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Bars for Sale Pubs for Sale

Bars for Sale Pubs for Sale

So, you've decided to buy a bar or pub and found our page on bars for sale.  Congratulations! This can be a very profitable and exciting business venture. However, there are a few things you need to know before you jump in head first.
 
Bars for Sale can present a great opportunity for a buyer who wants the high profit and growth associated with the industry. America has been described as the primary target market in the world for alcohol consumption. A growing diverse 21+ market creates growing demand for anyone looking at Bars for Sale in any state in the U.S.
 
Now let’s get started!  The first thing you need to do is find the right bar or pub for sale. There are a few things to consider when doing this. First, you need to decide what type of bar or pub you want to buy. Are you looking for a dive bar, sports bar, nightclub with limited food, hookah bar, or full-service restaurant with bar?

Trends in Bars for Sale

The choice of bars for sale ranges widely from the local pub where “everyone knows your name” – this is the neighborhood pub or “Cheers” model to large restaurants and multi-level venues that house hundreds of thirsty patrons at a time. Trends in the industry in recent years include breweries with the craft beer boom. The Beverage and Alcohol Insights group, says customers are "choosing local brews more often than national brands."   

Distilled spirits are also increasing due to a strong interest in craft cocktails.  All of that is good news for buyers focusing on bars for sale, especially if you are willing to source local beers and create unusual cocktails.
 
Bars for sale weather economic downturns and sales volume usually outpaces even strong economies. Even the recent pandemic proved this to be true. When the chips are down, Americans tend to drink away their sorrows. This makes bars and pubs for sale recession-proof type businesses.

Locating Bars and Pubs for Sale

Once you've decided on the type of bar or pub you want to buy, you can start searching for opportunities. All of the bars for sale nationwide offered by the Restaurant Brokers at We Sell Restaurants are shown on this page and inventory is constantly changing. You can also search online marketplaces like BizBuySell.com or Businessbroker.net to see the latest listings in the marketplace. When searching for a bar or pub for sale, it's important to keep your budget in mind.
 
The price of a bar or pub can range anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 or more. Expect to pay more if the real estate is included. That is a benefit for the buyer since bars for sale with real estate will be financed through an SBA lender for a longer period of time – 20 years, versus ten years for the business only.

Evaluating Bars for Sale

Once you’ve found a few bar or pub for sale listings that fit your criteria, it’s time to start evaluating each opportunity. That is when it is helpful to have the services of a Certified Restaurant Broker. This person will be a specialist in the value of businesses like these and can greatly aid your search. When evaluating a bar or pub for sale, there are a few key things you need to look for.  
 
  • Location:  The location of the bar or pub for sale is very important. It should be in a high traffic area with a good mix of residential and commercial businesses nearby.
  • Demographics:  The demographics of the area surrounding the bar or pub for sale are also important to consider. You want to make sure there is a population that will patronize your location. With existing bars for sale like the ones featured here, you have historical performance to evaluate.
  • Condition of the property:  The condition of the bar or pub for sale is also important. You don't want to buy a fixer upper unless you're prepared to make some major renovations. On the other hand, a fixer upper to convert to your own concept may be exactly what you have in mind.
  • Type of Business: As we mentioned before, there are different types of bars and pubs for sale.  Make sure you're buying the type of business that fits your lifestyle. The late hours are not right for everyone so a club open until 4am may not be a fit while a sports bar for sale that closes at midnight may be just right.  

Negotiating the Purchase of a Bar or Pub for Sale

Now that you know what to look for in a bar or pub for sale, let’s talk about how to negotiate the sale price. This can be a tricky process, but with a little preparation, you can get the best deal possible. The first thing you need to do is research the the pricing and market value of similar businesses. That's why a site like We Sell Restaurants with opportunities nationwide can be very helpful. You can easily compare things like gross revenue, gross margin, net income and owner benefit across multiple properties to see the highest performing bars for sale that may fit your requirements for cash flow.
 
One element of bars and pubs for sale that buyers should be aware of is unreported income. Make sure you focus on provable income.  The bar industry is full of those who fail to report all their income, so verifying the numbers is especially important for this category of business for sale. Here are tips on how to buy a bar and evaluating cash flow.
 
