We Know The
Restaurant Business
With 37 years of Restaurant Experience and Ownership, I now serve as Georgia and Atlanta’s Premier trusted Restaurant Business Broker — helping restaurant owners sell with confidence, while representing qualified buyers and landlords across the state.
Jimmy Carey, Food & Beverage - Restaurant Business Broker
Restaurant Business Brokerage
Atlanta’s premier Restaurant Business Broker, specializing in restaurant, food & beverage business sales, and asset sales. We help owners across Atlanta and Georgia successfully sell their businesses.
Tenant Representation
Tenant representation for restaurant, food & beverage business owners, and groups across Atlanta and Georgia. We help clients secure the right spaces, negotiate favorable lease terms, and position their concepts for long-term success.
Landlord Representation
Landlord representation for restaurant, food & beverage business properties, and groups across Atlanta and Georgia. We help landlords attract qualified tenants, negotiate favorable lease terms, curate and maximize the value of their F&B-Restaurant spaces.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate services specializing in selling and purchasing restaurant and food & beverage CRE across Atlanta and Georgia. We help clients navigate transactions with expert guidance, market knowledge, and proven strategies to maximize value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a restaurant broker do? A restaurant broker manages the full process of buying, selling, or leasing a restaurant business or food & beverage space. This includes business valuation, confidential marketing, buyer qualification, lease review, and negotiation — from listing to closing.
Why should I use a restaurant broker instead of a general real estate agent? A restaurant broker specializes exclusively in food & beverage transactions, bringing operational knowledge, industry contacts, and valuation expertise that a general real estate agent simply doesn't have. Jimmy Carey has 37 years of restaurant industry experience as a former chef and multi-unit operator — he has sat on both sides of the table.
How much is my Atlanta restaurant worth? Restaurant value in Atlanta is determined primarily by Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) — not revenue, not square footage. Most profitable Atlanta restaurants sell for 2x to 3x SDE. A proper valuation requires a full financial recast, not just a tax return review.
Recent examples: A Sandy Springs sushi restaurant sold at 2.4x SDE. An Atlanta pizzeria closed at 2.48x SDE in under four months. Atlanta restaurant valuations consistently range from 2x to 3x SDE for profitable concepts with clean financials and an assignable lease.
Do you only serve Atlanta, or do you work throughout Georgia? Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate serves Atlanta, Savannah, and all of Georgia. Whether you are selling a restaurant in Buckhead, looking for space in Savannah's Historic District, or exploring opportunities anywhere in the state, we handle the full transaction.
How do I get started selling my restaurant confidentially? The process begins with a confidential consultation — no obligation, no public listing, no staff awareness. Contact Jimmy Carey directly at (305) 788-8207 (Direct) , (678) 320-4800 (Office) or jimmy@jimmycareycre.com to schedule your free valuation call.
How do I buy a restaurant in Atlanta? The process starts with defining your budget, concept, and target market. A restaurant broker helps you identify qualified listings, review financials, negotiate terms, and navigate due diligence — so you don't buy someone else's problem.
What should I look for when buying a restaurant? The three things that matter most are the lease terms, the true owner earnings after a financial recast, and the reason the owner is selling. All three require an experienced broker to uncover accurately.
What is restaurant tenant representation? Tenant representation means a broker works exclusively for you — the tenant — to find the right space, negotiate favorable lease terms, and protect your interests. The landlord has representation. You should too.
How do I negotiate a restaurant lease in Atlanta? Key leverage points include rent abatement, tenant improvement allowances, personal guarantee limits, co-tenancy clauses, and exclusivity rights. An experienced restaurant broker knows which terms to push for in the Atlanta market.
What is landlord representation for restaurant spaces? A landlord representation broker markets your restaurant space, qualifies prospective tenants, and negotiates lease terms that protect your asset and minimize vacancy — with deep knowledge of F&B operators specifically.
How do I find qualified restaurant tenants for my space in Atlanta? Qualified restaurant tenants require more than a credit check. You need to evaluate their concept, operational experience, capitalization, and track record. Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate specializes in exactly this vetting process.
How long does it take to sell a restaurant in Atlanta? A well-priced, properly marketed restaurant with clean financials typically sells in 90 to 180 days. Overpriced listings or those with undisclosed issues take significantly longer or don't sell at all.
Is my restaurant sale confidential? Yes. Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate uses a fully confidential marketing process — no public signage, no staff disclosure, no announcements until a qualified buyer signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement.