

There are 25,321 restaurant and foodservice locations in the state of Illinois according to the National Restaurant Association, and they generate $36.8 billion in annual sales. More than 594,900 people are employed in Illinois's restaurant and foodservice industry, making it the second-largest private employer in the state in 2025. National Restaurant Association research also shows that every $1.00 spent in Illinois restaurants contributes $1.86 to the state's economy.
Illinois restaurants for sale are something many buyers explore due to the state's diverse economy, central location, and world-class dining scene. Illinois's Gross Domestic Product exceeded $1.1 trillion in 2025, making it one of the largest state economies in the nation. Major industries including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, transportation, and professional services help drive demand for restaurants across the state.
It's no wonder those buying a business flock to Illinois restaurants for sale offered by Restaurant Brokers. Restaurants are an influential part of Illinois's economy. From Chicago and its surrounding suburbs to Springfield, Rockford, Peoria, and Champaign, restaurants benefit from both local residents and millions of business and leisure travelers each year.
Illinois's thriving hospitality industry, strong consumer spending, and diverse population continue to support restaurant ownership across the state. Combined with major tourism attractions, a nationally recognized food culture, and one of the largest metropolitan markets in the country, these factors make Illinois an attractive market for restaurant ownership and investment.
Resources for Buying Illinois Restaurants for Sale
Buying an Illinois Restaurant for Sale is a team sport and you may need all kinds of help. Our Illinois Certified Restaurant Broker© team has plenty of resources and aid for you. Here’s a starting point for the most common requests:








Frequently Asked Questions: Illinois Restaurants for Sale
What is the average price of a restaurant for sale in Illinois? Independent restaurants typically list between $50,000 and $500,000. Established franchises range from $250,000 to more than $1 million.
Can I buy a restaurant in Illinois with an SBA loan? Yes. Many Illinois restaurant acquisitions qualify for SBA 7(a) financing. We Sell Restaurants can connect buyers with experienced restaurant lenders.
How long does it take to sell a restaurant in Illinois? Most sales close within 3 to 9 months. Clean financials, favorable lease terms, and qualified buyers help transactions move faster.
What is my Illinois restaurant worth? A Certified Restaurant Broker can provide an opinion of value that will include comparable pricing. He or she is a market specialist that can adjust for location, lease terms, equipment condition, sales trends, and profitability.
How do I sell my restaurant in Illinois? Start with a free valuation from a Certified Restaurant Broker. We handle confidential marketing, buyer qualification, negotiations, and transaction management.
What licenses do I need to take over a restaurant in Illinois? Generally a Certified Food Protection Manager certification, food service sanitation manager certification, food establishment license, liquor license (if serving alcohol), Certificate of Occupancy, and any applicable local permits.
Do I need a broker to buy or sell a restaurant in Illinois? Not legally, but a Certified Restaurant Broker helps maintain confidentiality, qualifies buyers, manages due diligence, and guides the transaction from listing to closing.
Is We Sell Restaurants a franchise? Yes, We Sell Restaurants is itself a franchise opportunity, not just a service provider to restaurant franchises. Franchisees become Certified Restaurant Brokers™ through our structured onboarding process, then use We Sell Restaurants' proprietary BOSS (Broker's Operations and Sales System) platform and Restaurant For Sale marketplace to help entrepreneurs buy, sell and lease hospitality properties in their territory.