Another key part of the negotiation process is to understand the financing situation.  If a bar for sale does not have adequate books and records, you may have to ask the seller to hold a note, commonly referred to as "Owner Financing" and detailed in this article titled, “Buying a Restaurant with no or low money down – 5 Options." For businesses with good books and records, a Certified Restaurant Broker can assist you in meeting a lender who is experienced in in these types of transactions. Having your lending in place gives you the confidence to move forward quickly on a bar or pub for sale that meets your criteria.

Understanding Liquor License Laws When Buying a Bar or Buying a Pub

It is important to be up to speed on the alcohol license laws for individual states. A Certified Restaurant Broker that specializes in the market will be knowledgeable on these aspects. The laws for license transfer vary from state to state and sometimes from city to city. You may even need to hire someone separately to assist with the transfer or issuance of a liquor license. These parties are called liquor license facilitators and are they know how to move the license requirements on a bar or pub for sale through the oversight which could be a local board, state license authority or even a city citizen group that may need to weigh in.
 
In some states alcohol licenses are assumable or transferrable. In others, a new license must be issued each time. There are specific requirements to hold a liquor license so those buying a pub or bar can expect to undergo fingerprinting, background check and sometimes bonding in order to qualify. A detailed article on Getting a Liquor License When Buying a  Bar can be found at this link.
 
You may also be required to undergo specific training in the state to insure you are familiar with the laws regarding the service of alcohol. This includes obtaining a legitimate ID to adhere to age laws and understanding your right to suspend service or “cut someone off” rather than overserve them. This could be a requirement of the state licensing board or your insurance provider.

Preserving Your Earnings when Buying a Bar or Pub

A business serving alcohol can mean higher profit margins but buyers should still implement checks and balances. The high amounts of cash transactions can be tempting without controls in place. Those can include cameras in the bar area and over the register to monitor the cash. In addition there are firms like Beintel, an independent profit control and revenue enhancement services for bars and restaurants. They perform a weekly inventory on liquor products so you can monitor any shortages.
 
Overall, buying one of our bars for sale may put you into a fun and exciting business, but you must cover all the bases to protect yourself against fraud or damages.    

Additional Resources for Buying a Bar or Pub

 If you’re looking for more information on how to buy a bar or pub, be sure to check out our other resources like these articles.
 
- Bars for Sale - 5 Important Tips for Buyers
- Getting a Liquor License and Buying a Restaurant or Bar
- Warning: Bars for Sale indicating "Cash" -- Do You Buy?
 
We also have an extensive video library on our YouTube channel with many videos including this one on how to buy a bar

So, you've decided to buy a bar or pub and found our page on bars for sale.  Congratulations! This can be a very profitable and exciting business venture. However, there are a few things you need to know before you jump in head first.
 
Bars for Sale can present a great opportunity for a buyer who wants the high profit and growth associated with the industry. America has been described as the primary target market in the world for alcohol consumption. A growing diverse 21+ market creates growing demand for anyone looking at Bars for Sale in any state in the U.S.
 
Now let’s get started!  The first thing you need to do is find the right bar or pub for sale. There are a few things to consider when doing this. First, you need to decide what type of bar or pub you want to buy. Are you looking for a dive bar, sports bar, nightclub with limited food, hookah bar, or full-service restaurant with bar?

Trends in Bars for Sale

The choice of bars for sale ranges widely from the local pub where “everyone knows your name” – this is the neighborhood pub or “Cheers” model to large restaurants and multi-level venues that house hundreds of thirsty patrons at a time. Trends in the industry in recent years include breweries with the craft beer boom. The Beverage and Alcohol Insights group, says customers are "choosing local brews more often than national brands."   

Distilled spirits are also increasing due to a strong interest in craft cocktails.  All of that is good news for buyers focusing on bars for sale, especially if you are willing to source local beers and create unusual cocktails.
 
Bars for sale weather economic downturns and sales volume usually outpaces even strong economies. Even the recent pandemic proved this to be true. When the chips are down, Americans tend to drink away their sorrows. This makes bars and pubs for sale recession-proof type businesses.

