Shows
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyHow Chef Billy Ngo Created Multiple Successful RestaurantsWhat does it take to build a restaurant empire from scratch? We sat down with Chef Billy Ngo, a Sacramento culinary icon whose journey from humble beginnings to James Beard Award finalist is anything but ordinary. Billy didn’t follow the typical chef path—he didn’t even plan to work in restaurants. What makes Chef Billy’s story so compelling is his mix of vision and humility. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a career built on instinct, heart, and the kind of perseverance that turns ideas into lasting impact.Get full show notes, r...2025-05-0825 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyDishing It Out With the Food Critic With Lauren SariaHave you ever wondered what it's really like to be a food journalist in one of the most competitive restaurant scenes in the country? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the fascinating world of food journalism with Lauren Saria, Food Editor at the San Francisco Standard. Whether you're a restaurant owner, food enthusiast, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite dining spots, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how the stories we read about food come to be.Get full show notes, resources, transcript, and more information...2025-04-2430 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndySeller Misconceptions: What Really Makes Your Restaurant ValuableAre you a restaurant owner who believes your business is a gold mine waiting for the right buyer? We've heard it all before – "I have the best location in town," "This business has tons of potential," or "We just don't have time for it anymore, but it's fantastic." As restaurant brokers, we regularly encounter these claims, but the reality of restaurant valuation is often quite different.In this episode, we tackle the biggest misconceptions sellers have about what makes their restaurant valuable. Whether you're considering selling your restaurant now or in the future, this episode provides an ho...2025-04-1025 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyTariffs: How Will They Impact the Restaurant Industry?Have you been hearing the word “tariffs” everywhere lately? Wondering what they actually mean for the restaurant industry? With owners already battling tight margins, new tariffs on imported goods could be the next big hit. From alcohol and limes to avocados and packaging materials, price hikes on core ingredients could impact restaurants across the board.In this episode, we break down what tariffs are, how they work, and why they’re making headlines. Whether you’re currently running a restaurant or considering opening one, this episode will help you stay ahead of what could be the next major fi...2025-03-2718 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyThe One Stop Coffee Shop: 7 Keys for Success With Thomas JudtHave you ever dreamed of opening your own coffee shop? What does it really take to create a successful concept from scratch, build it out, grow the business, and eventually sell it? In this episode, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty details with our special guest Thomas Judt, the mastermind behind The Line Coffee. Join us as Thomas shares his fascinating journey and hard-earned insights on everything from choosing the perfect location and designing an efficient layout to hiring the right team and creating a welcoming community vibe. Whether you're an aspiring coffee shop owner or a...2025-03-1341 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyThe Location Hunt: Choosing the Right Space for Your Business with Melissa ChouHave you ever wondered what it takes to find the perfect location for your restaurant or bakery? The location hunt can make or break a business, with so many critical factors to consider. How do you navigate the challenges and pitfalls to secure your ideal space?In this episode, we're joined by Melissa Chou, a veteran pastry chef who has worked at acclaimed San Francisco establishments like Aziza, Mourad, and the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu's. From dealing with brokers and landlords to evaluating the specific needs of a bakery space, she offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone...2025-02-2722 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyEscrow to the Rescue: Mitigating Risks in Restaurant Transactions with Sally RowshanHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when buying or selling a restaurant? In the complex world of business transactions, having a trusted escrow company on your side can make all the difference. But what exactly does an escrow company do, and why are they so crucial? In this episode, we sit down with Sally Rowshan, founder and president of Secured Trust Escrow, to dive deep into the intricacies of escrow services. With her extensive background in real estate and financial services, Sally brings a wealth of knowledge...2025-02-1329 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyThe Latest Trends Transforming Restaurant SalesAre you curious about what types of restaurants are selling in today's market? Do you wonder where buyers are looking to invest in 2025?Join us as we explore the concepts in high demand, the crucial role of location, and what today's buyers are really seeking, whether it's a turnkey operation or a well-established profitable business. Get full show notes, resources, transcript, and more information here: https://www.therestaurantsalesbroker.com/192025-01-3030 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and Andy2024 Restaurant Industry Review: Challenges, Pivots, and Hope for the FutureWhat a rollercoaster ride 2024 has been for the restaurant industry! As we close out the year, it's time to reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned over the past 12 months in the California restaurant scene and throughout the US. In this special year-end episode, we sit down to discuss the state of the industry in 2024. We cover the ongoing impact of the pandemic, shifting consumer trends, and the resilience of restaurant owners and operators. You’ll learn about the hurdles faced by urban restaurants, the rise of suburban dining, and the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.2025-01-0222 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndySelling Your Restaurant: 5 Tips To Get the