

There are 3,065 restaurant and foodservice locations in the state of Rhode Island according to the National Restaurant Association, and they generate $5.3 billion in annual sales. More than 57,600 people are employed in Rhode Island's restaurant and foodservice industry, making it the 2nd largest private employer in the state. National Restaurant Association research also shows that every $1.00 spent in Rhode Island restaurants contributes $1.69 to the state's economy. National Restaurant AssociationNational Restaurant Association
Rhode Island restaurants for sale are something many buyers explore due to the state's dynamic economy, densely populated market, and thriving coastal tourism industry. Rhode Island's Gross Domestic Product exceeded $80 billion in 2024, and major industries including healthcare and education, defense and advanced manufacturing, life sciences, financial services, and tourism help drive consistent demand for restaurants across the state. stlouisfed
It's no wonder those buying a business flock to Rhode Island restaurants for sale offered by Restaurant Brokers. Restaurants are an influential part of Rhode Island's economy. From Providence and Newport to Warwick, Narragansett, and the state's celebrated coastal communities, restaurants benefit from both local residents and millions of annual visitors each year.
Rhode Island's tourism industry reached record highs in 2024, drawing 29.4 million visitors who spent $6 billion statewide a 7% jump from the previous year generating a total economic impact of $8.8 billion. Food and beverage captured the largest share of visitor spending at $1.5 billion, or 26% of total visitor expenditures. Combined with a strong year-round customer base, a nationally recognized dining scene, and the Ocean State's enduring appeal as a New England destination, these factors make Rhode Island a compelling market for restaurant ownership and investment.
Resources for Buying Rhode Island Restaurants for Sale
Buying a Rhode Island Restaurant for Sale is a team sport and you may need all kinds of help. Our Rhode Island Certified Restaurant Broker© team has plenty of resources and aid for you. Here’s a starting point for the most common requests:

Damian Santoro is the We Sell Restaurants franchise partner for Providence, Rhode Island. He is a seasoned business broker with over 25 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry and a licensed Real Estate Salesperson.




The bustling world of restaurant ownership is a dream many aspiring entrepreneurs share. However, this dream is often tempered by the complex and high-stakes nature of buying a restaurant. After all, your life savings may be on the line...




In a world where finding space for a new restaurant is increasingly competitive, We Sell Restaurants has answers that will both fuel your need for growth while simultaneously keeping costs down and allowing for the use of existing infrastructure already in use on city systems.




For anyone buying or selling a restaurant, the most valuable data point you need is an accurate valuation. Unfortunately, bad data abounds, and online research doesn’t always yield the best result. This article, written by an expert in restaurant valuation, provides a comprehensive understanding of the methods and best practices for determining a restaurant’s value.




The We Sell Restaurants Rhode Island office is happy to serve restaurant owners looking to sell and restaurateurs looking to buy in these market areas (highlighted).




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Frequently Asked Questions: Colorado Restaurants for Sale
What is the average price of a restaurant for sale in Rhode Island? Independent restaurants typically list between $50,000 and $500,000. Established franchises range from $250,000 to more than $1 million depending on brand, location, and sales volume.
Can I buy a restaurant in Rhode Island with an SBA loan? Yes. Many Rhode Island restaurant acquisitions qualify for SBA 7(a) financing. We Sell Restaurants can connect buyers with experienced restaurant lenders familiar with the New England market.
How long does it take to sell a restaurant in Rhode Island? Most sales close within 3 to 9 months. Clean financials, favorable lease terms, and qualified buyers help transactions move faster. Seasonal coastal markets, particularly in Newport and South County, may have timing considerations tied to the tourism calendar.
What is my Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island? Start with a free valuation from a Certified Restaurant Broker. We handle confidential marketing, buyer qualification, negotiations, and transaction management from listing through closing.
What licenses do I need to take over a restaurant in Rhode Island? Generally a Food Manager Certification, a retail food establishment license issued through the Rhode Island Department of Health, a liquor license through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (if serving alcohol), a Certificate of Occupancy, and any applicable city or town permits.
Do I need a broker to buy or sell a restaurant in Rhode Island? Not legally, but a Certified Restaurant Broker helps maintain confidentiality, qualifies buyers, manages due diligence, and guides the transaction from listing to closing protecting both parties throughout the process.
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.
Damian Santoro, Certified Restaurant Broker®
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