Supply chain complications, persistent labor shortages, and the lingering impact of COVID-19 continue to compress margins and challenge the restaurant industry. At the same time, a growing competitive landscape and changing consumer tastes are forcing traditional restaurant operators to evolve and compete with the emergence of off-premises, delivery-oriented, and ghost kitchen models.

In order to stay relevant and competitive, restaurant operators are re-evaluating everything from pricing, staffing models, and vendor relationships to unit layouts, connecting with customers, and longer-term strategic growth plans (or footprint rationalizations).

Carl Marks Advisors is well-qualified to assist companies and their key constituents in developing plans that create value in situations that are currently unsustainable. Our wide-ranging experience in the restaurant industry allows us to work with management teams to evaluate unit profitability, improve revenue, reduce costs, and enhance cash flows for reinvestment.

We have a proven track record of working with stakeholders to effectuate balance sheet restructurings, debt conversions, and capital raising activity to strengthen the long-term viability of a distressed situation. As well, Carl Marks Advisors is uniquely qualified to run a streamlined M&A process to maximize value and uncover specialized buyers, producing optimal market prices and terms and ensuring a successful close.