http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/Chicago-Business-Broker-blog.html Chicago Business Broker Blog - Businesses for sale, Chicago Updates and more en-us chicago business broker Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:06:19 GMT Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:06:19 GMT chicago-business-broker.com http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/franchise-sandwich-business.html Profitable Franchise Sandwich Business with Long Track Record of Success for Sale in Chicago Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:06:19 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/suburban-liquor-store-for-sale.html Well Established Suburban Liquor Store for Sale in the Far West Suburbs of Chicago Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:01:25 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/mailing-list-broker-for-sale.html Profitable Mailing List Broker for Sale in Chicago area. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:52:45 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/franchise-fast-food-restaurant.html Franchise Fast Food Restaurant for Sale in Chicago Suburbs, Near Orland Park Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:45:46 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/small-business-financing.html Entrepreneur's Resource for Small Business Financing Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:22:09 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/rockford-pizza-restaurant-for-sale.html Established and Profitable Take-Out and Delivery Rockford Pizza Restaurant for sale. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:36:12 GMT Discount grocery store chains such as ALDI and Save-A-Lot are seeing definite increases in traffic as consumers seek the best deals. Shoppers say extensive choices are an easy tradeoff for low prices. <i>Source: Food Industry News </i> Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:22:42 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/business-buyer-FAQ.html Check out Chicago Business Broker's Business Buyer FAQ page. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:45:16 GMT According to Michael Attias, one of the country's foremost experts on high return, low cost marketing for restaurateurs, curbside pickup accounts for 10 of national chain sales. Most restaurants have a menu that is take-out friendly, regardless of the price-point. He writes about another profitable niche he calls the "family meal deal". Dual income families with children have need 2-3 times a week for take-out. He calls it "soccer mom syndrome"! Entrees, sides, and bread make up the deal, based on your menu. Package it all up in larger containers, so your costs and labor are less than individual containers. The family meal deal works with any concept. You're passing on the savings to the consumer for committing to 4 or 5 to-go meals. Work with a mail-list broker to find families with children in the 3 to 12 year old range, within 2-3 miles of your restaurant. Create a sales letter focussed on your Family Meal Deal and make a strong offer on how it can simplify their life. <i>Source: Food Industry News</i> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:53:11 GMT * Oil prices expected to drop to $100/barrel by end of year. * Consumer trends for autos: People switching to smaller autos and dumping the SUVS. * Due to oil prices airlines and travelers alike are cutting back on expenses. * Expect airline rates to go up 20 and extras like peanuts and soft drinks to go away. * Not many states will join California in raising taxes this year. <i>Source: The Kiplinger Letter & Food Industry News Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:39:54 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/printing-company-for-sale.html Well Established, Profitable Wholesale Printing Company for Sale in Chicago Suburbs Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:31:17 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/confidentiality-agreement.html Why is it Necessary to Execute a Confidentiality Agreement when Inquiring into a Business for Sale? Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:07:46 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/personal-financial-statement.html Why is it Important to Disclose a Basic Personal Financial Statement when Buying a Business? Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:04:16 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/ice-cream-stores-for-sale.html Profitable Retail Ice Cream Stores for Sale in Chicago - 2 Locations! Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:25:17 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/increase-business-value.html Learn More about How to Increase Business Value if You're thinking of Selling a Business. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:55:02 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/laser-hair-removal-business.html Profitable Laser Hair Removal Business with Two Locations for Sale in Chicago's North Suburbs Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:23:39 GMT Here are some of the latest tips and trends for bar & restaurant owners to keep in mind for maintaining their competitive edge: 1. Add Televisions - McDonalds is starting to implement this... Out-of-home television has become more popular and restaurants are capitalizing on it. 2. Tea is Popular - Demand for tea continues to rise and experts anticipate sales to reach $15 billion by 2012. Beverage companies are increasing marketing efforts for their ready-to-drink tea products. 