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restaurant and food business for Sale in Illinois
Similar businesses sell at 1.2x to 4.0x SDE. Compare live listings and connect with sellers.
56 results
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American Restaurants
Bars, Pubs & Taverns
Pizza Restaurants
American Restaurants
+2
Rare Waterfront Restaurant & Bar Far NW Suburb of Chicago - Prop Incl!
Lake County, Illinois, United States
Lake County, IL, US
Rare Waterfront Restaurant & Bar Far Northwest Suburb of Chicago - Property Included! "Offers Direct Channel Frontage Leading Into The Chain O' Lakes, Complete With Outdoor Seating & 4 Private Boat Slips" An exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire both a fully equipped restaurant operation and its real estate in one of Lake County's most desirable waterfront recreational markets. Offered as an asset sale, this established independent restaurant occupies a highly visible freestanding building with direct channel frontage, private boat docks, outdoor waterfront dining, a full-service bar and video gaming. All of the infrastructure already in place for a new owner! This incredible opportunity allows an owner to build equity through ownership of the real estate while operating from a location that would be extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive to replicate today. The 2,500 sqft freestanding building sits on 0.29 acres with 100 feet of road frontage, ample customer parking, excellent visibility and direct access to a navigable channel leading to one of Northern Illinois' most popular recreational lake systems. The property also features 4 private boat docks, creating a destination dining experience for boaters throughout the busy spring, summer and fall seasons while continuing to serve a loyal year-round local customer base. Inside, the restaurant is completely equipped with a fully equipped commercial kitchen featuring a 12ft hood, numerous equipment upgrades, a dining room, full-service bar with 6 taps, video gaming area and an outdoor waterfront deck capable of accommodating additional seasonal seating. The current owners have also invested in updated kitchen equipment, plumbing improvements and a new front entrance. For buyers seeking multiple revenue streams, this opportunity delivers. In addition to food and beverage sales, the establishment operates 6 licensed video gaming terminals, with 2025 gaming income of $72,268 reflecting strong gaming activity at this location, further demonstrating the property's established customer base. Whether you're an owner-operator seeking your own building or an investor looking for an irreplaceable waterfront commercial property with tremendous upside, opportunities like this rarely come to market. Prime retail space in a highly desirable waterfront setting within the renowned Chain O' Lakes recreational region - one of the Midwest's premier boating and tourism destinations, attracting thousands of residents and visitors throughout the year. The Chain O' Lakes spans 15 interconnected lakes and is one of the busiest inland recreational waterways in the country, drawing boating enthusiasts, anglers, vacationers, weekend travelers and outdoor recreation lovers from across the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Well positioned along a busy avenue surrounded by an established mix of local restaurants and neighborhood taverns. Just minutes from a movie theater, multiple shopping centers and numerous everyday service businesses, creating continuous consumer activity throughout the day and evening. And strategically located between two of the area's primary transportation corridors near the Metra station, providing convenient access for both local residents and visitors traveling from Chicago and surrounding suburbs. This is a HIGHLY confidential listing, DO NOT talk to any owners, employees or patrons. If interested, please email Pat Mahoney at [email protected] or call 847-208-9569 for more information. Showings by appointment only outside of business hours.
$395,000Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
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Diners
Miscellaneous Restaurant & Bars
Diners
+1
High-Volume Cafe & Restaurant w/Bar & Gaming Western Suburb-$1M+Sales!
