Each week, We Sell Restaurants takes you inside the nation’s most active restaurant brokerage pipeline through our “Deals Revealed” live show—featuring new listings, closed transactions, and national franchise trends shaping the industry. Here's what you missed if you didn’t tune in last Friday at noon.

Billion-Dollar Moves in the Restaurant Space

The big headlines of the week centered on billion-dollar acquisitions shaking up the industry. Dave’s Hot Chicken, which started as a parking lot popup in 2017, has been acquired by Roark Capital in a deal valued at $1 billion. With backing from celebrity investor Drake and a fast-growing footprint, the brand will now join a portfolio that includes Subway, Dunkin’, and Arby’s.

Meanwhile, Bain Capital is reportedly in talks to acquire Sizzling Platter—operator of more than 750 franchise units including Little Caesars and Jersey Mike’s. That deal is also said to be valued north of $1 billion, with UBS and Deutsche Bank leading the sale.

These transactions underscore just how valuable scalable, franchise-based restaurant concepts have become—and the market is paying attention.

Hooters to Go All-Franchise?

In other industry news, Hooters is taking major steps to restructure its business model. After filing Chapter 11 in March, the brand is now in the process of selling more than 100 corporate locations to a franchise group led by its original founders. The move would shift Hooters to a fully franchised model—and opens the door for future listings with We Sell Restaurants as the brand decentralizes.

Tesla’s Diner & Robots on the Sidewalk: The Future of Hospitality?

The industry isn’t just being shaped by money—it’s being redefined by technology. Tesla’s retro-style Hollywood diner is nearing completion, combining drive-in movie nostalgia with modern EV charging and café-style dining. It's a futuristic mashup of transportation and hospitality—and a sign of what's to come.

Meanwhile, Uber Eats' autonomous sidewalk delivery robots are now roaming the streets of Los Angeles, navigating foot traffic with ease. These innovations may seem futuristic, but they’re already reshaping the restaurant experience from curbside to kitchen.

Buyer Activity: What’s Hot on the Market

This week’s standout listings include opportunities across multiple states:

• Sarasota, FL – A Brazilian steakhouse listed for $140,000. With low rent and a full kitchen, it’s a prime candidate for an operator with a new concept.
• Austin, TX – A profitable Indian restaurant earning $140,000 in 2024 with a long lease and strong traffic, listed at $280,000.
• Cary, NC – A fully built-out ice cream business in a thriving shopping center, priced at $134,000.

All are turnkey, professionally marketed, and financing is available in many cases.

What Sellers Should Know Right Now

Franchise brands continue to dominate buyer attention—especially names like Wingstop, Papa John’s, Jimmy John’s, and Smoothie King. Café concepts and coffee shops with drive-thrus are also attracting serious interest. Add to that high-performing pizza, bar, and Asian restaurant listings, and it’s clear what the market wants: simplicity, profitability, and recognizable brands.

Buyer Trends and Momentum Markets

Charlotte, North Carolina led all markets in May with the highest volume of buyer interest and confidentiality agreements. Orlando, Atlanta, and Nashville also saw strong buyer activity.

Most popular among buyers? Listings under $100,000 that are fully equipped and ready to run. These low-barrier deals are moving quickly, and buyers looking for plug-and-play businesses are acting fast.

Success Stories: Recently Closed Deals

It was another strong week of closings at We Sell Restaurants:

• Duluth, GA – A bakery and café sold by our Georgia team after delivering over $220,000 in sales. Though the concept wasn’t included, the space offered everything a new operator would need.
• Louisville, CO – A Mediterranean franchise restaurant sold by Bobby Pangilinan with nearly $90,000 in annual profit and a modern build-out.
• Houston, TX – A fully outfitted endcap location sold by Tamara Hamilton. With seating for 70 and high-traffic frontage, the $99,000 price made it an irresistible opportunity.

Each of these transactions reflects what’s possible when experienced brokers guide the process from listing to close.

New Listings with Major Potential

Fresh to the market this week:

• Glendale, AZ – A 3,800+ square foot restaurant with $1.4 million in sales, just steps from major sports venues. Priced at $595,000 with a $2.2M build-out already complete.
• Columbia, TN – A thriving independent restaurant on a 1-acre lot with real estate included for $1.99 million. Strong community ties and top-tier equipment.
• Anderson, SC – A $3.9 million opportunity with full real estate, a 20-foot hood, and major expansion potential. Perfect for a brewery, bar, or full-service concept.

These are just a few of the investment-ready listings now available nationwide through We Sell Restaurants.

Values in Action: What Our Clients Are Saying

At We Sell Restaurants, our mission is rooted in integrity, professionalism, and a customer experience worth sharing. This week, several buyers and sellers took the time to share their experience working with our brokers:

⭐ Claire Pickens (Clermont, FL):

"Such a lovely team to work with. Not only are they professional, but they are also very caring about the whole experience. They exemplify understanding how to well represent all involved. Thankful to have had Ellie and team involved in the purchase I made.”

⭐ Willie Pagan (Northwest Georgia):

"What a brokerage company. My broker, Paul Rogers, was more than terrific. My restaurant (Willie’s Famous Burgers and Fries) was only listed for about two days, and he had a buyer. Within a week, money was in escrow, and we had a deal. In less than a month, we had a very smooth closing. The best part is that he secured the full asking price with no financing. Nobody does that—but Paul did. And he made it look easy. So, if you're interested in selling your business, this is the broker you need.”

⭐ Pranil Lal (Denver, CO):

"Had the pleasure of both buying and selling a business through Jeff. Back in 2022, we acquired the business with Jeff as the broker. It was my first business and he was very helpful in guiding me through the process. Just recently, I sold that same business with Jeff’s help again. Working with him on both sides, I can say he is very competent in this industry. He will guide you through and always has your best interests in mind. I highly recommend working with him. He will put in the work and help you get a deal done.”

These are more than just testimonials—they’re proof that our Certified Restaurant Brokers follow through with real results.

Franchise Opportunities with Real Momentum

Behind the scenes, the We Sell Restaurants franchise system continues to grow. We’ve enhanced our franchise training program, improved buyer engagement through our website, and invested in systems that help franchisees win.

Our brokers enjoy banker’s hours, scalable income, and the support of the nation's most advanced restaurant brokerage brand. Whether you’re a former restaurateur or a franchise-minded entrepreneur, there’s never been a better time to explore this opportunity.

Visit wesellrestaurants.com/franchise to learn more.

Leading the Industry on Franchise Resales

We’re also leading the charge on franchise resale strategy. This summer, we’re presenting at multiple franchise conferences and partnering with national brands to structure formal resale systems. From deal compliance to buyer vetting, our Certified Restaurant Brokers offer franchisors peace of mind and continuity.

If you’re a brand leader looking to strengthen your resale pipeline, explore our franchisor solutions at wesellrestaurants.com.

Stay Connected

For weekly updates on top listings, market insights, and restaurant industry trends, join us each week live on Facebook and YouTube. We’re on every Friday at noon. And if you’re ready to buy or sell, reach out today. We’re here to guide your next step.