions, suggesting that buyers are expanding beyond traditional market areas in search of profitable opportunities.

A key trend driving these sales is the strong demand for turnkey and profitable operations. Many listings emphasize immediate income potential, with businesses boasting strong sales figures and owner benefits, making them highly attractive to buyers. The fast food and quick casual sector dominate the market, as these lower-barrier entry businesses continue to sell quickly. Additionally, there is growing demand for ethnic and specialty cuisine, with Asian restaurants, BBQ spots, and other niche eateries frequently selling, reflecting shifting consumer preferences.

Franchise sales have also been a major driver, particularly in established and growing markets, where buyers are drawn to proven business models with built-in brand recognition. Many of the restaurants sold boast over $1M in annual sales or six-figure owner benefits, demonstrating that profitability remains a key factor in buyer decisions. Prime locations and low rent continue to be major selling points, as buyers prioritize sustainable operations in high-traffic areas. Additionally, food trucks and catering businesses have gained traction, benefiting from the growing trend of mobile and off-premises dining options.

The latest data confirms that buyers are looking for profitable, well-located, and easy-to-operate businesses, with strong activity in high-growth metro areas, suburban markets, and even secondary locations. This increase in sales and prices highlights the continued confidence in restaurant acquisitions, making now a prime time for sellers looking to exit successfully.

If you're thinking of selling, now is the time to prepare your financials, lease documentation, and marketing plan. The spring market is heating up, and well positioned listings are moving quickly. For buyers, be ready to move fast. Competition is strong, especially in franchise and prime metro areas.

In Summary: How Buyers Behaved in March 2025

• Serious buyers acted, not just browsing, but signing CAs and analyzing listings in detail.
• Turnkey and fully equipped restaurants dominated the top ranks.
• Charlotte, FL metros, and key Texas cities continue to lead geographic demand.
• Multi-unit and franchise listings drew the highest levels of traffic and interest.
• Listings under $150,000 performed best across all three performance categories.

Industry Strength in March 2025

The restaurant industry’s performance in March 2025 at We Sell Restaurants echoes broader reports. The National Restaurant Association’s February 2025 "State of the Restaurant Industry" forecast a 4% sales increase, a trajectory supported by March’s $95.5 billion in eating and drinking place sales (despite a 1.5% dip from January, per U.S. Census data). Bank of America’s 2024 report predicted moderating costs into 2025, easing pressure on operators and boosting deal-making—a trend evident in March’s 15% price hike. TouchBistro’s 2025 report notes a 33% rise in takeout/delivery sales, a habit holding strong, while Square’s data shows 60% of owners finding hiring easier, supporting the 29,800 job additions.

Challenges persist—labor costs and competition loom large, with 47% of operators planning value promotions, per the NRA. Yet, optimism prevails: 80% expect stable or higher sales, per Nation’s Restaurant News, driven by consumers favoring dining out (88% enjoy it) over grocery shopping (73%). This resilience, paired with tech adoption (e.g., 50% automating operations, per TouchBistro), positions the industry for growth.

Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

For sellers, now’s the time to prep financials, leases, and marketing—spring listings are moving fast, with turnkey and franchise options leading. Buyers should act swiftly: competition is fierce in metro markets like Charlotte and Florida, where profitability and scalability reign. Check our top-performing listings below to seize these high-demand opportunities

Listings with the Most Signed Confidentiality Agreements

1. Cafe for Sale in NoDa, Charlotte, NC

Listing #22477
This well-located cafe offers premium visibility in Charlotte's dynamic NoDa neighborhood. Surrounded by music venues, galleries, and new development, this site benefits from steady foot traffic and a built-in customer base. Buyers are clearly responding to the value of location and concept flexibility.

2. Turnkey Restaurant in Uptown Charlotte

Listing #20401
Located in Charlotte’s business district, this 2,540 square foot restaurant features a fully equipped kitchen and high daytime population from nearby offices and residential units. The $50K price point makes it accessible, and buyers are moving quickly to get more information.

3. Fully Equipped Restaurant – Move In Ready in Charlotte

Listing #18539
With a strong location and full equipment package, this listing attracted CA signings from buyers ready to launch their own concept without the expense of a full build out.

4. Craft Beer Bottle Shop and Taproom

Listing #22715
This unique concept stood out for its niche appeal. With $550,000 in sales and $120,000 owner earnings, it’s a proven performer in the craft beverage space. CA signings suggest buyers are interested in businesses with culture, community, and strong brand identity.