Best DealAre you considering selling your restaurant or bar business? How can you maximize the value of your business and ensure a smooth transaction process? Last episode, we focused on the buyer. This episode is for the sellers out there, bringing you 5 tips for preparing your business for sale.From maintaining accurate financial records to being a good tenant and preparing for due diligence, this episode covers the key steps you need to take to set your business up for a successful sale. Whether you're just starting to think about selling or you're ready to put your business...2024-12-1924 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and Andy5 Critical Stages of a Successful Restaurant TransactionHave you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when buying or selling a restaurant? Every restaurant transaction is different, but in this episode, we pull back the curtain on the five most important steps we identify in pretty much every restaurant transaction.Tune in this week to learn the five key milestones you need to hit to successfully close a restaurant deal. We discuss the challenges faced by buyers and sellers, including confidentiality, landlord approval, and financing. Whether you're a buyer or seller, this episode will arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate...2024-12-0532 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyNavigating the Emotional Roller Coaster of Selling a Legacy Restaurant with Dave PeterWhat’s it really like selling a restaurant? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the complexities of the restaurant sale process with a restauranteur who's been through it all.Dave Peter, former owner of the iconic Galley Seafood Grill and Bar in Morro Bay, joins us to share his experience selling his beloved restaurant after 15 years at the helm. If you’re considering selling your restaurant, or you’re simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a restaurant sale, this episode is for you. From navigating the co...2024-11-2128 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyHow to Get Landlord Approval for Your Restaurant Lease with Keith SimpsonDid you know that restaurant deals fall through at the last minute all the time because of the landlord? As agents, we often call landlords deal killers for a reason. Of course, most landlords are reasonable people who want to establish a long-term relationship, but navigating the landlord approval process can be one of the most challenging aspects of getting a restaurant deal done.In this episode, veteran restaurant broker Keith Simpson joins us to share his expertise on how to best work with landlords. With over 51 years in the restaurant industry, including hosting the Food Network...2024-11-0740 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyInside a Thriving Restaurant Group with Jordan Cressman of Baja SharkeezHave you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful restaurant empire? Most fail, but our guest this week has succeeded and built something truly fantastic. Today, we sit down with Jordan Cressman, VP of Operations and partner for Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group. He’s here to dish out the secrets behind Baja Sharkeez and its growth to 14 locations spanning five distinct concepts.Tune in this week as Jordan shares his incredible journey from barback to restaurant mogul, working alongside the Newmans to expand their casual beach bars and eateries across the South Bay of...2024-10-2429 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyEating up All the Profits with Fred LangleyDo you feel like running your restaurant is eating up all your profits? You're not alone. Many restaurant owners struggle with streamlining operations and managing costs effectively. But what if there was a way to run your independent restaurant like a well-oiled franchise without paying hefty royalty fees?In this episode, we sit down with Fred Langley, CEO and owner of Restaurant Systems Pro. He took his years of experience in the restaurant industry and started helping restaurant owners systematize, not only helping owners revolutionize their operations, but providing the support they need to navigate the complexities...2024-10-1036 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyAttorney at the Table with Roberta EconomidisWorried about signing a restaurant lease or purchase agreement without fully understanding the legal implications? You need an attorney like Roberta Economidis by your side. As a founding partner at Georgopolis and Economidis Law Group, Roberta specializes in corporate and business law with a focus on the hospitality industry.Tune in this week as Roberta breaks down the key factors to consider in purchase agreements and leases, and explains how working with a specialized attorney can protect your interests and prevent costly mistakes. Get full show notes, resources, transcript, and more information...2024-09-2635 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyA Lending Hand with Robert PorterIf you’re a restaurant owner looking to sell your business, or you’re a buyer hoping to secure financing for your dream restaurant, this episode is for you. We dive into the nitty gritty details of SBA lending for restaurants with our expert guest Bob Porter, Senior Vice President in Business Development and SBA Lending for Plumas Bank. Tune in this week to gain the kind of insights that will help you secure the funding you need for your restaurant purchase. Bob's transparent SBA loan advice and tips for getting approved will take a ton of work...2024-09-1234 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyRestaurant Buying and Selling Secrets with Steve ZimmermanWhether you're a current restaurant owner looking to sell, an aspiring restaurateur seeking to buy, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes world of restaurant dealmaking, this episode is packed with valuable information you won't want to miss.Steve Zimmerman is the founder and principal broker of Restaurant Realty Company. He is the OG who literally wrote the book on restaurant dealmaking, and with over 1,000 restaurant and bar sales under his belt, Steve's insights are invaluable. In this conversation, Steve provides a fascinating look at how Restaurant Realty has weathered economic downturns like the COVID-19 pandemic, and he...2024-08-2929 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyThe After-Dark