DuPage County, Illinois, United States
DuPage County, IL, US
High-Volume Well-Established Cafe & Restaurant w/Bar & Gaming Western Suburb of Chicago, IL - $1M+ Sales! "Boasts Numerous Revenue Streams Serving Multiple Dayparts" Exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established, highly-rated independent café and restaurant with full bar and licensed video gaming lounge located in a highly-desirable western suburb of Chicago in DuPage County. Established nearly a decade ago, this popular neighborhood concept has built a loyal customer following, strong reputation and proven operating history, generating over $1 million in combined gross revenue in 2025. This multi-faceted business combines a full-service restaurant with a counter-service cafe, full bar and gaming lounge. Dine-in, carryout, pickup and 3rd party delivery, plus huge catering business. In addition to 6 gaming terminals providing an additional high-margin ancillary revenue stream, generating $46,244 in gaming income in 2025. Its beautifully built-out space features an extensive commercial kitchen, dedicated specialty coffee/espresso counter, spacious dining room, bar area, separate gaming lounge and fenced-in patio. Its fully-equipped kitchen includes a large exhaust hood, 6-burner stove, walk-in cooler, char grill, flat-top, fryers and much more. Overall the facility can accommodate everyday dining, larger groups and high-volume periods with seating for more than 175 guests inside and out. And the dedicated gaming area provides an additional customer experience and revenue stream separate from the core food and beverage business. An experienced staff handles daily operations efficiently with relatively light owner oversight. Independent with no franchise royalties or corporate restrictions, a buyer may continue operating the established concept and benefit from its existing goodwill and customer relationships or potentially re-concept the fully equipped facility subject to landlord approval and applicable licensing. The asset sale includes all FF&E, leasehold improvements, trade names, website, social media, phone number, proprietary recipes and operating systems. Prime retail space in an established commercial center anchored by strong national/regional co-tenants and ample shared parking. Perfectly situated on a major western suburban commercial corridor with high visibility, strong daily traffic and convenient access. Plus, surrounded by a robust trade area supported by established retail, dining and entertainment uses. And strategically positioned in a dense residential area with an estimated population of ~37,500, median household income of approximately $90,800 and average household income of ~$108,000, plus a daytime population approaching 39,000. Location, location, location: - In the heart of a highly-desirable western suburb - An area of strong retail and entertainment draw - On a highly visible commercial corridor - Near a major intersection - Close to several interstates - convenient access to/from surrounding suburbs - Surrounded by a dense residential customer base - Strong employment base - high daytime population - Solid nearby hotel demand The sale is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL - employees, customers and vendors are not aware the business is for sale. The business name, exact location and additional details will be released only to qualified buyers after a Non-Disclosure Agreement has been signed. Please do not visit or inquire at any business you believe may be the subject of this ad. 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.
$250,000Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
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Other Restaurants & Food
Quick Service Restaurants
Other Restaurants & Food
+1
Freestanding Restaurant Downtown DeKalb, IL - On Lincoln Hwy Near NIU!
DeKalb, DeKalb County, Illinois 60115-3611, United States
DeKalb, DeKalb County, IL 60115-3611, US
Freestanding Restaurant Downtown DeKalb, IL - On Lincoln Hwy Near NIU! "Bring Your Concept Here - No Restrictions - Can Also Add A Drive-Thru" An exceptional opportunity to lease one of DeKalb's few freestanding, single-tenant restaurant buildings just blocks from Northern Illinois University on the city's primary commercial corridor with convenient access to/from all areas of the city. This fully built-out restaurant offers operators the rare chance to open quickly while avoiding the significant time, expense and uncertainty of constructing a restaurant from the ground up. This space allows an incoming tenant to bypass much of the costly infrastructure already completed, including much of the kitchen layout, plumbing, electrical, hood configuration, dining area, lighting and restaurant improvements. Unlike a restaurant space located within strip centers or shopping plazas, this standalone building provides complete operational independence, dedicated parking, outstanding visibility, unrestricted branding opportunities and the flexibility today's restaurant operators demand. The property can accommodate a wide variety of food service concepts. Its existing infrastructure makes it adaptable for nearly any restaurant concept with minimal modifications. Whether you're an independent restaurateur, local brand, regional operator, national franchise or specialty food concept, this versatile (fast-food or fast-casual) property provides everything needed to establish a strong presence in one of northern Illinois' most active college markets. Property Highlights - Freestanding single-tenant restaurant building - Built in 1989 - 2,119 sqft - Existing restaurant build-out - Commercial kitchen layout already in place - Some restaurant equipment included - Dedicated on-site parking - Monument signage - Excellent visibility along busy W Lincoln Hwy (IL Route 38) - Ideal for dine-in, carryout, pickup & 3rd-party delivery - Can also add a drive-thru - Vacant & available immediately - Bring your concept here! Prime retail space along W Lincoln Highway (Route38), DeKalb's primary E-W commercial corridor with ~10,000 VPD connecting Northern Illinois University, Downtown DeKalb, Sycamore and Interstate 88. Enjoys outstanding visibility, convenient access and is surrounded by a strong mix of restaurants, retail, hotels, residential neighborhoods, major employers and more. Nearby Traffic Generators - Northern Illinois University (~16,000 students, faculty & staff) - NIU Convocation Center (10,000+ seats) - Huskie Stadium (24,000+ seats) - DeKalb Public Library - Egyptian Theatre - DeKalb Municipal Buildings - Downtown DeKalb - Prairie Park - Nearby professional offices, healthcare facilities, personal services, national retailers & major hotels - Major employers including Meta (Facebook) Data Center, Ferrara Candy Company, 3M & Nestle - Dense residential base (~15,000 within 1 mile, ~44,000 within 3 miles & ~60,000 within 5 miles) Feel free to stop by the location first. If interested, please email Ted Aretos at [email protected] or call 815-761-8334 for more information. Showings by appointment only.
