The restaurant sector offers an enormous variety of dining options, which means that attracting and retaining customers is key. Diners demand quality, but they also look for diversity and value, so there are opportunities for every type of restaurant business to succeed.

In these turbulent times, we have seen an increase to Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) and administrations with economic uncertainty fuelled by Brexit negotiations. This has opened an opportunity for independent operators to thrive, as consumers favour niche, local eateries over large chains. There has never been a better time to acquire sites, with plentiful supply, reduced premiums, and landlords offering significant inducements.

Casual dining will still face pressure until supply reaches a sustainable equilibrium. Further mid-market restaurant casualties are expected. However, even in the most testing economic conditions, consumer spending in restaurants has grown every year since 1980, making the restaurant sector a sound option for investment. Notable changes to consumer habits in the Leisure and Retail sectors show consumers tend to favour locations which offer leisure and retail along with a strong food and beverage offering.

Lender Appetite 

We see limited interest from traditional institutional investors, with a growth in interest from specialist investors including private equity, incubator investors etc. Confidence amongst lenders has been reduced, with traditionally aggressive lenders announcing a more cautious approach, and resulting in operators resorting to alternative forms of funding.

Whichever option you have in mind, Christie Finance will help you get the funding you need to purchase or lease the restaurant you want.