Locating Bars and Pubs for Sale

Once you've decided on the type of bar or pub you want to buy, you can start searching for opportunities. All of the bars for sale nationwide offered by the Restaurant Brokers at We Sell Restaurants are shown on this page and inventory is constantly changing. You can also search online marketplaces like BizBuySell.com or Businessbroker.net to see the latest listings in the marketplace. When searching for a bar or pub for sale, it's important to keep your budget in mind.
 
The price of a bar or pub can range anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 or more. Expect to pay more if the real estate is included. That is a benefit for the buyer since bars for sale with real estate will be financed through an SBA lender for a longer period of time – 20 years, versus ten years for the business only.

Evaluating Bars for Sale

Once you’ve found a few bar or pub for sale listings that fit your criteria, it’s time to start evaluating each opportunity. That is when it is helpful to have the services of a Certified Restaurant Broker. This person will be a specialist in the value of businesses like these and can greatly aid your search. When evaluating a bar or pub for sale, there are a few key things you need to look for.  
 
  • Location:  The location of the bar or pub for sale is very important. It should be in a high traffic area with a good mix of residential and commercial businesses nearby.
  • Demographics:  The demographics of the area surrounding the bar or pub for sale are also important to consider. You want to make sure there is a population that will patronize your location. With existing bars for sale like the ones featured here, you have historical performance to evaluate.
  • Condition of the property:  The condition of the bar or pub for sale is also important. You don't want to buy a fixer upper unless you're prepared to make some major renovations. On the other hand, a fixer upper to convert to your own concept may be exactly what you have in mind.
  • Type of Business: As we mentioned before, there are different types of bars and pubs for sale.  Make sure you're buying the type of business that fits your lifestyle. The late hours are not right for everyone so a club open until 4am may not be a fit while a sports bar for sale that closes at midnight may be just right.  

Negotiating the Purchase of a Bar or Pub for Sale

Now that you know what to look for in a bar or pub for sale, let’s talk about how to negotiate the sale price. This can be a tricky process, but with a little preparation, you can get the best deal possible. The first thing you need to do is research the the pricing and market value of similar businesses. That's why a site like We Sell Restaurants with opportunities nationwide can be very helpful. You can easily compare things like gross revenue, gross margin, net income and owner benefit across multiple properties to see the highest performing bars for sale that may fit your requirements for cash flow.
 
One element of bars and pubs for sale that buyers should be aware of is unreported income. Make sure you focus on provable income.  The bar industry is full of those who fail to report all their income, so verifying the numbers is especially important for this category of business for sale. Here are tips on how to buy a bar and evaluating cash flow.
 
Another key part of the negotiation process is to understand the financing situation.  If a bar for sale does not have adequate books and records, you may have to ask the seller to hold a note, commonly referred to as "Owner Financing" and detailed in this article titled, “Buying a Restaurant with no or low money down – 5 Options." For businesses with good books and records, a Certified Restaurant Broker can assist you in meeting a lender who is experienced in in these types of transactions. Having your lending in place gives you the confidence to move forward quickly on a bar or pub for sale that meets your criteria. 

Understanding Liquor License Laws When Buying a Bar or Buying a Pub

It is important to be up to speed on the alcohol license laws for individual states. A Certified Restaurant Broker that specializes in the market will be knowledgeable on these aspects. The laws for license transfer vary from state to state and sometimes from city to city. You may even need to hire someone separately to assist with the transfer or issuance of a liquor license. These parties are called liquor license facilitators and are they know how to move the license requirements on a bar or pub for sale through the oversight which could be a local board, state license authority or even a city citizen group that may need to weigh in.
 
In some states alcohol licenses are assumable or transferrable. In others, a new license must be issued each time. There are specific requirements to hold a liquor license so those buying a pub or bar can expect to undergo fingerprinting, background check and sometimes bonding in order to qualify. A detailed article on Getting a Liquor License When Buying a  Bar can be found at this link.
 
You may also be required to undergo specific training in the state to insure you are familiar with the laws regarding the service of alcohol. This includes obtaining a legitimate ID to adhere to age laws and understanding your right to suspend service or “cut someone off” rather than overserve them. This could be a requirement of the state licensing board or your insurance provider.

