Explore the idea of buying an existing, successful food business…or one that needs saving.
The dream of starting a food business has led many an entrepreneur to ask: Where do I start?
Like cooking from scratch, starting a business from scratch is a lot more complicated than buying a thriving business — especially if you plan to manufacture food or run a restaurant.
Why Businesses Sell
Some businesses fail because of a bad location, labor shortages, poor execution, or changing trends. But many owners simply want to get out….creating an exciting opportunity — and a shortcut — for the next owner.
- Business owners retire.
- Family issues may require selling.
- Business landscapes may change, and the current owners may no longer want to run the business.
Those are just a few reasons why you see food retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, and all sorts of other food businesses pop up on BizBuySell and BizQuest, and other business broker websites. Or what I call business porn for the aspiring entrepreneur.
Example Food Businesses For Sale
Your search will turn up both independent businesses as well as food franchise opportunities. Some you’ll have heard of, in your local area. Others are hidden gems, like these amazing-sounding businesses that came up in a quick search:
- “Very popular, well-known tofu brand manufactured in southern California. In business for 30 years, known for high quality, multi-variety, non-gmo ingredients.”
- “…well-established commercial bakery” that makes “several of the best known brands within one of Southern California’s largest ethnic communities” as well as “private label co-packing for many major clients throughout the United States.”
- A convenience store “in a free standing building with high visibility from a heavily traversed intersection. Nestled against the foothills, this local landmark boasts a loyal customer base year after year and has a great after-school crowd rushing in for snacks daily.”
The business broker websites don’t stop at traditional models either. One vaping manufacturing opportunity popped up. Don’t be surprised to see cannabis edible makers selling, as the landscape and regulations change.
So explore existing businesses part of your food business research.
Who knows—you may discover a bevy of businesses similar your idea that are selling.
And if you do, ask WHY. I’m also happy to help.
