

There are more than 11,300 restaurant and foodservice locations in the state of Minnesota according to the National Restaurant Association, and they generate approximately $20.8 billion in annual sales. More than 269,600 people are employed in Minnesota's restaurant and foodservice industry, making it the fourth-largest private employer in the state in 2025. National Restaurant Association research also shows that every $1.00 spent in Minnesota restaurants contributes $1.93 to the state's economy.
Minnesota restaurants for sale are something many buyers explore due to the state's diverse economy, strong household incomes, and vibrant dining culture. Minnesota's Gross Domestic Product exceeded $500 billion in 2025, placing it among the larger state economies in the nation. Major industries including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and tourism help drive demand for restaurants across the state.
It's no wonder those buying a business flock to Minnesota restaurants for sale offered by Restaurant Brokers. Restaurants are an influential part of Minnesota's economy. From Minneapolis and St. Paul to Rochester, Duluth, and the state's popular lake and tourism destinations, restaurants benefit from both local residents and millions of annual visitors.
Minnesota's strong workforce, stable economy, and thriving hospitality industry continue to support restaurant ownership across the state. Combined with a growing food scene, active tourism sector, and diverse customer base, these factors make Minnesota an attractive market for restaurant ownership and investment.
Resources for Buying a Minnesota Restaurant
Buying a Florida restaurant for sale is a team sport and you may need all kinds of help. Our Minnesota Certified Restaurant Broker© has plenty of resources and aid for you. Here’s a starting point for the most common requests:

Scott Ruby is the Franchise Partner for We Sell Restaurants in Minneapolis St. Paul. Formerly, he operated as a specialty restaurant manager and as a food & beverage director in Las Vegas, Nevada.




The occupancy costs for a restaurant are, for most of our clients, the largest fixed expense they will see on the profit and loss statement.



How does this phrase apply to buying a restaurant? Restaurant buyers should anticipate that in order to get something (like information on the listing), you must often give something.












































































Frequently Asked Questions: Minnesota Restaurants for Sale
What is the average price of a restaurant for sale in Minnesota? 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 Minnesota with an SBA loan? Yes. Many Minnesota 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 Minnesota? Most sales close within 3 to 9 months. Clean financials, favorable lease terms, and qualified buyers help transactions move faster.
What is my Minnesota 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 Minnesota? 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 Minnesota? Generally a Certified Food Protection Manager certification, food service 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 Minnesota? 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.