Comprehensive, operator-first guide for any independent restaurant owner who’s thinking about “one day” stepping back. Built to reduce stress, increase valuation, and make the outcome - sale, succession, or semi-retirement - happen on your terms.
Owner Reality Check: Pain Points This Plan Solves
Choose Your Likely Exit Path (and What It Demands)
How Value Is Really Calculated (and Raised)
The Exit Roadmap (Phased Timeline)
Financial Cleanup: What “Buyer-Ready” Looks Like
Operational Independence: Turn “Owner-Dependent” into “System-Dependent”
Lease & Real Estate: Quietly the Biggest Deal Variable
People & Succession: Keep the Team Intact
Legal, Tax & Structure
Deal Structures You’ll See
Data Room Checklist (Build This Now)
Broker, Banker, and Advisor Selection
Communications Plan (Staff, Guests, Vendors)
Legacy & Personal Readiness
Common Mistakes (and Fast Fixes)
Tools & Templates (Ready to Use)
What to Start This Week...
Independent Restaurant Owners
Hospitality Consultants
Franchise Owners
Multi-Unit Operators
