

There are more than 12,400 restaurant and foodservice locations in the state of South Carolina according to the National Restaurant Association, and they generate more than $14.8 billion in annual sales. More than 246,000 people are employed in South Carolina's restaurant and foodservice industry, making it one of the state's largest private-sector employers in 2025. National Restaurant Association research also shows that every $1.00 spent in South Carolina restaurants contributes $1.78 to the state's economy.
South Carolina restaurants for sale are something many buyers explore due to the state's rapidly growing population, strong tourism industry, and expanding economy. South Carolina's Gross Domestic Product exceeded $350 billion in 2025, and major industries including manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, logistics, tourism, and technology help drive demand for restaurants across the state.
It's no wonder those buying a business flock to South Carolina restaurants for sale offered by Restaurant Brokers. Restaurants are an influential part of South Carolina's economy. From Charleston and Myrtle Beach to Columbia, Greenville, and Hilton Head Island, restaurants benefit from both local residents and millions of annual visitors each year.
South Carolina's thriving hospitality industry, growing population, and strong visitor traffic continue to support restaurant ownership across the state. Combined with nationally recognized tourism destinations, vibrant downtown districts, and a diverse customer base, these factors make South Carolina an attractive market for restaurant ownership and investment.
Resources for Buying South Carolina Restaurants for Sale
Buying an South Carolina restaurant for sale is a team sport and you may need all kinds of help. Our South Carolina Certified Restaurant Broker® has plenty of resources and aid for you. Here’s a starting point for the most common requests:

Ron Pereira is a Certified Restaurant Broker who brings more than 27 years of hands-on restaurant experience to every client he serves.




Justin Scotto is the multi-unit Franchise Partner for the Charlotte, NC Region, and as well Columbia, Spartanburg, and Greenville, South Carolina.




Preston has a deep-rooted passion for the restaurant industry, cultivated from a young age through his hands-on experience working at his father's Firehouse Subs franchise. This early immersion provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the operational and customer service aspects of the business.




Laura Sotomayor is a Customer Service Specialist at We Sell Restaurants. She works directly with the North Carolina Multi-Unit Franchise Owner Justin Scotto and is the initial contact person for buyers in the Charlotte, NC region and surrounding communities.




Hi there! I’m Maddie McDonald, and I’m excited to be a part of the dynamic team at We Sell Restaurants as a Broker Assistant. I graduated summa cum laude from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Finance, and I bring six years of experience in customer service to my role.




Sally Doran is a Brand, Marketing and Sales Strategist who has partnered with CEOs, and executives of multimillion dollar brands to include startups to drive sales. Sally has three decades of bringing up everyone’s bottom line including her own business.




With over 25 years of expertise in restaurant supply chain, operations, and development, Scott Hoopingarner is a seasoned professional dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Scott is a licensed Commercial Real Estate broker in North Carolina & South Carolina and has earned the title of Certified Restaurant Broker®, a professional designation that indicates specialized training and experience in restaurant brokerage.




Mark Dame is the Franchise Partner for We Sell Restaurants in Florence, South Carolina, encompassing the Grand Strand to the central interior to South Carolina.




Chase Klaus brings a proven blend of operational expertise, local insight, and professional training to restaurant buyers and sellers throughout the Charleston market.


















Frequently Asked Questions: South Carolina Restaurants for Sale
What is the average price of a restaurant for sale in South Carolina? 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 South Carolina with an SBA loan? Yes. Many South Carolina 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 South Carolina? Most sales close within 3 to 9 months. Clean financials, favorable lease terms, and qualified buyers help transactions move faster.
What is my South Carolina 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 South Carolina? 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 South Carolina? Generally a Certified Food Protection Manager certification, retail food establishment permit, 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 South Carolina? 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.
Ron Pereira, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreJustin Scotto, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MorePreston Scotto, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreLaura Sotomayor, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreMaddie McDonald, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreSally Doran, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreScott Hoopingarner, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreMark Dame, Certified Restaurant Broker®
See MoreChase Klaus, Certified Restaurant Broker®
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