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Steps to buy a restaurant in 2025
Buying a restaurant in 2025 is an exciting and strategic adventure. Between the choice of concept, the search for the right location and the evaluation of profitability, it is an ambitious project, but achievable with a rigorous method.
Whether you are an experienced restaurateur or an investor wishing to diversify your portfolio, knowing the key steps to buy a restaurant is essential to succeed in your acquisition and ensure its profitability.
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🕐 4 min of reading | Published on: 11/18/2025
Why buy a restaurant rather than open it?
Buying an existing restaurant has many advantages compared to creating it from scratch. This allows to benefit from a history of activity, a loyal clientele and immediate potential profitability.
Fewer administrative and regulatory procedures
One of the major assets when deciding to buy a restaurant is the simplification of administrative procedures. By taking over an already existing structure, you inherit part of the authorizations and licenses necessary for operation (IV license, ERP compliance, hygiene standards). This significantly reduces the time and costs associated with business creation.
Acquisition of an already existing clientele
Buying a restaurant also means taking back a loyal clientele. This solid base of regular consumers ensures you a turnover from the first day. It is therefore crucial to analyze the satisfaction and profile of this clientele in order to evaluate the restaurant’s development potential.
Profitability and immediate financial returns
Unlike a creation, buying a restaurant allows you to generate revenue as soon as the recovery. The initial investment is often offset by an already profitable activity and predictable results. This represents a major asset for banks when requesting financing.
💡To remember:
Buying an existing restaurant saves time, reduces risks and takes advantage of an already proven economic model.
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1. Define your purchase criteria for a restaurant
Before any approach, it is essential to clearly define your selection criteria. This step determines the success of your project and guides your research.
What type of restaurant would you like to buy?
Brasserie, bistro, gourmet restaurant or themed establishment: each type of restaurant has its advantages and constraints. The choice must depend on your experience, your ambitions and the target audience.
| Type of restaurant | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Brewery | High attendance, high average ticket | Complex personnel management |
| Bistro | Moderate investment, friendly atmosphere | Lower margins |
| Gourmet restaurant | High-end image, strong notoriety | High costs, dependence on the chef |
| Theme restaurant | Differentiating concept | Risk of concept losing momentum |
Location: How to choose the right neighborhood?
Location remains the determining factor for buying a restaurant. Prioritize an area with high traffic, well served and visible. Analyze competition, population density and the presence of nearby businesses or offices.
Purchase budget and financing: how much to invest?
Define a realistic budget including the price of the business, agency fees, potential work and the purchase of professional furniture. Consider including the cost of new equipment or solid wood furniture, such as those offered by Tradis, to strengthen the identity of the place.
💡To remember:
Choosing the right type of restaurant, a strategic location, and a coherent budget are the foundations of a solid and profitable project.
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2. Analyze the profitability and finances of the restaurant for sale
Buying a restaurant requires a thorough analysis of its financial situation to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Analyze the financial statements of the last 3 years
Request the accounting statements and income statements for a minimum of three financial years. This allows to verify the stability of turnover, margins and profitability.
Check the regularity of payments and outstanding debts
Examine supplier, tax and social debts. Good financial management is the sign of a healthy restaurant. Do not hesitate to seek the help of a chartered accountant for this step.
Evaluate the valuation of the restaurant: method of turnover or profit multiple
Two main methods exist: valuation based on turnover (30 to 100% of annual turnover depending on the type of institution) or on a multiple of the net result.
💡To remember:
A rigorous financial analysis will allow you to determine if the restaurant is a real opportunity or a disguised risk.
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3. Visit and evaluate the restaurant to buy
The site visit is an essential step to confirm your interest.
Check the status of equipment and facilities
Check kitchen equipment, cold rooms, ventilation and electrical installations. Outdated equipment can burden your post-acquisition budget.
Meet the employees and evaluate the team in place
A competent and motivated team is a considerable asset. Find out about their seniority, their contract and their motivation in the face of a change of owner.
Visit the premises and evaluate the clientele
Observe the flow of customers, the general atmosphere and the coherence between the concept and the decoration. Quality professional furniture (such as the solid wood tables or custom-made counters by Tradis) contributes to creating a welcoming and sustainable atmosphere.
💡To remember:
A successful visit combines observation, dialogue, and accurate assessment of the restaurant’s true value.
4. The negotiation and purchase of the restaurant
What elements negotiate during the purchase?
In addition to the sale price, negotiate the conditions of transfer: stock takeover, duration of the commercial lease, equipment included. A well-conducted negotiation can significantly reduce your initial investment.
Legal verification and obtaining the warranty for hidden defects
Have the contract reviewed by a commercial lawyer. The warranty for hidden defects protects the buyer in case of a problem not declared by the seller.
💡To remember:
A skillful negotiation and full legal verification secures your purchase and limits future risks.
5. Finalize the purchase and integrate the restaurant
Once the transaction is validated, place to the operational transition: change of owner, communication with customers and modernization of the place. Think about rethinking the layout and furniture to strengthen the identity of your establishment. The Tradis creations, made of solid wood and custom-made, enhance the authenticity and conviviality of your restaurant.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key steps to buy a restaurant?
The main steps include defining criteria, financial analysis, visit, negotiation and finalization of the purchase.
How much does it cost to buy a restaurant on average?
The price ranges from €80,000 to over €500,000, depending on the location, size and reputation of the restaurant.
What are the common mistakes when buying a restaurant?
Underestimating the work, neglecting the study of the commercial lease or not analyzing the accounts can be expensive.
What are the possible funding to buy a restaurant?
Bank loan, leasing, crowdfunding or regional aid are options to consider.
How to evaluate the profitability of a restaurant before buying?
Analyze the accounting reports, gross margins, and average attendance. The help of a chartered accountant is recommended.
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