Which sushi restaurant equipment is hardest to replace in a hurry?

Walk the kitchen with the seller and list every large unit. The cold display case, walk-in or reach-in refrigeration and the rice cookers carry the menu. Ask when each was bought, how often it has been repaired and who services it. A technician’s name and phone number the owner already uses is a good sign; ask to see recent service invoices.

Then consider lead time. Custom-built counters, display cases, exhaust hoods and anything fixed to the building can take a long while to order and install. Find out what the lease says about who owns fixtures and who pays to replace them, and ask your lawyer to read the relevant parts.

Ask about financing or leasing on any equipment, since a unit may belong to a lender, not the seller. Request a list of what is included in the sale, and check it against the room. Equipment appraisal can help set a fair list if you want an independent view of condition. Ask also whether spare parts are easy to find for the older units, and whether the seller keeps a backup cooker or small fridge on hand for emergencies.

Key takeaways

• Rank equipment by what stops service if it fails.
• Ask for service records and the technician’s contact details.
• Check lead times for custom counters, hoods and display cases.
• Confirm no lender or lessor holds any item on the sale list.