How do I keep my fast food franchise running well while it’s for sale?

A franchise sale involves a buyer, a franchisor and often a lender, and each step takes time. Throughout that period the restaurant is still being judged, by customers, by the brand’s field staff and by the buyer’s advisers. Keeping standards up until closing may help the sale go more smoothly.

Hold your scores and your speed

Brand audits, mystery shops and speed-of-service results are what a buyer and the franchisor will read. Keep the habits that produce good results, even when the sale is a distraction. If a visit finds a problem, fix it and note the fix in writing. Repeat findings across visits suggest a problem that has not been fixed.

Do not defer maintenance or staffing

It is tempting to stop spending once you plan to leave. Equipment that breaks during a sale, or a crew thinned by quiet departures, shows up when buyers visit. Repair what needs repairing, keep the schedule full and keep your general manager informed as far as you are comfortable. Ask your lawyer what you may share, and when.

Keep reporting and records current

Royalty reports, sales reporting and other franchisor paperwork should be up to date and accurate. A buyer’s accountant will notice gaps. Keep your books, supplier accounts and service records organized, so that questions during due diligence can be answered quickly. The guide on food franchise opportunities shows what buyers tend to examine.

Handle buyer visits calmly

Visits can unsettle a crew who suspect a change is coming. Schedule viewings at quieter times, introduce buyers as visitors and decide with your lawyer when to tell staff. Keep service, cleanliness and staffing steady while viewings happen.