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 South Carolina
Similar businesses sell at 1.2x to 4.0x SDE. Compare live listings and connect with sellers.
2 results
American Restaurants
Catering Companies
American Restaurants
+1
Coastal lifestyle business with built-in demand
Port Royal, South Carolina, United States
Port Royal, SC, US
Beaufort County Coastal Commercial Restaurant | Event | Catering | Mixed-Use Opportunity A rare coastal gem in Beaufort County — this established commercial restaurant and event venue offers multiple income streams and flexible mixed-use potential. The property includes a fully equipped restaurant and catering operation on the main level, with a newly remodeled 3-bedroom, 3-bath residential unit above — ideal for owner occupancy, short-term rental, or staff housing. Strategically positioned just blocks from the Beaufort waterfront and surrounded by active development projects, this location sits in a rapid-growth tourism and dining corridor. Perfect for hospitality operators, developers, or investors seeking expansion into a lower-cost, high-demand coastal market.
$425,000
$1,047,390Revenue
$204,051Cash Flow
American Restaurants
American Restaurants
Multi-Location Fast Casual Restaurant Platform
South Carolina, United States
SC, US
This is a well-established, full-service fast-casual restaurant operation with over two decades of operating history across multiple locations in South Carolina's two largest metro markets. The brand has built a loyal customer following through a commitment to fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a diverse menu spanning multiple dayparts.
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$20,000,000Revenue
$1,845,499Cash 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.