$4,400Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Profitable Specialty Café with Strong Brand Identity & Expansion
Cook County, Illinois, United States
Cook County, IL, US
Since opening, the company has focused on building a recognizable brand, refining its menu, and developing efficient operating systems to support long-term growth. The concept quickly gained traction through strong local engagement, repeat customers, and an expanding social media presence. Over time, the menu evolved to include premium bubble tea, specialty chai, handcrafted coffee beverages, and light food offerings, creating broad customer appeal and multiple revenue streams. The business has demonstrated consistent year-over-year revenue growth with SDE approximately $176K as brand awareness, customer traffic, and operational efficiency have steadily improved. This continued momentum reflects strong market acceptance, customer loyalty, and the scalability of the concept within the growing specialty café segment. As the brand matured, the company implemented standardized recipes, employee training programs, and operational workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency across locations. In parallel, management developed a structured franchise platform that includes operational manuals, training systems, and established brand standards, positioning the business for future multi-unit expansion. The café features a full-scale buildout designed to support high-volume beverage production, dine-in traffic, and community-driven events, creating a welcoming and versatile customer environment. With proven operations, strong brand positioning, and scalable systems already in place, the business is fully franchise-ready and well-positioned for continued expansion under new ownership.
$390,000Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
Bars, Pubs & Taverns
Bars, Pubs & Taverns
Longstanding Neighborhood Bar with Thriving Outdoor Beer Garden
DuPage County, Illinois, United States
DuPage County, IL, US
Established neighborhood bar and nightlife destination located in a highly desirable downtown suburban market. Operating continuously since 1964, the business has developed a strong local reputation and remains a well-known gathering place for both longtime patrons and new visitors alike. The business offers beer, cocktails, and a casual social atmosphere, highlighted by a large outdoor beer garden added in 2017 that provides a differentiated customer experience within the local market. Situated within a vibrant downtown entertainment district surrounded by restaurants, retail, and nightlife venues, the business benefits from consistent foot traffic, strong community visibility, and a loyal customer base. Its longstanding presence and recognizable brand identity have positioned it as a staple within the local community. The current owner works approximately 40 hours per week and manages day-to-day operations, including staff oversight, payroll, and vendor coordination. The business operates under a straightforward and proven beverage-focused model, making it well suited for an owner-operator or hospitality-focused buyer seeking an established, turnkey operation with significant community goodwill. The bar and nightlife industry continues to benefit from consumer demand for social, experience-driven destinations, particularly venues with strong neighborhood character and outdoor gathering spaces. This business is especially well positioned due to its decades-long operating history, loyal clientele, and highly visible location. Opportunities for future growth include introducing a food program, expanding private events and parties, and further utilizing the outdoor beer garden for seasonal programming and entertainment. An ideal buyer would value hospitality, community engagement, and the opportunity to build upon the business’s longstanding reputation while bringing fresh ideas and energy to the operation
$250,000Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
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Pizza Restaurants
Pizza Restaurants
Chicagoland Pizzeria Franchise Restaurant at Deep Dish Discount!