Scene in the Bar and Nightclub Industry With Vlad CoodEver wondered what it takes to build a thriving bar and nightlife business in a city like San Francisco? In today's episode, we sit down with Vlad Cood, a veteran of the Bay Area entertainment scene.Vlad is the owner of Butter Bar and BuzzWorks, two popular establishments in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Tune in to hear Vlad's insights on navigating the complex world of entertainment permits, dealing with rising insurance costs, adapting to changing customer trends, and his exciting plans for a new rooftop bar that could help elevate San Francisco's nightlife scene to the next...2024-08-1541 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyCook the Books with Dan EngelJoining us this week is Dan Engel of Engel Accounting, a restaurant accountant extraordinaire who has seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of restaurant books over his career. Dan shares his wealth of knowledge on what makes restaurant accounting unique and we also dig into the nitty gritty of accounting best practices, from accrual vs cash basis to the various ways restaurant owners pay themselves.Whether you're a restaurant owner looking to get a better handle on your books, or you're just fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of the industry, this episode...2024-08-0151 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyFrom 1 to 100: Making the Decision to Open Your First Restaurant with Ike ShehadehIke Shehadeh is the visionary founder behind Ike's Love & Sandwiches, a popular sandwich chain known for its creative and delicious offerings. Starting in 2007 with a simple vision to spread love and happiness through good food, his unique and flavor-packed sandwiches quickly gained a cult following, leading to a rapid expansion. Ike's sandwich empire has grown into 100 stores across six different states, and he joins us on the show today to share all his secrets of growing from one unit to 100.Discover the challenges and triumphs that come with taking your first steps in the restaurant industry. Ike...2024-07-1839 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyGrowing a Restaurant Group with Michael KarpOur guest this week is Michael Karp, the owner of Le Bon Temps Restaurant Group. With over 30 years of hospitality experience and a decade in restaurant ownership and design, Michael is the driving force behind LBT Restaurants. Michael has been instrumental in redefining the dining experience, establishing himself as a visionary leader in the restaurant industry, and he's here to show us the reality of growing a successful restaurant group.Expanding a restaurant to multiple locations poses many challenges, from investment to ensuring consistency across all locations, especially accounting for varying concepts and vastly different teams. How...2024-07-0427 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyBuilding a Successful Restaurant Empire with Heritage Eats Founder Ben KoenigToday, we're joined by a fantastic guest, Ben Koenig. Born Benedict Koenig IV, he is the founder of Heritage Eats, a globally-inspired multi-unit fast-casual concept in the acclaimed Napa Valley and surrounding Bay Area. Ben also owns Mothers Tacos, he's the creative force behind Napa Valley Lobster Co. and several other innovative dining ventures. Ben has the brain and background to understand what a complete food concept should look like, and what good business really is.Ben dipped his toe in the restaurant industry in Napa, then went on a crazy journey, traveling to North Africa and...2024-06-2038 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndySB478... Is It Bad News for Restaurants? With Jordan Reis CohenOn July 1st, 2024, SB478 will take effect in California. Restaurants in California will no longer be able to add service charges or other itemized fees to your restaurant checks. The ramifications of this are long and complicated, and we're diving into this polarizing topic today with managing attorney of Brick & Mortar Legal, Jordan Reis Cohen.Discover what SB478 means for you as either a restaurant owner or a prospective restaurateur. We try to stop Jordan from getting too highbrow while still explaining exactly how SB478 will impact restaurants in California, you'll learn why we have itemized service...2024-06-0636 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndySustainability... Did You Say Upcycle? With David Murphy and Kayla AbeToday, we're joined by two special guests, Chef David Murphy, and Kayla Abe from Shuggie's Trash Pie + Natural Wine. David and Kayla have taken to upcycling foods in their San Francisco mission district brick-and-mortar as well as their other business, Ugly Pickle Co. They're here to discuss sustainability and upcycling in the restaurant industry.Meet Kayla Abe and David Murphy as they walk us through their journey of buying a restaurant, all the challenges they faced, and how they ultimately created something epic: a restaurant that upcycles food that would otherwise go to waste.Get...2024-06-0637 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyWhy You Need a Restaurant BrokerWhat are the potential pitfalls and complications when selling a restaurant? How long does it take to sell a restaurant? How can you end up on the bad end of a deal when selling your restaurant? And how can a restaurant broker help you avoid painful and costly mistakes when you've decided to sell your business? We're answering these questions on the first episode of our brand-new podcast.In our first episode, we share who we are, what we do, and a streamlined introduction to the world of restaurant brokerage. We give you an overview of the...2024-06-0634 min
Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! With Patrick and AndyStart Here: Introducing the Restaurant Deal Making EXPOSED! PodcastWe're Patrick Totah and Andy Mirabell and we are both former restaurant owners turned restaurant sales brokers. We are all too familiar with the joys and challenges of owning a restaurant – and the hurdles that can come with buying and selling a restaurant. Because of our own experiences in the restaurant business, as restaurant sales brokers, we’re on a mission to help restaurant buyers and sellers make the sale of restaurants as painless as possible. We have walked in your shoes! As some of you listening already know, restaurant sales can be complicated and diff...2024-06-0101 min