3. Eco Friendly packaging - Burger King will begin using eco-friendly packaging for Kid's meals. Studies show that this concept gains a lot of support from consumers today. 4. Coupons - In economically turbulent times, offering incentives and discounts drive traffic. Starbucks is launching a massive coupon campaign for the first time in it's history. <i>Source: Food Industry News, Technomic Inc, Advertising Age, NRA Smartbrief</i> Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:43:42 GMT Roughly 28 of consumers haven't decided what they will have for dinner two hours before-hand, on weekdays. That number increases to 35 on weekends. Oftentimes these late dinner-decider's end up purchasing quick-service, takeout and delivered meals, which end up being more expensive options than cooking at home. <i>Source: Food Industry News & NRA Smartbrief</i><br> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:30:54 GMT Attention business owners, the federal minimum wages will increase from $5.85 an hour to $6.55 an hour starting July 24th, 2008.<br> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:35:40 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/hand-car-wash-for-sale.html Long Established, Profitable Hand Car Wash for Sale in Chicago Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:33:54 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/sports-bar-for-sale.html Chicago Suburban Sports Bar for Sale with Property in a Great Location Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:54:18 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/process-of-selling-a-business.html Find out More about Our 6 Step Process of Selling a Business Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:05:31 GMT According to the National Association of Realtors, Chicago housing sales were down 29 in May '08, compared to May '07. In the nine-county Chicago region, home and condominium sales totaled 6,927 in May, compared with 9,751 sales in May 2007, the Realtors group said in a release Friday. Statewide sales fell 22.9 in May, to 11,173 homes compared with 14,493 in May 2007, the Realtors group said. The median sale price statewide was $190,000, down 7.3 compared with April 2007. Chicago-area sales in May were up 13.7 compared with April, according to the release. Mays statewide sales were up 17.3 over April. <i>Source Associated Press & Crain's Chicago Business </i> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:11:53 GMT Many food vendors which showcase their delicacies every year at the 10-day <b>Taste of Chicago</b> in Grant Park are feeling the pressures of higher costs, from food and energy price increases. Some say their costs are 20 higher than last year. In addition, it now costs $4,000 in fees to set up shop for this gig. Primarily due to regular vendors and coordinators pushing to raise funds to attract bigger names in performance, like this years lineup: Stevie Wonder, Joss Jones, and the Plain White T's. Taste of Chicago requires that average menu items be set at $3.75, with nothing set higher than $5.00. Restaurant owners will unfortunately have to live with lower profit margins, but hey - this event adds up to world-class marketing and exposure. Marc Malnati, co-owner of Lou Malnatis Pizzeria, said he recently tried to lobby for price adjustments, but was unsuccessful. Were not going to lose money, Mr. Malnati said. Were just not going to have as big of a profit. As it did at last years Taste, Lou Malnatis will sell a slice of pizza for $3, in spite of higher costs for flour and cheese. We get thousands of people to try our product, Mr. Malnati said. Thats the benefit. <i>Source: Crain's Chicago Business </i> Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:49:39 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/pizza-business-for-sale.html Established Take-Out &amp; Delivery Pizza Business for sale in NW Suburbs of Chicago Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:31:22 GMT The Justice Department unveiled theOperation Malicious Mortgage, an initiative designed to stem fraud that has cost borrowers who were victims an estimated $1 billion. Thirty-three defendants in Chicago, in two related cases with what federal prosecutors called "the same alleged ringleader." They said the cases involved fraudulently obtained loans totaling $111 million for 183 homes stretching from the Chicago suburbs to Nevada and California. Three defendants charged with scheming to fraudulently obtain mortgages on 28 properties totaling more than $40 million from large banks and mortgage companies. Prosecutors said losses totaled $6 million. A dozen defendants accused of fraud and identity theft for allegedly using stolen and bogus identities to obtain more than $3.2 million in home loans. Prosecutors said the dozen new cases filed in the Chicago area since March should show that the government has made cracking down on mortgage fraud a high priority. <i>Source: Crain's Chicago Business & Associated Press</i> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:12:53 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/bars-for-sale.html Find out More about Bars for Sale and Rules of Thumb for Buying and Selling them. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:53:26 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/restaurants-for-sale.html Find out More about Restaurants for Sale and Rules of Thumb for Buying and Selling them. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:52:48 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/mobile-dj-entertainment-business.html Chicagoland Mobile DJ Entertainment Business - A Well Oiled Machine with over a Dozen DJ's Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:15:50 GMT According to the Food Industry News, the New York City Board of Health made a unanimous decision that requires the removal of artificial trans fat from restaurants and other food/beverage businesses. Chicago and major cities in California have made it clear that they will follow this precedent soon. Partially hydrogenated oils(trans fats) being removed from the food will require some overhauls of recipes, with claims of it being more than just one ingredient being changed. It will definitely change the texture and taste of certain foods as well as the cost. Experts have told us for years that trans fats are worse for the heart and blood than saturated fats. The FDA estimates that the average daily intake of trans fat in the US population is about 5.8 grams a day. This accounts for 2.6 percent of calories per day for people over 20 years old. According to the Harvard School of Health, eliminating trans fats from the US food supply could prevent between 6 and 19 percent of heart attacks and related deaths each year. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:20:52 GMT I've been representing a few business owners looking to expand recently. They missed out on some nice listings I just sold and asked if I could help them find another one. After checking with other business brokers I'll turn to the MLS and see what the Realtors have listed. It's amazing how many Realtors are blowing confidentiality by posting the name and location of the business right in the ad. But the real irony is that they spell out in the ad that the listing is CONFIDENTIAL! I've heard the objection from sellers that our commissions as business brokers, 10, is too high and their going to go with a Realtor thats only charging 4-5. Well, you get what you pay for. Bad exposure, inexperience when it comes to business valuation, and if they are <u>lucky</u> enough to sell - a Low sales price. As a business owner thinking of selling you have to ask yourself, whats more important - experience and quality, confidential service, better chance to get the highest sale price - or paying a smaller commission? Fri, 13 Jun 2008 03:24:36 GMT According to Supermarket News, a recent study shows that 64 of consumers are likely to patronize smaller grocery stores that have a focus or emphasis on convenience and and fresh, prepared foods. The small-store trend is part of an ongoing change in the retail food sector. -<i>adapated from Food Industry News</i><br> <br> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:22:53 GMT *The Prime Rate will be at 5 at mid 2008 and 10 year T-Notes will yield 10.<br> *The inflation rate should settle at about 3 in 2008<br> *Job growth should fall to 100,000 for 2008.<br> *Crude Oil will average $92/barrel in 2008.<br> *Housing sales will fall 10 in 2008.<br> *Retail sales growth at 2 this year.<br> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:19:43 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/furniture-store-for-sale.html Chicago Furniture Store for Sale. 2 Established and Profitable Businesses in One! Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:39:46 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/self-serve-car-wash.html Profitable Suburban Self Serve Car Wash for Sale - Property Included Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:29:38 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/businesses-for-sale.html Find the perfect Businesses for Sale in Chicagoland. Mon, 19 May 2008 17:14:49 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/multi-media-fabricator-for-sale.html Amazingly Profitable Custom Multi Media Fabricator for Sale in Chicagoland Mon, 19 May 2008 16:40:00 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/pizza-place-for-sale.html Beautifully Remodeled Carryout and Delivery Pizza Place for sale in Dupage County Tue, 13 May 2008 20:04:59 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/tavern-for-sale.html Chicago Tavern for Sale with Property in a Great Location Tue, 13 May 2008 15:19:27 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/rockford-restaurant-for-sale.html Rockford Restaurant for Sale. One of the Best Locations in Rockford! Wed, 07 May 2008 17:24:54 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/liquor-store-for-sale.html Well Established Liquor Store for sale Grossing over 2.3 Million Annually! Tue, 06 May 2008 23:19:54 GMT I've gotten some calls recently, people are curious what kind of deals we got cooking here at Chicago Business Broker and American Business Acquisitions. All the details are still being worked out, but here are the snapshots of businesses about to hit the market: 12 year old DJ Service, Gross Sales over $400k. Seller financing considered, owner is 'strategically' involved while 18 or so independant DJ's service the clients. Over 330 jobs already booked for the rest of 2008 and 2009. Large digital printing business with gross sales in the millions, high tech and well positioned. We have another Pizza place out in the McHenry area on the way with Gross sales over $200,000. Large, well-established Liquor store in Lake County almost ready to hit the scene. A nice bar & grill in the city, complete with a couple of pool tables and TV's, a great hang-out for watching the game. A west Suburban Car Wash with Property. A self-serve, cash cow! Also, in the works: Furniture store in the city, another Beauty Salon, a Chinese Restaurant and more! Contact Jason at 630-858-2410 or email me to find out more.