St Charles, Illinois, United States
St Charles, IL, US
Chicagoland Pizzeria Franchise Restaurant Chicagoland Location for Private and Confidential Review Only Executive Summary This is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-established franchised sit-down restaurant with a full bar with built in sales of $1.5 million in the Chicagoland market. One of Chicago’s most iconic and beloved restaurant brands, famous worldwide for its authentic Chicago-style pizza. Owning this franchise provides the powerful combination of instant brand recognition, a proven operating system, and strong ongoing franchisor support — significantly reducing the risk compared to starting an independent restaurant. This business benefits from loyal local customers, tourist traffic, and the enduring appeal of its Chicago’s signature pizza. It represents a turnkey investment in a premium, high-recognition brand with strong cash flow potential. ________________________________________ The Brand Founded over 50 years ago in Chicago, it introduced its now-famous pizza — a recipe passed down through generations with roots in Italian tradition. Today, this franchise is synonymous with authentic Chicago pizza and is consistently ranked among the best pizzerias in America. The brand enjoys: • Strong national and international recognition • Fierce customer loyalty • High average table checks ($30–$44) • Proven multi-generational appeal to families, tourists, and locals This franchise is more than a restaurant — it is a Chicago institution that delivers a unique dining experience that competitors cannot easily replicate. ________________________________________ The Value of Franchise Ownership Investing in this franchise offers significant advantages over independent operations: • Instant Brand Equity — Customers already know and love the name. No need to build awareness from scratch. • Proven Business Model — Decades of refined operations, menu development, and supply chain relationships. • Comprehensive Support — Training, marketing programs, and ongoing operational assistance from the franchisor. • Lower Risk — Franchisees benefit from the collective strength of the brand and system-wide best practices. • Scalability — Opportunity to expand within the Chicagoland market or pursue additional territories. • Low Cost of Entry- The franchisor has one of the lowest entry fees for new franchisees Franchise ownership allows entrepreneurs to focus on execution and local market leadership while leveraging one of the strongest restaurant brands in the Midwest. ________________________________________ Business Highlights • Prime Chicagoland location with established customer base in upscale community • Recognized pizza and full menu offering plus full bar • Experienced staff and operational systems in place • Strong historical performance typical of these franchise locations ($1.5 million in sales) • Significant growth potential through catering, online ordering, and local marketing including social media and charity events ________________________________________ Investment Opportunity This represents an excellent opportunity for an owner-operator or investor group seeking a lifestyle business or portfolio addition in the restaurant sector. The buyer will benefit from immediate cash flow, brand strength, and the long-term value of owning a piece of Chicago’s culinary heritage. SBA pre-approved and limited seller financing available. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Financial performance details, lease information, and full due diligence materials will be provided upon execution of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and qualification.
$329,000Asking Price
$1,400,000Revenue
$70,000Cash Flow
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Other Manufacturing
Breweries
Other Wholesalers & Distributors
Other Manufacturing
Breweries
+1
Chicagoland Craft Brewery w/Distribution & $5,000,000 revenue! REDUCED
Illinois, United States
IL, US
PRICE REDUCED! Seller will also consider a partial sale that will financially support short term growth, relieving the financial strain. This is a rare chance to acquire an established craft brewery with many of the attributes buyers seek but seldom find. Despite industry headwinds, this operation has held sales steady—an impressive performance in a slightly contracting category. Investment Highlights: • Premium location in a desirable, high-traffic area • Strong, well-recognized brand with loyal local following • Ideal demographic profile supporting continued growth • Broad product portfolio, including on-trend and specialty selections • Contract brewing relationships providing additional revenue streams • Long track record of success and operational stability • Professional management team and trained staff in place • Significant excess capacity available for expansion • Owner open to extended transition period, ensuring continuity The business is currently profitable at the operational level; however, due to existing debt obligations, it is not producing positive cash flow. A buyer with the financial strength to acquire the company without SBA financing will be best positioned to capitalize on the substantial growth potential. For details on this exclusive listing contact Jeff Bach at 314-941-8530 or email [email protected] Ask for listing #521JB
$3,300,000Asking Price
$5,000,000Revenue
-Cash Flow
Other Restaurants & Food
Other Retail
Other Restaurants & Food
+1
Long Standing Profitable Meat Market and Specialty Food Shop
Illinois, United States
IL, US
This long-standing, family-owned business has been operating successfully for 50 years, spanning three generations of ownership. It has grown significantly over the decades, offering an expanded range of products and services while maintaining its reputation for old-fashioned customer care. The business has earned the loyalty of its customer base, built on trust, high-quality service, and commitment to the local community. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a well-established, thriving business with a rich history and a strong community presence. With the room for expansion, there is are many opportunities for growth. Real estate potentially available for interested buyers.
