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Ep #53: The Hidden Costs Behind "Turnkey" Restaurant Listings
What does turnkey really mean in a restaurant listing? Learn what buyers should investigate during due diligence.
ptotah
Jun 102 min read


Done Deal: Bridges Restaurant, A Danville Icon with a Storied Legacy
Nestled in the heart of Danville, California, Bridges Restaurant is a beloved dining destination renowned for its contemporary American cuisine. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, expertly blending classic flavors with modern culinary techniques. The sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere adds to the restaurant's charm, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Bridges gained widespread recognition as one of the filming locations for the ic
ptotah
Jun 12 min read


Done Deal: St. Francis Fountain
Patrick Totah of Restaurant Realty Company is proud to announce the sale of the St. Francis Fountain, a business that has been in operation for more than 100 years, located on historic 24th Street in San Francisco’s Mission District. Once upon a time, the St. Francis Fountain was, as its name suggests, an old-school soda fountain, where candy and ice cream were made on-site. The most recent owners, Levon Kazarian and Peter Hood, who met when they were high school students
ptotah
Jun 12 min read


Done Deal: The Green Door
Restaurant Realty Company just completed the sale of Green Door with real estate in Napa, CA. Greg Medow, the owner of infamous Flanahan’s Pub in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood, is the newest proprietor of Napa Valley’s iconic dive bar. At a young age, former New Yorker Greg knew he was destined to be involved in the food hospitality industry in a big way. He began his career after studying hospitality management and graduating from Cornell University almost 30
ptotah
Jun 12 min read


Done Deal at 9th & Irving: “Maggie and Mac” Set to Revitalize Iconic Inner Sunset Corner
A significant commercial real estate transaction has just closed at 1326 9th Avenue, a landmark corner property in the heart of the Inner Sunset. Represented by Patrick Totah of Restaurant Realty Company on behalf of the seller, and Cameron Baird of Kidder Mathews representing the buyer, the sale transfers ownership of this historic two-story building to the team behind San Francisco institution MoMo’s. Their new concept, Maggie and Mac, will soon take over the space, continu
ptotah
Jun 12 min read


Done Deal Announcement: The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar
Patrick Totah of Restaurant Realty Company recently sold The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar, in Morro Bay, CA. David, the seller, worked in the tech industry before owning The Galley. His work in tech brought him to Germany, where he met his wife Aglaja and started a family. Dave and Aglaja eventually brought the family back to Morro Bay, where Dave grew up, and reopened The Galley. Bud Anderson, the original owner of the galley, opened it in 1966 and ran it until 2004. Dave fulf
ptotah
Jun 12 min read


Done Deal Announcement: Purple Rose Mexican Restaurant
Restaurant Realty Company recently sold the Purple Rose Mexican Restaurant, and the property it is situated on, in Fort Bragg, California. The seller, Greg Dougherty, opened the Purple Rose with his partner in 1985. They based the concept on their restaurant called Bueno Nalo, which they owned in Waimanalo, Oahu, prior to moving to Fort Bragg. In Fort Bragg, the Purple Rose became an institution for locals in search of good Mexican food, good beer, and good company. The resta
ptotah
Jun 11 min read


Ep #52: How Journalism and Influencer Culture Shape the Restaurant Industry with Alex Barreira
Learn how journalism and influencer culture shape restaurant industry narratives with SF Business Times reporter Alex Barreira.
ptotah
May 272 min read


Ep #51: Behind the 2026 Outside Lands Food Lineup with Tanya Kollar
Outside Lands Food Program Director Tanya Kollar reveals how food curation, restaurant strategy, and dining trends shape the 2026 festival food lineup.
ptotah
May 132 min read


DONE DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Carmel Belle
The coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its vibrant food scene and artistic charm, has seen a notable business transition. Carmel Belle, a beloved café and market in the heart of downtown, has officially been sold. Owners Meghan Rasmussen and Lokman Balaban have passed the business to Jeff and Chantal Nelson, ensuring its continued success. Carmel Belle has been a staple in the local dining scene, known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a menu
ptotah
May 62 min read


DONE DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Al's Deli
Patrick Totah and Restaurant Realty recently completed the sale of the restaurant formerly known as Yuzuki, on the corner of 18thand Guererro in San Francisco. The new owner of the location is Aaron London, chef and owner of the nearby AL’s Place, who plans to institute a casual deli in the space. This transaction represents the transition from one era of delicious food in a prime location to the beginning of another. The chef of Yuzuki, Yuko Hayashi, was a Michelin Bib
ptotah
May 61 min read


DONE DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Steins Beer Garden, Mountain View, CA
Restaurant Realty Company and Patrick Totah are pleased to announce the successful sale of Steins Beer Garden, a landmark destination in downtown Mountain View known for its modern American take on the traditional German biergarten. Founded in 2013 by Bay Area native Ted Kim, Steins quickly became a beloved gathering place, offering 31 taps of craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and made-from-scratch comfort food. Ted, inspired by his travels through Europe in 2006, created a
ptotah
May 62 min read


Ep #50: Top Highlights from 50 Restaurant Deal Making Conversations
Top highlights from 50 Restaurant Deal Making conversations, featuring key moments on leases, timing, financials, and working with professionals.
ptotah
Apr 222 min read


Ep #49: What Virgin Buyers Want to Know (Part 2) with Joshua Rabbie
What can virgin buyers expect when purchasing a restaurant? Learn key lessons from Joshua Rabbie on preparation, due diligence, and avoiding costly mistakes.
ptotah
Apr 82 min read


Ep #48: What Virgin Buyers Want to Know (Part 1) with Drew Butler
We sit down with Drew Butler, owner of Market Pizza, to talk through the questions first-time buyers are asking right now.
ptotah
Mar 182 min read


Ep #47: When To Walk Away From a Restaurant Deal
Learn when it may be time to walk away from a restaurant deal, including common red flags involving landlords, due diligence issues, and disclosure problems.
ptotah
Mar 42 min read


Ep #46: The Top 3 Things for Restaurant Buyers and Sellers To Prepare for in 2026
What should restaurant buyers and sellers prepare for in 2026? Learn the key shifts shaping restaurant deals this year and what they mean for your next transaction.
ptotah
Feb 182 min read


Ep #45: The 2026 Financial Playbook for Restaurant Owners with CFO Matt Granville
A practical financial playbook for restaurant owners, covering budgeting, prime cost, labor, and how experienced operators are approaching profitability in 2026.
ptotah
Feb 42 min read


Ep #44: The Right Time to Sell
Learn how to identify the right time to sell your restaurant, including key signals around performance, market conditions, and readiness that impact value.
ptotah
Jan 212 min read


Ep #43: How Smart Operators Build Value Before They Sell
A new year is the right time to focus on systems that strengthen restaurant operations and build long-term value before a sale.
ptotah
Jan 72 min read
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