Reconcile the sales — point-of-sale against bank deposits and tax returns
Cash-heavy businesses invite optimistic numbers; verify reported revenue against the processor and the returns before you trust a figure.
Similar businesses sell at 1.2x to 4.0x SDE. Compare live listings and connect with sellers.
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Highly-Successful Longstanding Destination Dining & Entertainment Venue - With Property! "The Asking Price Includes A Well-Maintained Property With Substantial Prior Capital Investment" A rare opportunity to acquire one of Chicagoland’s premier destination dining and live entertainment venues. The combined businesses generate approximately $7.67M million in gross sales, demonstrating its strong and stable performance. Facility Highlights: • Freestanding, high-visibility commercial property included in the sale • Large building footprint with multiple distinct yet connected concepts under one roof • Spacious full-service restaurant and bar areas with flexible seating configurations • Expansive four-season patio • Dedicated live music/entertainment venue with professional stage, lighting and sound systems • Built-in infrastructure for large-scale events and entertainment programming • Private event spaces ideal for corporate functions, weddings and social gatherings • Ability to host simultaneous revenue-generating experiences • Ample on-site parking supporting high-capacity operations • Well-maintained property with substantial prior capital investment Offered at $8,500,000 for the combined businesses and real estate, this turnkey operation delivers exceptional brand recognition, well established systems, multiple revenue streams, significant historical performance and additional growth potential through extended programming and service expansion. Diversified Revenue Streams: • Full-service dining (lunch, dinner, weekends) • High-energy bar with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list • Nightlife sales • Live entertainment/ticketed shows • Private events and group bookings • Catering and special events The combination of food, beverage and entertainment creates a powerful, destination-style concept that performs across multiple dayparts and customer segments! Prime retail space in a striking freestanding building with ample parking. In a highly desirable Chicagoland market with strong discretionary spending, repeat local clientele and regional draw for dining and live entertainment. Location Highlights: • Prominent positioning along a major corridor with strong traffic counts • Immediate access to/from major commuter routes and regional thoroughfares • Proximity to retail corridors, corporate offices and residential communities • Strong surrounding household incomes and discretionary spending power • Consistent draw from both local clientele and destination visitors • Established reputation as a go-to dining and entertainment destination in the market This is a HIGHLY confidential listing. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Additional information provided to well qualified buyers upon NDA execution, proof of funds and the ability to demonstrate that they have a minimum of $1.7M liquid.
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Fully-Equipped Restaurant & Bar w/Gaming River Grove, IL - On Busy Grand Ave! "2,850 SqFt Freestanding Building With Prominent Signage, Strong Visibility & Ample Shared Parking" An incredible opportunity to acquire a fully equipped, completely built-out restaurant and bar located on busy W Grand Ave in the heart of River Grove. Situated in an amazing freestanding brick building with large expansive windows, a sleek modern interior with a full bar (16 beers on tap), bar & table seating, 3 flat-screen tvs, open gaming area and a fully-equipped kitchen. Its professional kitchen features a 14ft exhaust hood w/heated air return, 8-burner stove w/oven, tabletop flat-top grill, 2 deep fryers, double-stack Blodgett convection oven, dough mixer, 2-door sandwich prep cooler, 6-door sandwich prep cooler, single-door cooler, 2-door standup cooler, 2-door standup freezer, two chest freezers and more. Plus, a $25,000 Mara Forni brick pizza oven out front! And its full bar features 16 beers on tap, two 3-door glass beverage coolers, single-door beverage cooler, tall single-door beverage cooler, 2-drawer sandwich prep cooler, glass washer, hand sink, ice machine and Toast POS system. Entire restaurant was completely renovated in 2016. Over $400,000 spent on all new equipment, plumbing, electric, HVAC, roof and more. Gaming approved - 5 video games (can add a 6th) plus ATM. Gaming revenue (location’s take) $50,000/yr and growing. Asset sale - all furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) included. Independent - no royalty, advertising or transfer fees. Also, no financials. Ideal for a wide range of concepts such as a pizzeria, bar & grill, sports bar, cocktail lounge, gaming café, modern ethnic fusion restaurant and more. Bring your concept here! Prime retail space in a freestanding building with prominent signage, strong visibility and a 2nd entrance in rear along with ample shared convenient municipal parking. Perfectly situated on W Grand Ave, a heavily traveled east-west corridor with strong commuter traffic linking Chicago to the western suburbs. Adjacent to a very busy Starbucks and popular barber salon. And across two busy plazas. Plus, walking distance to the River Grove and Elmwood Park Metra stations! Located in River Grove, the village of “Friendly Neighbors.” And in close proximity to Franklin Park, Elmwood Park and Melrose Park. Approximately 190,000 residents within 3 miles with a median household income around $70,000! Feel free to stop by the location first. If interested, please email Pat Mahoney at [email protected] or call 847-208-9569 for more information. Showings by appointment only.
