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.
restaurant and food business for Sale in North Carolina
Similar businesses sell at 1.2x to 4.0x SDE. Compare live listings and connect with sellers.
2 results
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Coffee Shops & Cafes
SBA Pre-Qualified - Charming Coffee & Breakfast Cafe
Cary, North Carolina, United States
Cary, NC, US
*Submit inquiry to receive NDA* Since opening its doors in 2003, this beloved coffee and breakfast cafe has become a cornerstone of the Wake County community, weaving itself into the daily routines of countless loyal customers who have made it their morning ritual for over two decades. What began as a simple vision to create a warm gathering place has evolved into a thriving business with deep community roots and reputation. The cafe's journey took an exciting turn in 2024 when new ownership stepped in with fresh energy and a commitment to honoring the establishment's legacy while elevating it to new heights. This story is one of remarkable growth - through strategic improvements in food quality, service efficiency, interior refreshment, and team development, the business has experienced meaningful gains in both revenue and profitability. Today, this turnkey operation generates approximately $580,000 in trailing twelve-month revenue with Seller's Discretionary Earnings of around $127,000, reflecting a strong upward trajectory. The cafe's prime location in a high-traffic retail center continues to draw both devoted regulars and new customers. For the right buyer, this cafe offers the chance to continue writing an inspiring success story while building upon a solid foundation of profitability, customer loyalty, and growth potential in the thriving coffee and breakfast market.
$322,000Asking Price
$590,412Revenue
$116,000Cash Flow
American Restaurants
Pizza Restaurants
Other Restaurants & Food
American Restaurants
+2
Well Established Pizza Restaurant in Popular Vacation Destination
Corolla, Currituck County, North Carolina, United States
Corolla, Currituck County, NC, US
Well-established seasonal restaurant located in the highly desirable coastal market of Corolla, North Carolina. Successfully operating for 32 years, this business has become a longstanding part of the local dining scene and benefits from consistent tourist traffic throughout the busy vacation season. With a proven operating history and strong brand recognition built over decades, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a profitable and established restaurant in one of the Outer Banks' most popular destinations. The restaurant operates on a seasonal schedule of approximately 5-6 months per year and offers an appealing lifestyle-oriented business model while still producing a 3-year average revenue of over $500,000. The operation is efficiently staffed for smooth seasonal operations during peak tourist months. The facility is situated in a high-traffic tourist area with a renewable lease available for continued operation. While revenue naturally fluctuates with seasonal tourism patterns, the business has demonstrated long-term operational stability and sustained customer demand over more than three decades in business. The seller is pursuing other business ventures and is willing to assist with training and onboarding to help ensure a smooth transition for a new owner. This opportunity is ideal for an owner-operator seeking a well-known seasonal restaurant in a premier beach market or for an existing hospitality group looking to expand into the Outer Banks area.
$359,900Asking Price
$549,115Revenue
$125,323Cash 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.