We Sell Restaurants recently came out with the trends shaping the restaurant resale market in 2025. These trends include the hottest markets and those with the strongest traffic.
Of course, the possible sale making headlines today is Dave’s Hot Chicken, one of the fastest-growing chicken chains. Here, we’ll explore the areas enticing buyers and what the potential sale of Dave’s means to the market.
Dave’s Hot Chicken and a Possible Valuation of $1 Billion
Yes, you read that right–$1 billion. Restaurant Business recently reported on the potential sale of this beloved chicken chain, including obtaining the services of North Point Investment Bank to lead the process.
The fact that this brand started as a late-night pop-up in East Hollywood when four friends purchased a fryer for $900 only enhances its appeal. Add its proprietary hot chicken recipe, celebrity backers like Usher and Drake, and extremely good marketing and expansion plans that have resulted in over 270 franchised locations, and you can begin to understand its valuation.
Its success continues to rely on a strong social media presence and staying true to its simple menu that consists of high-quality halal chicken, seven spice levels, and four sides. Another 80 units are expected to open in 2025.
According to Restaurant Business and Jim Bitticks, president and COO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, 2025 sales are projected to reach $1 billion.
The Hot Markets
According to We Sell Restaurants, the hottest markets in January 2025 were Orlando, FL, and Charlotte, NC. These locations experienced the greatest number of signed confidentiality agreements and buyer inquiries. They also noted two additional markets experiencing strong search traffic but fewer actual transactions: Chandler, AZ, and Houston, TX.
What does this mean for buyers? You may experience tougher competition in the hottest markets and corresponding higher prices. Of course, they’re hot for a reason.
Orlando boasts world-class talent, from James Beard-nominated chefs to hospitality-related graduates. The University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management lays claim to one of the top five global colleges for hospitality with a 97% job placement rate. It’s also the headquarters of Darden Restaurants, one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.
Charlotte has embraced diversity in the local food scene, from pop-ups to fine dining and a thriving food hall environment. It also supports community events like the BayHaven Food & Wine Festival, which gives local restaurants the opportunity to share their unique offerings.
While several food halls are contained within the city’s borders, one in particular, Market at 7th Street, is a hub for new businesses, housing restaurants, local shops, and a brewery. Some new restaurants hitting Charlotte’s scene in February include Marina’s Tapas, Serengeti Kitchen, and Hello Uncle, a Southeast Asian pop-up.
Chandler was, at one time, a small town in Arizona. Today, it is the state’s fourth-largest city, with a downtown region known as a food and beverage hotspot. It’s also recognized as one of the top cities in the nation for business.
Ranking Arizona 2024 named Chandler the “best place to live, work, and play in Arizona.” Currently under construction is George & Gather, a restaurant incorporating local organic ingredients and grass-fed meat with an indoor and outdoor bar.
Houston is witnessing a surge of new restaurants and bars. According to Visit Houston, it boasts about 13,000 restaurants representing over 70 countries and American regions, making it “as ethnically diverse as its more than 6 million residents.” Tasting Table named it the most exciting food city, and Food & Wine named it the “Newest capital of great food.”
So, for those looking to expand, where is the next food capital of America, and is that where you want to be?
That all depends.
At Emerging Concepts, our team of data scientists, engineers, analysts, and real estate and industry experts sort through massive amounts of data to determine the ideal location for your unique concept that optimizes profits and minimizes risks. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact Emerging Concepts.
