We Sell Restaurants

The decision to invest in a franchise is one of the most significant financial commitments an entrepreneur can make, often fraught with the pervasive fear of misallocated capital or choosing a brand ill-equipped for market realities. For those eyeing the dynamic restaurant sector, the problem extends beyond operational complexities to the intricate, specialized process of buying and selling these unique businesses. We Sell Restaurants emerges as the definitive guide in this complex landscape, offering a specialized franchise opportunity that addresses this critical need. Founded in 2001 by the visionary duo Robin and Eric Gagnon, the company was built on decades of combined experience in restaurant transactions, underpinned by deep financial, branding, and marketing expertise specific to the industry. Headquartered at 5055 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137, USA, with Robin Gagnon serving as CEO and Co-Founder and Eric Gagnon as President and Co-Founder, We Sell Restaurants began its franchising journey in 2011, establishing a systemic approach to restaurant brokerage that has since defined its market leadership. By March 2023, the We Sell Restaurants franchise network operated in 45 states nationwide, a testament to its aggressive expansion following a doubling of unit count and revenue on transactions in 2022. The brand further exceeded its expansion goals in 2024, penetrating 11 new markets, and by February 2025, secured 3 new franchise agreements in Arizona and Colorado, including an expansion for an existing franchisee into Denver, CO. Currently operating exclusively within the United States, We Sell Restaurants has set an ambitious target to reach 90 franchise partners and 107 territories by 2030, underscoring its dominant, growing, and highly specialized market position within the Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers category. This brand is particularly vital for franchise investors seeking to tap into a substantial total addressable market: nearly one million restaurants operate in America, with a consistent 20% available for sale at any given time, encompassing over 750,000 independent and franchised units nationwide, representing more than 28% of all franchise locations. This independent analysis aims to provide a comprehensive, data-driven perspective on why this We Sell Restaurants franchise opportunity stands out. The brand's FPI Score of 49, categorized as 'Fair', indicates a solid foundation but highlights the need for thorough due diligence into its specific operational and financial metrics.

The industry landscape for business brokerage, particularly within the restaurant sector, is characterized by consistent demand driven by a perpetual cycle of entrepreneurs seeking acquisition opportunities and existing owners pursuing exit strategies. This robust demand is anchored by the sheer volume of the restaurant market, which comprises nearly one million establishments across America, with a significant 20% actively listed for sale at any given moment. This vast inventory ensures a continuous need for expert brokerage services. Furthermore, the restaurant industry itself remains a powerhouse, with over 750,000 independent and franchised units nationwide, making up more than 28% of all franchise locations. This substantial market size translates into a fertile ground for the We Sell Restaurants franchise. Key consumer trends are also driving demand and shaping the operational landscape for restaurants, indirectly benefiting specialized brokers. For instance, the preference for self-order kiosks and contactless payments is growing, with 60% of adults favoring tablet ordering and 65% preferring to pay via such methods, a shift being adopted by major brands like Arby's and Taco Bell. These technological integrations, while impacting restaurant operations, also influence their valuation and marketability, creating a need for brokers who understand these nuances. Secular tailwinds further bolster this industry, as restaurant spending saw a robust 6.6% increase from June 2024 to June 2025, nearly doubling the growth observed in other retail sectors, with real growth maintaining a 2.6% pace for the fourth consecutive month. This sustained consumer engagement ensures a healthy underlying market for restaurant transactions. Despite a reported 16% decline in restaurant sales year-over-year in 2024 across the broader business-for-sale market, We Sell Restaurants achieved an impressive 17.7% growth in transactions during the same period, demonstrating a remarkable 31.5-percentage point outperformance of the market. This divergence highlights the brand's competitive strength and specialized expertise in navigating challenging conditions. Competitive dynamics in this sector can be fragmented, but We Sell Restaurants' ability to significantly outpace the market suggests a consolidated leadership position within its niche. Macro forces such as owner retirements, evolving business models towards low-overhead, scalable operations (especially in fast food, quick casual, catering/delivery/takeout segments), and a focus by buyers on actual business results rather than speculative headlines, all converge to create a persistent and growing opportunity for a specialized We Sell Restaurants franchise.

The investment profile for a We Sell Restaurants franchise reflects its specialized and value-driven approach within the brokerage industry. The initial franchise fee is $49,750, though one source also indicated a fee of up to $40,000, which might reflect variations based on market or historical offerings. This fee grants access to the brand's proprietary systems, comprehensive training, and established market presence. The estimated total investment required to launch a We Sell Restaurants franchise ranges from $70,625 to $105,400. More recent information from October 2025 suggests an average cost between $106,000 and $150,000, which comprehensively covers training, technology platforms, essential marketing materials, and initial operational expenses, providing a realistic assessment of the total upfront capital needed. This investment range notably exceeds sub-sector averages of $53,152-$87,737 for general business brokerage, a distinction that underscores the specialized nature and perceived higher value of restaurant transaction services offered by the We Sell Restaurants franchise. While a specific "liquid capital required" figure is not explicitly stated, the working capital requirement of $10,000 to $30,000 provides a clear indication of the immediate financial readiness expected from prospective franchisees to cover initial operational liquidity. Ongoing financial commitments include a royalty rate of 15% of commissions earned, reflecting the continuous support and brand leverage provided by the franchisor. Additionally, franchisees contribute a monthly marketing fee of $750 per territory, earmarked for national and local marketing initiatives to drive lead generation and brand visibility, with a 2021 FDD data point indicating an ad fee of 2.0%, suggesting a potential shift in marketing contribution structure over time. Analyzing the total cost of ownership, including the initial investment and recurring fees, positions the We Sell Restaurants franchise as a mid-tier to upper-mid-tier investment within the broader franchise market. It's a premium offering within its specialized niche, requiring a solid financial foundation from its investors. There is no information available about a parent company, indicating the brand operates as an independent entity. While not directly offering financing to franchisees, the system does equip its Certified Restaurant Brokers with access to lending resources and the ability to prequalify listings, which indirectly aids in facilitating transactions and thus, franchisee success. The We Sell Restaurants franchise investment is structured for individuals seeking to enter a high-value, specialized service industry.

The operating model for a We Sell Restaurants franchise is designed for efficiency, specialization, and high-value service delivery, positioning franchisees as expert Certified Restaurant Brokers. Daily operations for a franchisee are centered on advising clients through the intricate processes of buying, selling, financing, and valuing restaurants. This involves a significant amount of relationship-building, leveraging deep industry expertise, and applying local market knowledge to secure and close deals. Franchisees utilize proprietary systems, advanced marketing platforms, and industry-specific analytics provided by the franchisor to streamline marketing efforts and enhance lead scoring capabilities, ensuring a consistent pipeline of potential clients. A key advantage of the We Sell Restaurants franchise model is its low-overhead nature regarding staffing requirements; it is generally described as a business that doesn't necessitate employees or a complex supply chain, allowing franchisees to focus primarily on their core brokerage activities. While individual franchisees may opt to bring on additional agents, the fundamental model is designed for a single owner-operator, which significantly reduces the complexities and costs associated with managing a large staff. The training program for new We Sell Restaurants franchisees is comprehensive and intensive, ensuring they are fully equipped to excel in this specialized field. It includes an online component followed by two and a half to three weeks of immersive in-office training at the corporate headquarters, culminating in the esteemed Certified Restaurant Broker credential. This rigorous training curriculum covers all essential aspects, from sophisticated valuation techniques to intricate transaction negotiation strategies, preparing franchisees for the unique challenges of restaurant brokerage. The ongoing corporate support structure is robust and considered "second to none" by franchisees. This includes continuous access to the home office for guidance and mentorship, along with the latest strategies, insights, and resources. Franchisees also benefit from a collaborative network with other franchisees, fostering a supportive community. The We Sell Restaurants franchise offers both single and multi-unit operator opportunities, with territories typically defined as mid to large-sized metropolitan areas. These areas are strategically chosen for their strong food service sectors, active mergers and acquisitions markets, and stable economic indicators, ensuring a fertile environment for brokerage success. Ideal locations exhibit high restaurant density, robust small business activity, and favorable demographic trends, allowing the We Sell Restaurants franchise to maintain a strategic presence in regions like Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Colorado, while actively pursuing expansion in underserved regions such as the Southeast and Mountain West. The model is clearly geared towards an owner-operator who is deeply engaged in their business.

Item 19 financial performance data is not disclosed in the current Franchise Disclosure Document for the We Sell Restaurants franchise, meaning specific average revenue per unit, median revenue, or detailed profit margins are not formally provided by the franchisor. However, publicly available data and the brand's impressive growth trajectory offer compelling insights into the financial potential of a We Sell Restaurants franchise. According to Franzy, the average gross revenue for a We Sell Restaurants franchise is $273,251, indicating a strong baseline performance for individual units. The broader company performance further underscores this potential: in 2024, We Sell Restaurants achieved a record-breaking year, exceeding $90 million dollars in revenue from sales across its network. This substantial figure reflects a high volume of successful transactions and the efficacy of the brand's brokerage model. The company also reported a significant 10.9% increase in selling prices in 2024, with the average selling price for restaurants brokered by We Sell Restaurants reaching $274,652, a notable rise from $247,634 in the preceding year. This average selling price was a remarkable 22% higher than the median selling price of $225,000 reported by BizBuySell for other restaurant sales, highlighting We Sell Restaurants' ability to command higher valuations for its listings, likely due to its specialized expertise and extensive network. More recently, in July 2025, the median sale price for restaurants sold by We Sell Restaurants was $199,000, with half of all sales occurring under $200,000, yet franchises sold faster at $223,000, averaging just two to five days on the market. This swift turnaround for franchised listings further speaks to the brand's efficiency and market demand. Despite the absence of Item 19, these robust figures – including an average gross revenue per unit of $273,251, a total network revenue exceeding $90 million in 2024, and average selling prices significantly above market benchmarks – strongly suggest a high-performing unit-level model. The brand's ability to double its unit count and revenue on transactions in 2022, expand into 45 states by March 2023, and achieve 17.7% growth in transactions in 2024 (outperforming the market by 31.5 percentage points) collectively signals strong underlying profitability and a compelling return on investment for the We Sell Restaurants franchise. While specific profit margins are not detailed, franchisee testimonials frequently praise the "spectacular earning potential," emphasizing that success is directly correlated with effort.

The growth trajectory of the We Sell Restaurants franchise demonstrates a pattern of aggressive expansion and market outperformance, solidifying its position as a leader in restaurant brokerage. In 2022, the company significantly doubled its unit count and revenue on transactions, a clear indicator of rapid scaling and increasing market penetration. This impressive growth earned We Sell Restaurants a coveted spot on the INC5000 list of fastest-growing private brands in America, an accolade it achieved for the third consecutive year in 2024, further validating its sustained momentum. The brand also climbed seven spots to rank 446 on Entrepreneur's prestigious Franchise 500 list in 2024, reflecting its growing prominence and franchisee appeal. By March 2023, the We Sell Restaurants network operated in 45 states nationwide, showcasing its widespread reach. In 2024, the brand exceeded its expansion goals by successfully expanding into 11 new markets, with a notable three existing franchisees reinvesting in additional territories, a powerful endorsement of the system's profitability and franchisee satisfaction. This positive trend continued into February 2025, with the signing of 3 new franchise agreements in Arizona and Colorado, including an expansion for an existing franchisee into Denver, CO. The company has articulated a clear strategic vision, aiming to reach 90 franchise partners and 107 territories by 2030. What creates a strong competitive moat for the We Sell Restaurants franchise is its specialized focus and proprietary infrastructure. The brand benefits from strong recognition within its niche as a dedicated restaurant broker, backed by proprietary systems, advanced marketing platforms, and industry-specific analytics that streamline complex transactions. This specialized expertise, coupled with the Certified Restaurant Broker credential awarded to franchisees, provides a distinct advantage over general business brokers. The company's listing inventory has also seen phenomenal growth, reaching a record of 1,000 active listings and over $420 million in inventory in Q4 of 2024, up from nearly $300 million in June 2024, over $220 million in May 2023, and surging to nearly $550 million by July 2025. This expanding inventory base not only reflects market trust but also provides a robust pipeline for franchisees. In terms of leadership, the team expanded in 2022 and early 2023 with key additions like Rob Morrison as Franchise Implementation Officer and Brent Greenwood as Director of Franchise Sales, while Tabby Hemphill leads Franchise Development and David McDougall manages franchise relationships, ensuring robust support for the growing network. The brand's adaptation to market conditions is evident in its 17.7% growth in transactions in 2024, significantly outperforming the broader business-for-sale market which saw a 16% decline in restaurant sales, demonstrating its resilience and strategic effectiveness. This consistent growth, coupled with a specialized approach, positions the We Sell Restaurants franchise for continued success.

The ideal candidate for a We Sell Restaurants franchise is an individual driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for greater control over their professional life, particularly those seeking a better quality of life and more time with family, as exemplified by a franchisee transitioning from a 70-80 hour work week to approximately 40 hours. While prior restaurant experience is not a prerequisite