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Legendary Illinois Dining Establishment w/Property - Dining, Bar, Gaming & Banquets! "8,000 SqFt Freestanding Building On 3.22 Acres On A Primary Regional Corridor" Offering an incredible menu of prime rib, steaks, seafood, broasted chicken and more. In addition to hearty sandwiches, Italian favorites, house specialties and homemade desserts. Plus, delicious daily specials, their signature Friday fish fry and popular Sunday brunch! Full-service restaurant with a full bar, gaming, multiple dining areas and banquet facilities. Dine-in or carryout, plus catering. Features a welcoming entry, classic dining rooms and a warm cocktail lounge with a private gaming area with 5 state-of -the-art video gaming machines, plus flexible private-event/banquet rooms ideal for birthdays, graduations, showers, weddings, community functions, business outings, corporate events and more. In addition to a full commercial kitchen set up for high volumes! Well established 81 years. Independent - no royalty, advertising or transfer fees. Owner operated (supervisory) with an experienced kitchen manager and long-term staff in place. Turnkey! Boasts multiple revenue streams - dining, cocktail lounge, gaming, banquet facilities and catering. 2025 gaming revenue $128,743! Prime retail space in a large freestanding building on 3.22 acres. Features a prominent monument sign at its entrance and ample parking for 100 vehicles. The parking lot can simultaneously accommodate both dining, lounge and banquet operations, as well as tour buses for large organized events. Perfectly situated on a primary regional corridor and well-traveled state route with strong visibility and easy access. Its consistent week-to-week traffic from nearby big box retailers is complemented by other event venues, golf, recreation, conservation areas, seasonal surges and border-area visitors. Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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Longstanding Highly-Rated Italian Restaurant Northwest Suburb of Chicago - 28 Years! "Freestanding building With Large Patio At A Major Intersection With High Traffic Counts" Serving delicious authentic, made-to-order southern Italian cuisine. Including tasty appetizers such as fried calamari, baked clams and antipasto, crisp salads, hearty soups, handmade pasta such as cannelloni, cavatelli, gnocchi and manicotti, as well as fresh seafood, steak, veal and chicken dishes, plus much more. As well as gluten-free and vegetarian options. In addition to mouthwatering classic Italian desserts. Full-service restaurant with two bars. Dine-in, carryout and 3rd party delivery, plus catering. Open for dinner 6 nights a week. Online ordering also available. Reservations accepted. White tablecloth service. Features a casual elegant interior with a warm and cozy atmosphere. Ample seating - can accommodate up to 200 people. 148 inside - seating for 80 in the main dining room and another 69 in a private room, great for additional seating or private parties. Plus, seating for 42 outside on its large patio. And a full bar area in the middle with access to both dining rooms. As well as a 2nd smaller bar in the private dining room. Plus, a fully equipped commercial kitchen with 20ft hood, 10-burner stove w/2 ovens, two 6-burner stoves w/2 ovens, deep fryer, 4-well steam table, several refrigerated sandwich units and so much more. In addition to a full basement with a prep area, a double-decker Blodgett pizza oven, walk-in cooler and freezer, plus storage. Well established for over 28 years. Independent - no royalty, advertising or transfer fees. Asset sale - all furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) included. No financials. Owner operated and long-term dedicated staff in place. Prime retail space in a freestanding building with a large patio. Plus, ample parking for 42 vehicles. Perfectly situated at the major intersection of two busy thoroughfares with high traffic counts. Boasts great signage, high visibility, excellent exposure and easy access. Ideally situated in the heart of the thriving dining corridor of a highly-desirable well-established northwest suburb. Also surrounded by a vast commercial area and dense residential area! Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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Beloved Long-Established Restaurant & Banquet Hall w/Property Lyons, IL - 42 Years! "And Semi-Private Gaming Area With Gaming Revenue Of $82,947" An incredible opportunity to acquire a long-established full-service restaurant & banquet facility including its real estate on a highly desirable, heavily traveled corridor of Lyons, IL. This iconic destination has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, offering a powerful combination of steady restaurant traffic & private event hosting. The business and property are ideally suited for an experienced operator or investor seeking a large-scale hospitality asset with immediate operating capability & substantial upside through modernization or repositioning or redevelopment. Included is a large full-service restaurant w/full-service bar. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Dine-in, carryout, pickup & 3rd party delivery. Online ordering is also available. Full liquor license till 2a, Saturdays 3a. Featuring a well laid out interior w/vestibule, hostess stand, wait area & large wait station + ample seating. And a semi-private gaming area w/6 video gaming machines + ATM. 2025 gaming revenue (location’s take) $82,947! Plus, an expansive banquet hall w/dance floor, 2 bars, private bathrooms & its own separate entrance. Able to accommodate groups ranging from 45-250 guests. The room can also be split in 2 to be able to host 2 separate events simultaneously. As well as a huge fully equipped kitchen set up for high volumes! Well established over 42 years. Asset sale with property - all FF&E included. No financials. Independent - no royalty, advertising or transfer fees. Longtime family owned & operated. Business Highlights Diverse & Complementary Revenue Streams • Full-service restaurant w/consistent lunch/dinner/weekend traffic • Established gaming destination • Dedicated banquet/private event business Established Reputation & Market Presence • Decades-long presence in Lyons & surrounding suburbs • Strong brand recognition & repeat customer base • A local neighborhood anchor & a regional event destination • Popular for both everyday dining & large-scale events • Continued demand for group dining & event venues Expansive Facility & Flexible Layout • Large dining areas accommodating significant guest volumes • 2 banquet rooms w/flexible configuration for private events • Efficient kitchen designed for both restaurant service & events Freestanding Building w/Strong Visibility • Prominent corner along a major commercial corridor • Excellent signage/frontage along 2 high-traffic avenues • Easy access for diners & event attendees Prime corner retail space in a freestanding building. Boasts great signage, high visibility, easy access & ample parking for 60 vehicles. Perfectly situated on a major thoroughfare lined w/restaurants, retailers & businesses+high traffic counts. And conveniently located close to major highways, making it convenient for guests traveling from surrounding suburbs and Chicago. Plus, close to many popular attractions. Also, surrounded by a dense commercial & residential area! Prominent Suburban Location • High-traffic corner w/dual street frontage • One of the most recognizable commercial corridors in the SW suburbs • Surrounded by retail/businesses/dense residential neighborhoods • Strong mix of working professionals/families/long-term residents • Centrally located within a dense western suburban trade area • Immediate proximity to neighboring communities - Riverside, Brookfield, Stickney, Berwyn & Cicero • Convenient access to major highways I-55 & I-290 Feel free to stop by the location as a customer 1st. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Theo Theodosiadis at [email protected] or call 847-910-465 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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High-Volume Well-Established Bar & Restaurant Franchise Chicago, IL - Sales $5,277,215 & Growing! "Double-Digit Sales Growth The Last 4 Years!!!!" A truly unique social gathering place. A neighborhood bar & eatery with handcrafted cocktails, local & regional beers, unique wines and craveable food in an inviting, urban atmosphere. Offering an amazing menu of bar bites, soups, greens, flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, main plates and decadent desserts. Along with their signature handcrafted martinis, cocktails, margaritas, mojitos, spiked sangrias & dessert drinks, mimosas and more. Full-service. Dine-in, takeout and delivery, plus catering. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner and late night. As well as happy hour. Quick and easy online ordering available. Also ideal for any special event - perfect place to entertain clients, employees, family and friends. And a rewards program. Interior boasts high ceilings, exposed ductwork, vintage brick, expansive windows, cool concrete floors, exquisite lighting and much more. The hub of activity centers around their spectacular fully stocked wrap-around bar with 58 beers on tap, 10 large screen tvs and 27 stools. Surrounded by ample seating at comfortable booths, tables, high tops and long community tables. Also, 4 roll-up garage doors that lead to their sidewalk patio in the warmer months! Also has 3 bar stations and 3 drink soda stations, as well as a soda station in back. Back of the house features an 18ft hood, 6-burner stove w/oven, flat top grill, 2 deep fryers, 3-well steam table, 2 conveyor toaster ovens, microwave, refrigerated prep tables, reach-in cooler, reach-in freezer, extra-large ice machine, POS system and more. Plus, the basement has another reach-in cooler & freezer, walk-in keg cooler, walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer and more. Well established location for over 10 years. Absentee owned - turnkey. Can remain a franchise or can convert to an independent bar & restaurant. Sales breakdown - 55% liquor / 45% food. Profit margin 29.3%. And double-digit sales growth the last 4 years!!!! Prime corner retail space in a popular mixed-use development on the near west side of Chicago. Close to the University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Medical District and Central Business District. Features a range of retail stores, boutiques and specialty shops, as well as numerous restaurants, cafes and eateries. Also, entertainment venues such as movie theaters, bars and performance spaces. Plus, hosts community events, festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. And it's just minutes away from everything: downtown, museum campus and the lake, art museums and public transportation. Plus, near many new housing and retail developments. And surrounded by several sought-after well-established neighborhoods including Little Italy, Greektown, Near West Side, Near South Side, Pilsen and Chinatown. Plus, enjoys easy access from I-90/94, I-290 and I-55 making it convenient for both residents and visitors alike! Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Tim Ryan at [email protected] or call 847-343-1332 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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High-Volume Well-Established Neighborhood Pizza Place Affluent Western Suburb of Chicago - Over 21 Years! "A Beloved Carryout/Delivery Local Pizza Place" An incredible opportunity to purchase a beloved neighborhood pizza place. Offing delicious Chicago-style pizzas along with appetizers, loaded fries, wings, salads, sandwiches, wraps, calzones, pasta, specialty dinners, desserts and more A highly efficient pizza place, known for its authentic Chicago-style offerings and streamlined operations focused on carryout, delivery and repeat neighborhood business. Strategically positioned in dense, affluent and high-growth trade area. 2025 sales up 22.7% over 2024! Business Highlights: • Carryout and delivery business with consistent repeat clientele • Simple operation - counter service • No seating - carryout, pickup and delivery, plus large catering business • Features a small clean buildout with an optimized kitchen • Online ordering through their own in-house platform w/Google Maps monitor and Pizza Cloud phone system (no 3rd party fees) • A streamlined, efficient operation with lower labor requirements • Highly scalable and easy-to-manage • Long established local brand with a loyal repeat customer base Well established location for over 21 years. Independent - no royalty, advertising or transfer fees. As well as full operational flexibility. Prime retail space in a busy plaza on a highly desirable suburban corridor. Perfectly situated within an established shopping center along with other popular eating & drinking establishments, retailers and services. Benefits from excellent signage, visibility, access and parking. Ideally located along a major high-traffic retail corridor with access to major highways and commuter routes. Surrounded by dense residential neighborhoods with above average household incomes, consistent population growth and growing dining demand. Plus, in close proximity to schools, parks, youth sports facilities and community hubs. In addition to a strong daytime population supported by nearby office, medical and employment centers. Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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High-Volume Well-Established Pizza Sports Pub Southwest Suburb of Chicago - Over 16 Years! "Strategically Positioned On A Major Route With 35,000-50,000 VPD In One Of The Fastest-Growing SW Suburban Markets" An incredible opportunity to purchase a popular pizza sports pub. A full-service pizza sports pub which combines an authentic pizzeria with a lively bar atmosphere - ideal for families, friends, coworkers, groups and sports gatherings. Offering a diverse menu - authentic Chicago-style pizzas, appetizers, wings, salads, sides, sandwiches, calzones, pasta, chicken, desserts and more. Features a spacious interior with high exposed ceilings and ductwork, 10ft windows, a full bar with 20 beers on tap and over 20 high-definition TVs to watch all the games. Plus, newly approved gaming eligibility - can now add video gaming! Designed for dine-in, carryout, pickup and delivery, plus catering. Ample seating at the bar as well as high and low top tables. Also, a separate pickup counter up front. Plus, basement with keg cooler and ample storage. Business Highlights: • Full-service pizzeria + sports bar • A popular hybrid concept with strong alcohol sales component • Full liquor license - includes beer, wine and spirts • High-margin bar sales significantly enhance profitability • Enjoys additional game-day and event-driven revenue Well established location for over 16 years. 2025 sales up over 2024! Prime retail space in a busy neighborhood retail and professional center on a highly desirable suburban corridor with exceptional signage, visibility, access and parking. Strategically positioned on a major route with 35,000-50,000 vehicles per day. Sits within a dense residential trade area surrounded by established subdivisions, newer housing developments, schools, parks and expanding commercial growth nodes. Located in one of the fastest-growing southwest suburban markets in the Chicagoland area! Location Highlights: • Strong visibility directly on one of the primary N-S commercial corridors in Will County • Excellent accessibility with multiple ingress/egress points and convenient commuter access • Strong daytime population driven by nearby schools, medical offices, service businesses and commuter traffic • Surrounded by affluent and growing residential neighborhoods • Over 170,000 residents within 5 miles with average household incomes ~ $190,000 • Mix of retail, restaurant, service and office users creates consistent daily traffic patterns • Attractive suburban setting with nearby parks, trails and family-oriented neighborhoods contributing to stable