$335,000Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
Miscellaneous Restaurant & Bars
Catering Companies
+3
Miscellaneous Restaurant & Bars
+4
Historic 19 Room Inn with Endless Possibilities in Central IL
Illinois, United States
IL, US
Discover this extraordinary property, where historic charm meets modern convenience. Located in the heart of Central Illinois, this unique offering includes: • 13 beautifully appointed guest rooms, blending timeless architecture with contemporary comforts. • 6 long-term suites, perfect for extended stays or steady rental income. • A banquet center accommodating up to 300 guests, ideal for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. • An enchanting outdoor garden space for up to 150 guests, offering a stunning backdrop for unforgettable gatherings. This versatile property is a rare gem combining boutique hotel, wedding destination, or event venue. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of history with thriving business potential.
$2,700,000Asking Price
-Revenue
-Cash Flow
Restaurant.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Banquet Halls
American Restaurants
Italian Restaurants
+1
Banquet Halls
+3
Very Busy Large Restaurant with R/E Priced @ Asset Value
Illinois, United States
IL, US
Are you experienced in the Restaurant industry? This is a large operation with average sales around $3,500,000 yearly. The asking price at asset value including the extensive Real Estate valued at $1,500,000. While the business is profitable even taking into consideration the expense of owning the property, the operation needs improvement. Unique concept in it’s geography Large dining area Banquet area More than ample parking AMAZING Kitchen Understand carry out All real estate, equipment, name, menu and processes included. Owner is retiring but will assist in training and transition after the sale. This restaurant is located in Illinois in the St. Louis metro area. For information for the experienced call Jeff Bach at 314-941-8530 or email at [email protected] Reference 504JB
$1,750,000Asking Price
$3,524,867Revenue
$100,192Cash Flow
Market Snapshot
National transaction benchmarks for restaurant and food business businesses.
Under $500K
Median revenue$456k
Median cash flow$80k
Median sale price$130k
Multiple range1.2x - 2.5x
$500K to $2M
Median revenue$1.50m
Median cash flow$276k
Median sale price$750k
Multiple range2.1x - 3.5x
Over $2M
Median revenue$4.27m
Median cash flow$1.03m
Median sale price$3.20m
Multiple range2.7x - 4.0x
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.
What to know about restaurant and food business acquisitions
GW
Cofounder & CEO
Key diligence, valuation, financing, and transition considerations for buyers evaluating restaurant and food business acquisitions.
Read the lease like it's the deal
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.
Pressure-test prime cost — labor plus food
Margins are thin and move with wages and commodities; understand prime cost and how stable the kitchen and front-of-house staff are.
Confirm licenses and health standing transfer
Liquor licenses, health permits, and inspection history are valuable and sometimes fragile; review the record before you commit.
Test how much rides on the owner and concept
A chef-owner or personality-driven concept may not transfer; understand the recipes, systems, and whether the brand survives new ownership.
Budget for equipment and build-out condition
Kitchen equipment, refrigeration, and the dining room wear and date; tour it with someone who knows the gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common buyer questions for this market.
Yes, but they're scrutinized closely because margins are thin and failures common. Verifiable cash flow, a transferable lease, and systems that run without the owner make the difference.