<br> <br> <br> Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:08:49 GMT A report done by the Nielsen Company has shown that 60 of US consumers rank "Good value for the money" as the most important consideration when choosing a grocery store; 85 of global consumers agree.<br> <br> Next, 28 of US consumers rank "selection of high quality goods" as most important. 23 of US consumers rank the "closest grocery store" as the most important factor when choosing where to shop.<br> <br> Interestingly, 9 of US Consumers ranked most important factor of grocery store being "use of recyclable bags and packaging".<br> <br> When asked how they define "good value", consumers report that price, promotions, and perceptions are the most influential in helping to define value.<br> <br> <i>Source: Food Industry News and www.neilsen.com</i><br> <br> <br> Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:55:36 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/full-service-restaurant-for-sale.html Chicago Full Service Restaurant for Sale. Strong and Profitable Family Dining Establishment Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:18:37 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/nightclub-for-sale.html Chicago Suburban Nightclub for Sale. Extremely Profitable Cash Cow Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:01:06 GMT Technomic/American Express Consumer research found some interesting statistics on how patrons react to a dirty restaurant or poor quality food.<br> <br> 45 of restaurant-goers said they would never visit again, while 38 said they would give the establishment one more chance, and only 14 said they would give it two or more additional chances to meet their expectations.<br> <br> Cleanliness ranked very high among factors on which they judge a restaurant. It was the third most cited factor for both full-service and fast food restaurants, right after taste and freshness.<br> <br> <i>Source: Future Food Trends and Food Industry News</i> <br> <br> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:01:09 GMT <b>GDP Growth</b> - Will slow to 1.5 in 2008<br> <b>Interest Rates</b> - Prime rate at 5.5 by mid 2008<br> <b>Inflation</b> - Easing to 3 in 2008<br> <b>Job growth</b> - Slowing to 1.1 million in 2008<br> <b>Crude Oil</b> - Averaging around $85/barrel this year<br> <b>Housing Sales</b> - Falling 10 in 2008<br> <b>Retail Sales growth</b>- Slowing to 2 this year<br> <b>Trade deficit</b> - Easing to 4.7 of GDP in 2008<br> <br> <i>Sources: Kiplinger Letter & Food Industry News</i><br> <br> <br> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:45:41 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/Contact.html Recent surveys by ChangeWave Research showed that for the first in in years, the number of consumers who indicate that they expect to spend less in the near future is greater than the percentage of people who see themselves spending more - 34 planning to spend less and 29 planning to spend more.<br> <br> Compared to a year ago, 35 said they'd be spending more and only 24 anticipated spending less.<br> <br> The leading category for cutting back was restaurant spending, with 32 planning to spend less and just 11 planning to spend more.<br> <br> In January 2007, 26 were planning to spend more on dining out, and just 17 were planning to spend less.<br> <br> <i>Source: Technomic Information Services; Consumer Food Trends, Food Industry News.</i><br> <br> <br> <br> Have some interesting news to share with Chicago Business Broker? Contact us!<br> <br> <br> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:36:11 GMT According to Nation's Restaurant News, the Top Foods chosen by kids under 13 are as follows: 1. <b>French Fries</b><br> 2. <b>Pizza</b> (up 1 from 2006)<br> 3. <b>Nuggets/Strips</b> (up 2 from 2006)<br> 4. <b>Burgers</b> (down 4 from 2006)<br> 5. <b>Frozen Sweets</b> (down 4 2006)<br> 6. <b>Mexican</b> (up 4 from 2006)<br> 7. <b>Pasta</b>(down 4 from 2006)<br> 8. <b>Donuts/Sweet Rolls</b> (up 2 from 2006)<br> 9. <b>Fruit</b> (up 8 from 2006)<br> 10. <b>Fried Chicken</b> (up 1 from 2006)<br> The importance of a strong kid's menu should never be overlooked at your restaurant. Children's influence on choice of dining is an extra edge for the savvy restaurateur. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:10:24 GMT http://www.chicago-business-broker.com/Contact.html <b>Suburban Dog Kennel and Property For Sale</b><br> <br> <b>Sale includes:</b> The business entity, Almost 5 acres of land, 7000 sq foot Dog Kennel facility, and 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Transferable License included in sale also.<br> <br> This business has unbelievable potential. The current owner has the business poised for expansion. The hard work has already been done for you. Currently turning away Dog and Cat grooming customers. The owner is currently doing no advertising, outside of the yellow pages! <br> <br> Dog Kennel facility has 68 Spaces and 15 Runs. The land is also zoned for horses, a potential add-on. <br> <br> The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, new roof, re-bricked chimney. <br> <br> This is a great opportunity to buy a great business with room for growth and live on-site. Also has a beautiful office to accommodate your existing professional activities. Hire a supervisor and be close enough to keep an eye on operations. <br> <b>Asking Price:</b> $1,975,000<br> <b>Gross Sales:</b> $142,000<br> <b>Cash Flow:</b> $105,000(approximate)<br> <br> Call Jason at 630-858-2410 to find out more. <br> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:02:48 GMT