long-term consumer demand Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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Beloved Longstanding BBQ Restaurant w/Bar - Over 48 Years! "Iconic BBQ Place - An Institution In The Neighborhood - Staple In The Community - Area Gem - Regularly Recognized" Offering authentic melt-in-your-mouth midwestern-style bbq including brisket, pulled pork, chicken, ribs, pork chops, steaks, salmon and shrimp. Along with flavorful appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, gyros and more. As well as delectable daily specials! Full-service restaurant with a full bar. Dinner only. Dine-in, carryout, pickup and delivery, plus catering packages. Recently remodeled. Its new modern yet rustic interior features beautiful wood finishes, stylish seating, vintage photos and warm lighting for a clean yet cozy vibe. Also, features a professionally designed kitchen with specialized bbq smoking equipment. Prime retail space in a busy neighborhood strip center in the heart of a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly north suburban downtown, this restaurant benefits from exceptional visibility and consistent foot traffic throughout the day and evening. The area is known for its charming streetscape, boutique shopping, upscale dining and community-driven events, drawing both local residents and destination visitors. This prime setting is surrounded by: • Popular independent restaurants and national brands • Boutique retailers and service-oriented businesses • Historical landmarks, local attractions, parks and beaches • Farmers markets, tastes, art fairs, festivals, community gatherings and seasonal events that drive traffic • Its busy Metra Station • High-end residential neighborhoods (luxury homes, condos and townhouses) with strong household incomes and spending power The combination of strong daytime population, evening dining traffic and weekend activity creates a powerful and consistent customer base. Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Brian O'Kelly at [email protected] or call 847-579-9641 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
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High-Volume Longstanding Breakfast & Lunch Restaurant w/Property - Sales $1.5 Million! "Long Established Over 50 Years And 38 Years At This Location" A classic diner offering all-day breakfast favorites including hearty egg plates, signature skillets, savory benedicts and oversized omelets, in addition to fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, creative crepes, decadent French toast, plus other traditional comfort dishes. As well as fresh salads, deluxe sandwiches/wraps, black angus burgers, marvelous melts, flavorful gyros and other delicious homestyle entrees. Plus, kids’ menu. Full-service restaurant. Dine-in, carryout, pickup and 3rd party delivery. Online ordering is also available. Features a spacious dining room with ample counter, table and booth seating. Plus, a large wait station and large fully equipped commercial kitchen with high-end equipment. Set up for high volumes! Long established over 50 years and 38 years at this location. Independent - no royalty, advertising or transfer fees. Family owned and operated. The restaurant has maintained consistent sales for over 30 years! Prime corner retail space in a freestanding building at a busy signalized intersection in the heart of this far south suburb’s primary commercial corridor. Boasts prominent signage, exceptional visibility, easy access and ample parking. Perfectly situated on one of the area’s most heavily traveled commercial routes with constant daily traffic. Also, a primary north-south artery that benefits from steady commuter traffic and strong local draw. Surrounded by dense residential neighborhoods, multiple schools, community institutions, professional services, retail centers and other long-time businesses. Feel free to stop by the location as a customer first. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
National transaction benchmarks for restaurant and food business businesses.
Under $500K
$500K to $2M
Over $2M
A variety of factors can cause businesses to trade outside this range, including earnings quality, operational transferability, key-person risk, growth trajectory, and geography, so a listing priced above or below the typical multiple usually reflects real differences in the underlying business.
Cofounder & CEO
Key diligence, valuation, financing, and transition considerations for buyers evaluating restaurant and food business acquisitions.
Cash-heavy businesses invite optimistic numbers; verify reported revenue against the processor and the returns before you trust a figure.
Remaining term, escalations, and assignment rights can make or break a restaurant; a strong concept on a non-transferable lease is a problem you inherit.
Margins are thin and move with wages and commodities; understand prime cost and how stable the kitchen and front-of-house staff are.
Liquor licenses, health permits, and inspection history are valuable and sometimes fragile; review the record before you commit.
A chef-owner or personality-driven concept may not transfer; understand the recipes, systems, and whether the brand survives new ownership.
Kitchen equipment, refrigeration, and the dining room wear and date; tour it with someone who knows the gear.
Answers to common buyer questions for this market.