Eric Gagnon – Founder & President, We Sell Restaurants® Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) | IBBA Fellow | Business Industry Expert Founder of the Nation's Largest Restaurant Brokerage Firm

Eric Gagnon is the founder and President of We Sell Restaurants and its online platform, wesellrestaurants.com — the nation's largest restaurant brokerage firm and the only franchise in the United States specializing exclusively in restaurant sales. Nearly two decades ago, Eric identified a gap in the market and built the platform, the brand, and the professional standards that define restaurant brokerage today.

Building the Industry from the Ground Up

Eric's vision gave rise to not only the We Sell Restaurants® national franchise network, but to the professional infrastructure that supports it. He created the restaurant brokerage industry's only Certified Restaurant Broker® coursework and testing program, establishing the credential that sets trained We Sell Restaurants brokers apart from generalist business brokers across the country. His ongoing oversight of broker development and training ensures that every client — buyer or seller — receives the highest standard of expert, credentialed service.

Before launching We Sell Restaurants, Eric built his foundation in financial services, holding roles at Bank of America, Bank of New York, and big five accounting firm KPMG. That financial background remains central to how he approaches restaurant valuations, deal structure, and the complex financial analysis that drives successful transactions.

Credentials and Recognition at the Highest Level

Eric's professional achievements reflect decades of leadership and contribution to the business brokerage and franchising industries:

• Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
• IBBA Fellow — Named in 2018 for outstanding contribution to the business brokerage industry
• IBBA Outstanding Producer Award — Recipient for multiple years
• Business Industry Expert — Designated by Business Brokerage Press
• GABB Phoenix Award — Awarded to select brokers who have achieved Million Dollar Club status for more than a decade
• Past President & Lifetime Member — Georgia Association of Business Brokers (GABB) Million Dollar Club

A Trusted Voice in the Restaurant and Franchising Industries

Eric is a frequent writer and speaker in the restaurant industry, sharing expertise that spans restaurant sales, franchise development, and business brokerage best practices. He is the co-author of Appetite for Acquisition, the award-winning book on buying restaurants that has become an essential resource for buyers and sellers alike.

His leadership extends into the franchising world through active roles with the International Franchise Association (IFA), where he serves as a board member for VetFran — a strategic initiative of the IFA and the Franchise Education and Research Foundation dedicated to supporting veteran franchise ownership. Eric also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Franchise Forum (SEFF).

The Platform Behind Every Transaction

The We Sell Restaurants® platform that Eric built gives every client access to the nation's largest restaurant-specific buyer network, advanced marketing technology, and a team of Certified Restaurant Brokers® trained to the industry's highest standard. Whether the transaction involves a single independent restaurant or a complex multi-unit portfolio, Eric's platform delivers the national reach and specialized expertise to get it done.

Ready to Buy or Sell a Restaurant?

Whether you are ready to sell your restaurant or exploring your first step toward ownership, Eric Gagnon and the We Sell Restaurants® team have the credentials, the platform, and the proven track record to deliver results. Contact us today to start the conversation.