3 Things to Know Before You Buy a Restaurant in the Florida KeysStarting your own business is always an exciting prospect. If you’re thinking about buying a restaurant in the Florida Keys, here’s what you need to know.

3 Things to Know Before You Buy a Restaurant in the Florida Keys

Many people take the plunge by becoming a business owner, but often do so not really knowing what they need to know in order to be successful at it, and an aspiring restaurant owner is no different. In fact, folks wanting to open their own restaurant are in a tougher spot than most new business owners. Here are three key things you need to know and understand about opening a restaurant.

Owning a Restaurant is Hard Work!

This is probably the single most important thing you need to know as a prospective restaurant owner. Restaurant ownership, especially during the first few years, is not fun. It can feel like a 24/7 job, as many times the work continues well after closing. Constantly being at the restaurant and dealing with restaurant issues can take its toll on both you and your family. Are you prepared to deal with that?

Know the Rules and Regulations

The first thing you’ll have to worry about is your state’s health and food safety standards. Then your locality’s general business operating rules come into play. Some of the local rules you may need to be aware of include advertising and the building’s appearance and functionality.
Advertising: The Keys have specific rules regarding signage used to advertise your business.
The building: Keeping the outside of your building neat and clutter-free is a must, and it has to meet code requirements.
Not playing by the rules can get you shut down before you get going with all that hard work you’re going to be doing, especially in the smaller localities.

Think Twice Before Hiring Friends and Family

It’s never a good idea to lend money to friends or family, and hiring them to work for you isn’t a wise thing to do either. Perhaps it may work out in the beginning, but in the long term you need to employ trustworthy, hard-working, competent outsiders. Doing so can spare a lot of resentment and hurt feelings.

Hot Key West Business Opportunities

101600 Overseas Highway $20,000,000

101600 Overseas Highway KEY LARGO, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,717 SqFt

139 Seaside Avenue $10,500,000

139 Seaside Avenue KEY LARGO, Florida

5 Beds 7 Baths 6,740 SqFt

517 Duval & 518 Bahama Street $7,500,000

517 Duval & 518 Bahama Street KEY WEST, Florida

4 Baths 7,854 SqFt

3428 Roosevelt Boulevard N 1,2,3,4,5,6 $5,995,000

3428 Roosevelt Boulevard N 1,2,3,4,5,6 KEY WEST, Florida

7 Baths 8,046 SqFt

112 Bounty Lane N $5,990,000

112 Bounty Lane N KEY LARGO, Florida

5 Beds 5 Baths 4,822 SqFt 0.180 Acres

3574 Overseas Highway 1-7 $4,800,000

3574 Overseas Highway 1-7 MARATHON, Florida

5 Beds 4 Baths 7,706 SqFt

100099 Overseas Highway $4,749,000

100099 Overseas Highway KEY LARGO, Florida

2 Baths 4,680 SqFt

30770 Overseas Highway $3,995,000

30770 Overseas Highway Big Pine, Florida

12,560 SqFt

919 - 921 Duval Street $3,750,000

919 - 921 Duval Street KEY WEST, Florida

9 Beds 6 Baths 4,173 SqFt

10 Ocean Drive E $3,699,000

10 Ocean Drive E MARATHON, Florida

5 Beds 3 Baths 2,832 SqFt 0.290 Acres

96180 Overseas Highway $3,600,000

96180 Overseas Highway KEY LARGO, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,445 SqFt 0.960 Acres

770 107th Street Ocean $3,500,000

770 107th Street Ocean MARATHON, Florida

33,977 SqFt

770 107Th St Ocean $3,500,000

770 107Th St Ocean MARATHON, Florida

101350 Overseas Highway $3,250,000

101350 Overseas Highway KEY LARGO, Florida

2 Baths 6,674 SqFt

155 Atlantic Circle Drive $3,100,000

155 Atlantic Circle Drive KEY LARGO, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 2,694 SqFt

Are You Looking for Commercial Property in the Florida Keys?

Use our site to search commercial real estate in Key West and all of the Florida Keys. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new properties every HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of the newest businesses that go up on the market and get Price Change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the best deals!
In the meantime, check out these 1-click searches:

Newest Key West Commercial Properties on the Market

Well priced office space at $145,000. Newer carpet, corner windows, the location is one block from the County Courthouse. The building offers a shared front lobby area, shared kitchenettes, multiple bathrooms, shared parking lot, and a conference room. The office is located upstairs near the backstairs. Low condo fee which includes utilities. $145,000 Active

302 Southard Street 207 KEY WEST, Florida

4 Baths

Prime Commercial Real Estate in Big Pine Key. The property offers 125 footage on US1 and 200 feet deep. With access from the front of the building to the back. Back of the property is fenced with extra storage facilities. Metal building, metal roof, two half baths, two lofts, front office space. $1,545,000 Active

31133 Ave A Big Pine, Florida

2 Baths 2,460 SqFt

Come and Use this precious space at a prime location! There is so much foot traffic in this area. Your business here at 300 Southard Street Unit 103 is at a Great location. Parking space provided as well. Renting for $950. Ideal spot right by Truman Annex and in between Southard Street and Thomas Street. $950 Active

300 Southard Street 103 KEY WEST, Florida

5 Baths 135 SqFt

Hard to find office space available at Conch Harbor Retail Center. Suitable for office, at the corner of Caroline and Grinnell Streets. Men and Women's bathrooms, outdoor seating in courtyard. Neighbors include Prime 951 Steakhouse, Dante's Pool Bar and Restaurant and West Marine. Sales tax is in addition to rent quoted, minimum one-year lease. $4,328.33 Active

951 Caroline Street 207 KEY WEST, Florida

2 Baths


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