

Virginia is for Lovers (and restaurant owners!)
There are more than 16,000 restaurant and foodservice locations in the Commonwealth of Virginia according to the National Restaurant Association. In 2025, Virginia's restaurant industry generated more than $27 billion in annual sales and employed approximately 372,000 people, making it one of the largest private-sector employers in the Commonwealth.
Virginia restaurants for sale are something many buyers explore due to the Commonwealth's strong economy, strategic East Coast location, and highly educated workforce. Virginia's Gross Domestic Product exceeded $650 billion in 2025, placing it among the largest state economies in the nation. The Commonwealth's economy is driven by technology, defense, healthcare, professional services, and tourism, creating strong demand for restaurants across the state.
It's no wonder those buying a business flock to Virginia restaurants for sale offered by Restaurant Brokers. Restaurants are an influential part of Virginia's economy, serving residents and the millions of visitors who travel to the Commonwealth each year. National Restaurant Association research shows that the restaurant industry remains the nation's second-largest private-sector employer and is projected to reach $1.55 trillion in sales nationwide in 2026.
Virginia offers a competitive business climate and access to major East Coast markets. While the Commonwealth does have a state income tax, its top individual income tax rate is 5.75%. Combined with strong household incomes, a diverse economy, and continued population growth, these factors make Virginia an attractive market for restaurant ownership and investment.
Buying a Virginia restaurant for sale is a team sport and you may need all kinds of help. Our Virginia Certified Restaurant Brokers© have plenty of resources and aid for you. Here’s a starting point for the most common requests:

Don Williams is a Certified Restaurant Broker® and Franchise Partner for the South-Central Virginia area, and a licensed Salesperson by the Virginia Real Estate Board.




Are you looking to buy a restaurant? If so, you're in luck! In this article, we will outline the complete process in nine steps that will help make the process easier.










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Frequently Asked Questions: Virginia Restaurants for Sale
What types of restaurants are for sale in Virginia? Everything from fast food franchises and food trucks to coffee shops, breweries, casual dining concepts, and turnkey fine dining restaurants at all price points.
What is the average price of a restaurant for sale in Virginia? Independent restaurants typically list between $50,000 and $500,000. Established franchises range from $250,000 to over $1 million.
Can I buy a restaurant in Virginia with an SBA loan? Yes. Many Virginia 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 Virginia? Most sales close within 3 to 9 months. Clean financials, a transferable lease, and qualified buyers help transactions move faster.
What is my Virginia 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 Virginia? 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 Virginia? Generally a Virginia Food Protection Manager Certification, local business license, health department permits, ABC license (if serving alcohol), Certificate of Occupancy, and any applicable local permits.
Do I need a broker to buy or sell a restaurant in Virginia? 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.