A restaurant due diligence checklist helps a buyer test what an owner’s listing says against documents and the site itself. Begin with restaurants for sale, then organize the review by topic instead of relying on one tour or a seller summary.
Check the business records
Request financial statements, tax filings, point-of-sale reports, payroll, sales-tax records, supplier balances and inventory details for consistent periods. Reconcile reported sales with deposits and supporting records. Ask an accountant to explain unusual adjustments, seasonality, owner compensation and working-capital needs.
Review the location and operation
Read the lease for term, renewal, rent changes, permitted use and assignment consent. Compare permits and inspection history with the actual address and proposed ownership. Inspect kitchen equipment, refrigeration, ventilation, storage, washrooms, seating and accessible customer access. Ask how staffing, suppliers, hours, delivery and takeout work on an ordinary shift.
Keep evidence and open questions together
Record each request, document received, inconsistency and follow-up owner. Separate verified facts from estimates, and make any offer conditions specific to unresolved checks. Tailor the review to a café, bar, franchise, food truck or other format; the relevant risks differ. A lawyer, accountant and technical inspector can advise on their respective areas. Our restaurant buying guide explains how due diligence fits the wider acquisition.
This checklist is a starting point, not professional advice or a substitute for transaction-specific review.