Preserving Your Earnings when Buying a Bar or Pub

A business serving alcohol can mean higher profit margins but buyers should still implement checks and balances. The high amounts of cash transactions can be tempting without controls in place. Those can include cameras in the bar area and over the register to monitor the cash. In addition there are firms like Beintel, an independent profit control and revenue enhancement services for bars and restaurants. They perform a weekly inventory on liquor products so you can monitor any shortages.
 
Overall, buying one of our bars for sale may put you into a fun and exciting business, but you must cover all the bases to protect yourself against fraud or damages.   

Additional Resources for Buying a Bar or Pub

If you’re looking for more information on how to buy a bar or pub, be sure to check out our other resources like these articles.
 
- Bars for Sale - 5 Important Tips for Buyers
- Getting a Liquor License and Buying a Restaurant or Bar
- Warning: Bars for Sale indicating "Cash" -- Do You Buy?
 
We also have an extensive video library on our We Sell Restaurants YouTube channel - with several videos including this one on turning your bar into a money-making machine or how to get a liquor license when buying a bar. 

When you’re ready to take the next step, we can help. Our Certified Restaurant Brokers are standing by at 404 800 6700 to answer all your questions about bar ownership.
 
Cheers!
 

Bars for Sale Pubs for Sale

Does the Liquor License Transfer When I Buy a Restaurant?

Every state has their own requirements but the transfer of a liquor license to a restaurant buyer will be approved provided the application of a purchaser is approved by the State Licensing board.

Newly Renovated Upscale Bar for Sale in Alpharetta with Earnings

Newly Renovated Upscale Bar for Sale in Alpharetta with Earnings

Listing Id:9761 Lease Term:Expires June 20.. Monthly Rent$8202, Sq.ft.3750,
Turn-Key Restaurant and Bar for Sale in Booming Waxhaw!

Turn-Key Restaurant and Bar for Sale in Booming Waxhaw!

Listing Id:9750 Lease Term:5 years Monthly Rent$9518.23, Sq.ft.2794,

How to Buy a Bar - Do's and Don'ts

This article will walk you through the do's and don'ts of how to buy a bar. Find out what to look for, what to avoid, and more. Learn from the experts and get all tips and tricks before you buy a bar.

Popular Fort Mill Bar For Sale with Six Figure Earmings!

Popular Fort Mill Bar For Sale with Six Figure Earmings!

Listing Id:9729 Lease Term:1 year remainin.. Monthly Rent$2400, Sq.ft.2100,
High Profit Restaurant for Sale in Perfect Downtown Austin Location

High Profit Restaurant for Sale in Perfect Downtown Austin Location

Listing Id:9723 Lease Term:expires Februar.. Monthly Rent$6000, Sq.ft.875,
Pizza Franchise with Sports Bar for Sale in Orange County, FL!

Pizza Franchise with Sports Bar for Sale in Orange County, FL!

Listing Id:9711 Lease Term:July 2027 Monthly Rent$9765.00, Sq.ft.3000,

How to Buy a Bar - Tips on Evaluating Cash Flow

Buying a Bar does not have to be a risky situation. The team at We Sell Restaurants has these tips for you on confirming earnings.

Earn $194,000 Operating Popular Parma Heights Restaurant and Bar for Sale

Earn $194,000 Operating Popular Parma Heights Restaurant and Bar for Sale

Listing Id:9707 Lease Term:Exprires 5/20/2.. Monthly Rent$2500, Sq.ft.1150,400, ,
Sports Bar for Sale Earning Owner/Operator Six-Figures! Full Liquor License

Sports Bar for Sale Earning Owner/Operator Six-Figures! Full Liquor License

Listing Id:9698 Lease Term:Expires 2024 wi.. Monthly Rent$8305, Sq.ft.5126,

Turning Your Bar into a Money Making Machine

We Sell Restaurants Interview Experts on how to turn the greatest profit on bars. Make your location into a money making machine with these tips.

Bars for Sale Indicating Cash Earnings - Do You Buy?

Do you buy a bar for sale where the earnings are off the books? Read more about how you need to validate earnings on these transactions from We Sell Restaurants.

