What happens to a restaurant’s social media accounts when it is sold?

A restaurant’s social media can be a real asset: photos, reviews, followers and years of posts. But many accounts were created by whoever had time, on a personal email or a phone number that belongs to someone else. Ask for a list of every account, who set it up, and who holds the administrator rights. Then put the list in writing. The agreement should name the accounts, the website domain and any online listings, and require the seller to hand over control on closing. Your lawyer can word this properly. Change every password at handover and secure the recovery email and phone.

Plan the first posts. Customers will notice a change of ownership, so decide whether to announce it and what to say. If a former staff member ran the accounts, ask them to help with the transition and agree how they will be recognized. Also check any contracts with agencies or freelancers who post for the restaurant. Find out who owns the photos and content they made. Keep a copy of the agreement section on accounts where your manager can find it, since disputes over access tend to appear months later.

Key takeaways

• List every account, who created it and who has admin rights.
• Name the accounts and website in the sale agreement.
• Reset passwords and recovery details on the day of handover.
• Check who owns photos made by freelancers or agencies.