Find us elsewhere
Join Now Member Login

Restaurant Purchase

 
New Topic
Post Reply
Follow Topic
Page of 1
  • Author
  • Message
 
hank_rearden

posts: 2

Oct 31, 2010 5:44 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

Anyone know the best place to find an investor to help with the purchase of a very successful Ma. restaurant with sales in excess of 1.5 million currently in it's third year of operation with huge potential for increasing sales? I am the Chef, and have been since opening and am looking to buy out my boss.

robertj

posts: 1458

Oct 31, 2010 10:20 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

Hank,

Acquiring capital for a restaurant can be a challenge. I doubt that any "professional" investors will be interested, so you will probably have to find some "private investors" who will support you. Since there is no "list' of these types and they don't belong to angel groups, you'll need to follow a process to reach out to them.

To begin, I'd suggest taking steps to make everything as attractive as possible.

 

If you would like to discuss your specific situation, feel free to send me a Pm or contact me directly.

 



-------------------------

Business Growth Masters, LLC -
Capital Catalysts for Entrepreneurs
Home of the Scalable Business Plan and QuikStart Capital Programs
http://www.bizgrowthmasters.com
info@bizgrowthmasters.com


baloga

posts: 67

Nov 01, 2010 6:31 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

Hank,

Robert is correct, and I would also like to ask a couple of questions:

§         Is your boss looking to sell?

§         Is your boss aware of your interest in buying the restaurant?

 

The answers to these questions will help determine your next steps. However, that being said, you will definitely need to put together a business plan that demonstrates how and why there is a huge potential for increasing sales as you indicate.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.


Ed Baloga, CPA / MBA
Principal CFO
Baloga Associates
ebaloga@baloga-associates.com
www.twitter.com/edbaloga

hank_rearden

posts: 2

Nov 01, 2010 9:15 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

Thanks for the responses. My boss has been telling me he wants me to buy the restaurant eventually, but wont give me a price or a time frame. He's in his sixties, so I think it will be soon. I'm thinking of putting together funding and making him an offer. The sales have been increasing consistently since we opened, and I haven't tapped into other potential revenue streams.

baloga

posts: 67

Nov 02, 2010 7:35 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

Unfortunately, many business owners do not have a well defined exit strategy, i.e., some outside influence ends up dictating when they leave the business.

You indicate that he hasn't talked to you about a price or a time frame, it sounds as if he might not be emotionally ready to leave the business or financially ready for that matter (he might not be sure what he needs financially to retire comfortably).

My only suggestion would be to continue talking to him and try to determine why he is reluctant to talk to you about specifics.

Feel free to contact me should you want to bounce an idea off of me.

robertj

posts: 1458

Nov 02, 2010 11:01 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

 

Thanks for the responses. My boss has been telling me he wants me to buy the restaurant eventually, but wont give me a price or a time frame. He's in his sixties, so I think it will be soon. I'm thinking of putting together funding and making him an offer. The sales have been increasing consistently since we opened, and I haven't tapped into other potential revenue streams.


-------------------------
Since he hasn't discussed the details (price, terms and time frame) he may not be ready to "let go".  It could be very difficult for you to put together the financing without his involvement- since most sources will want to see some hard data on the performance along with the specific details on things like the property and equipment.  Coming up with an offering price could be difficult as well.
I would recommend having a serious talk (not a casual conversation at the restaurant) with the current owner to determine his needs, concerns, issues and time frame.
If you want to discuss your situation - feel free to drop me a Pm or contact me directly.

 



-------------------------

Business Growth Masters, LLC -
Capital Catalysts for Entrepreneurs
Home of the Scalable Business Plan and QuikStart Capital Programs
http://www.bizgrowthmasters.com
info@bizgrowthmasters.com


BMT2010

posts: 126

Nov 08, 2010 10:20 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

Two suggestions:

Approach the owner and ask him to hold the note.  You provide 10% down and finance the rest with him.  Amortize it over 20 years with a balloon payment in 5 years.  Then, you use the business to pay the note and in five years when the balloon is due, you will have more financing options.

Or, get out in your community - find lawyers, doctors, CPAs, other business owners.  Ask them to invest in you.  Raise the money and buy the business.  Look into the SEC's Reg D options.

As a side note, if your credit is strong and you can show solid cash flow - you might look into a SBA guaranteed loans (OK that is three suggestions).  But, a SBA loan may be the hardest and most expensive option.



-------------------------

Business Money Today
Small Business Loans & Start Up Loans

KBSGF

posts: 14

Apr 26, 2011 6:48 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

I represent Compound Profit. Compound Profit provides working capital to small and medium

sized businesses. We have EXCELLENT programs for restaurants and hotels, especially in terms of Unsecured Business Financing, Equipment Leasing and Merchant Advance and Processing/Credit Card Programs.

We work with established businesses and start ups. it's been our experience that banks

aren't lending as generously 9if at all) to restaurants as they have in the past.

Feel free to email me directly about your proposal and I will see how CProfit can help.

kbernhardt@cprofit.com

 

Keith

nevadascul

posts: 651

Apr 28, 2011 8:10 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

It's hard to find outside restaurant funding because these types of businesses have such a high failure rate. I know of one restaurant just down the street that has already changed hands 3 time in 18months.  The new owners (original owners) are now trying to decide what to with the property.  But, likewise, a restaurant three miles away has changed hands three times in three years.  The new owners are making a killing off the property.

But, they did a lot of research into the business before they bought it.  This involved more than just talking to the current owner.  I suggest you do the same.



-------------------------

The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.
jello

posts: 18

Jul 19, 2011 12:13 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
Points: 0   Vote

I know an investor/Loan lender. you can contact him on bobcolly22@aol.com

Regards,
Jello



-------------------------

Page of 1
Post Reply
 
.
Advertisement

Keep the Community Clean!

  • StartupNation forums should be used as a platform to learn, educate others, share stories, tips & tricks and to provide constructive feedback.
  • Please do not use the Forums for advertising & blatant self-promotion.
  • Please be respectful to other members and refrain from personal attacks and vulgar language.
  • StartupNation reserves the right to delete any message, reply, and/or member who violates our terms of use.
Read full terms of use
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement