Small Business finds Deals with Willing Landlords

Across the country, commercial real estate prices have dropped 37% since September 2008 and 42% since their peak in October 2007, according to Moody’s investor services company. The commercial property price index hasn't been this low since 2002, and that’s built a lot of room for negotiating between tenant and landlord.

An article on Fox Business News quotes Paul Chapman, who owns 14 commercial properties in Las Vegas, who says, "Small business is the only customer in commercial real estate today,” Chapman said. “The big names aren’t making any moves, so small business has become our life blood.”

That's good news for restaurant owners looking to find deals on restaurant space.


Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com

New Year's Eve Atlanta Restaurant Deals

Here are some of the great New Year's Eve deals in Atlanta that we highlighted for the radio show. Make your calls now to get a reservations.

Bistro Niko, Offering a four-course meal for $59 with wine pairings for an additional $25. 3344 Peachtree Road. 404-261-6456. www.buckheadrestaurants.com

Livingston Restaurant, Chef Gary Mennie offers a four-course meal for $50. Champagne toast, balloon drop and party favors start at midnight, bar open until 2 a.m. 659 Peachtree St. 404-897-5000. www.livingstonatlanta.com.

Morton’s The Steakhouse, Three-course steak and seafood menu for $49.99 per person. Regular menu also available. 303 Peachtree Center Ave. 404-577-4366. www.mortons.com.

Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com

Columbus Restaurant SOLD by We Sell Restaurants

Congratulations to David Dong, the new owner of Zeb's Seafood in Columbus, Ohio. This fast casual restaurant is a local favorite. They serve up great fried seafood in a casual atmosphere.




Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com

Gordon Ramsey Wants You - MasterChef Casting in Atlanta Jan 16

Calling budding chefs from all walks of life - amateur chefs, passionate foodies, even the ultimate dinner party host/hostesses. Gordon Ramsey and the Producers of The Biggest Loser are now casting amateur chefs in Atlanta for a new inspirational cooking show! The show is called MasterChef and they want amateurs - no professionals allowed. If cooking's your thing despite no formal education, this could be the reality show for you.

Auditions are January 16. Atlanta hopefuls should click on this link for more details or email masterchefatl@gmail.com. You can also call Karen at 424.236.7500 ext 7631.

Include your name, age, occupation, current photo, contact number, and a brief description of your cooking style.


Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com

Restaurants Spared from Going Green for the Moment

On Monday, December 7, the Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to file (take no action on) the proposed Atlanta Sustainable Building Ordinance (ASBO). In taking the vote, City Council President Lisa Borders and several councilmembers commented that while they support sustainability, they felt that Atlanta was not yet prepared to adopt such a significant ordinance without further review and stakeholder input.

Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com

Tasty Tidings of Comfort and Joy

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - especially at Krispy Kreme donuts. For a limited time you can choose from holiday donuts. The chain is marketing its Snowman Donuts, which are shaped like snowmen and feature a base of white icing and a face and buttons made of black icing. Other advertised donuts included Pumpkin Spice Cake,Wreath, Chocolate Iced Glazed with Christmas Sprinkles andWhite Iced Glazed with Red & Green Drizzles. Get your early because just like Santa, you won't see them again until next year after December 25.


Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com

Restaurant Lending Remains on the Sidelines with the SBA

As of November 23rd....the Obama program that allowed United States Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees at 90% expired. This is bad news, and might mean that the SBA, an insurance agency, not a lender, will only insure 75% of the loan amount, and the borrower might be “tagged” with the guarantee fee, which usually can be included in the loan amount.

Below is the December, 2009 updated listing of projects that banks like or don't like. According to George Heaslip, a longtime lender, 5 is the best rating, 1 or 0 are projects that banks are NOT lending on. The listing is very subjective, butis based on daily news reports monitored by lenders. The ones with relevance for the restaurant industry appear below.

5-Star Categories

***** Dunkin’ Donuts Franchises

4-Star Categories
**** Franchises (Established, like Subway, Dunkin Donuts)

3-Star Categories

**** No Restaurant Related

2-Star Categories
** No Restaurant Related

1-Star Categories
* Pizza Restaurants (Notorious for hidden money)
* Restaurants, established, with fine financials

0-Star Categories
Franchises, New
Franchises (Poor performing, like Quiznos)
Startup Restaurants

This list demonstrates why lending for the restaurant industry remains difficult.


Atlanta Restaurants for Sale, Atlanta Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com