Multi-Unit Independent Restaurants for Sale in Colorado Springs

Multi-Unit Independent Restaurants for Sale in Colorado Springs

Listing Id:9645 Lease Term:3 years + 2-5yr.. Monthly Rent$12000, Sq.ft.6000,

Buying a Bar and Getting a Liquor License

Getting a liquor license when buying a bar may required specialized assistance. Requirements vary by location.

Franchise Pizza and Italian Restaurant for Sale in Colorado

Franchise Pizza and Italian Restaurant for Sale in Colorado

Listing Id:9641 Lease Term:Expires Septemb.. Monthly Rent$7300, Sq.ft.2728,

Bars for Sale – 5 Important Tips for Buyers

Bars for sale are typically one of our most searched and fastest moving inventory. What makes this category of listings so appealing and who is doing the buying?

Restaurant Space For Lease In Tourist Town

Restaurant Space For Lease In Tourist Town

Listing Id:9599 Lease Term:1/30/2026 Monthly Rent$8000, Sq.ft.3500,
Fully equipped and permitted 2nd generation Restaurant for Sale in Austin

Fully equipped and permitted 2nd generation Restaurant for Sale in Austin

Listing Id:9587 Lease Term:expires May 202.. Monthly Rent$5490, Sq.ft.1200,
Profitable Sports Bar For Sale in Denver - Game On

Profitable Sports Bar For Sale in Denver - Game On

Listing Id:9564 Lease Term:5 years expires.. Monthly Rent$3700, Sq.ft.3350,
PRICED TO SELL! Scottsdale Pizza Shop for Sale FULLY equipped Turn-Key

PRICED TO SELL! Scottsdale Pizza Shop for Sale FULLY equipped Turn-Key

Listing Id:9559 Lease Term:12 Months + 2/5.. Monthly Rent$10770, Sq.ft.2400,
Profitable Pizza Franchise for Sale in East Austin

Profitable Pizza Franchise for Sale in East Austin

Listing Id:9557 Lease Term:expires May 202.. Monthly Rent$4325, Sq.ft.1469,
Sports Bar for Sale in Beautiful Southwest Florida, Seller Financing

Sports Bar for Sale in Beautiful Southwest Florida, Seller Financing

Listing Id:9526 Lease Term:expires March 2.. Monthly Rent$12000, Sq.ft.5000,
Marquee Restaurant and Bar for Sale with Prestigious Austin Address

Marquee Restaurant and Bar for Sale with Prestigious Austin Address

Listing Id:9505 Lease Term:expires 2029 Monthly Rent$11845, Sq.ft.3000,
Turnkey Bar for Sale in Downtown Greer South Carolina

Turnkey Bar for Sale in Downtown Greer South Carolina

Listing Id:9445 Lease Term:Expires 2025 Monthly Rent$2556.06, Sq.ft.2100,
Sports Bar and Grill for Sale in Lake Worth – 4COP SFS License

Sports Bar and Grill for Sale in Lake Worth – 4COP SFS License

Listing Id:9383 Lease Term:Negotiable Monthly Rent$negotiable, Sq.ft.3434,
Restaurant and Bar for Sale in Lubbock Texas Keep or Change the Concept

Restaurant and Bar for Sale in Lubbock Texas Keep or Change the Concept

Listing Id:9353 Lease Term:8/01/2029 with .. Monthly Rent$9800, Sq.ft.4700,
Dunwoody GA Sports Bar For Sale - SIX FIGURE EARNINGS

Dunwoody GA Sports Bar For Sale - SIX FIGURE EARNINGS

Listing Id:9338 Lease Term:Month to Month Monthly Rent$4200, Sq.ft.3100,
$342k Earnings Multi-Concept Independent and Franchise for Sale In Miami

$342k Earnings Multi-Concept Independent and Franchise for Sale In Miami

Listing Id:9331 Lease Term:New 5 year Leas.. Monthly Rent$4815-, Sq.ft.1250-,
Bar for Sale with Two Breweries Pouring Out $322,000 in Owner Benefit in AZ

Bar for Sale with Two Breweries Pouring Out $322,000 in Owner Benefit in AZ

Listing Id:9320 Lease Term:expires July 20.. Monthly Rent$7647 | 4500, Sq.ft.4600 ,3000,
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