5. Franchise Restaurant – South Charlotte Location

Listing #22862
Situated in a high-income trade area with strong household demographics, this franchise listing drew buyers looking for brand support and a turnkey model in a thriving suburban market.

6. Dessert, Acai, or Boba Concept Ready Cafe

Listing #21720
Buyers love flexible spaces, and this cafe listing invited creativity. With strong infrastructure already in place, it's perfect for quick serve concepts.

7. Restaurant & Kitchen in Domain Northside, Austin, TX

Listing #22089
Located in a top Austin shopping district, this back of house kitchen space drew interest from buyers needing commissary or catering kitchen access in a high barrier to entry market.

8. Orlando Restaurant and Bar with 4COP Liquor License

Listing #15285
With a liquor license and built-in bar infrastructure, this listing was a standout in Central Florida. Restaurant bar hybrids continue to attract investor attention.

9. Takeout Friendly Concept – Charlotte, NC

Listing #16887
As off premise sales remain a strong trend, this listing attracted buyers seeking to optimize for takeout, delivery, and fast service models.

10. 2 Unit Subway Franchise Offering

Listing #22565
Subway remains one of the most recognizable QSR brands. This bundled listing appealed to buyers looking for immediate income, brand power, and operational simplicity.

Most Viewed Restaurant Listings – March 2025

1. Multi Unit Schlotzsky’s Franchises – Dallas/Fort Worth

Listing #22531
Texas continues to be a top performing region for QSR investment, and this 10-unit listing drew massive traffic. Buyers looking for scale and infrastructure gravitated here.

2. 2 Unit Subway Franchises

Listing #22565
This listing also appeared in the CA rankings, reinforcing that it’s converting both lookers and active buyers.

3. Nashville Restaurant with Over $1M in Sales

Listing #22735
Nashville's growth continues to attract entrepreneurs. Strong topline revenue caught attention, and views poured in from across the Southeast.

4. Cafe in NoDa – Charlotte

Listing #22477
Buyers searching in Charlotte are clearly finding this listing compelling, with high search volume in addition to leading CA signings.

5. Restaurant and Cafe in Atlanta, GA

Listing #2244
Atlanta continues to pull strong traffic as one of the South’s top culinary cities. Flexible concepts with real estate or long-term leases tend to perform well here.

6. Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise

Listing #10645
National brand recognition helped this listing attract searches. Buyers looking for franchise resale opportunities gravitate toward proven systems.

7. Four Store Wingstop Group – On Track for $2.9M in Sales

Listing #7750
Wingstop is a dominant brand in the QSR chicken space. Multiple units in a single offering generated high investor interest.

8. Remodeled Subway Franchise – Multi Unit Opportunity

Listing #22564
Buyers are paying attention to listings with fresh upgrades and modern interiors, especially those that offer multi-unit leverage.

9. Fast Casual Asian Restaurant – Convert or Keep

Listing #20969
Listings with flexible branding and desirable build outs saw high interest. Buyers want options for customization without starting from scratch.

10. Turnkey Restaurant in Uptown Charlotte

Listing #20401
This listing appears in both the CA and view rankings, confirming that serious buyers are digging into this opportunity at high volume.

Listings with the Highest Buyer Engagement

1. American Restaurant in Fort Myers, FL

Listing #14621
Strong cash flow ($300K+) combined with affordable price and favorable location kept buyers digging deep into this listing.

2. Turnkey Restaurant – Bring Your Own Concept

Listing #22817
At just $69,000, this listing was ideal for new operators. Engagement metrics suggest buyers were reviewing photos, equipment, and lease terms closely.

3. Profitable Restaurant in Clermont, FL – E2 Visa Qualified

Listing #18932
Visa qualified listings tend to bring international buyers who spend more time reviewing compliance, documentation, and financials.

4. BBQ Restaurant in Prime Cary, NC Location

Listing #20320
This turnkey BBQ restaurant is in a thriving suburb of Raleigh Durham. Buyers were clearly evaluating its equipment and competitive landscape.

5. Asian Fusion Restaurant with Rock and Roll Flair

Listing #18564
Unique branding and strong local reputation likely contributed to extended engagement. Buyers showed interest in the restaurant’s niche appeal.

6. Panhandle Neighborhood Bar & Grill – 2 Units

Listing #17942
Multiple units in secondary Florida markets often attract retirees or relocators looking for lifestyle businesses.

7. Charlottesville Restaurant & Deli

Listing #9382
Located in a well-known university town, this listing’s low price and strong lease attracted buyers looking for small footprint investment.