Opening or relocating a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale? The space you choose decides your build-out cost, your opening date and often whether the concept works. Adam Docktor has leased and sold restaurant space across Fort Lauderdale, from Las Olas to Flagler Village and the beach. That includes restaurant deals at Marina Village / Bahia Mar and lease assignments of operating restaurants.
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No assistants. Call or text and you reach Adam.
Call or Text 954-610-0440 Email [email protected]First-Generation vs. Second-Generation Restaurant Space
- Second-generation space was a restaurant before. It may already have a grease trap, hood and fire suppression, walk-in cooler, restrooms sized for seating and the right plumbing. Reusing it can save hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of permitting.
- First-generation space has never been a restaurant. You build everything: venting, grease trap, gas, restrooms, and often more electrical service.
For most independent operators, a second-generation space is the fastest and cheapest way to open.
What to Check Before You Sign
- Hood, grease trap and fire suppression: condition, size and whether they meet current code
- Gas service and electrical capacity
- Seating and parking: the city ties occupancy and parking requirements to your seat count
- Zoning and alcohol: whether your concept is allowed, and distance rules for a liquor license
- Outdoor seating: sidewalk café permits and patio rights
- FF&E: what furniture, fixtures and equipment come with the space, and who owns them
Taking Over an Existing Restaurant
Many Fort Lauderdale restaurant deals are a lease assignment plus an FF&E sale: you buy the outgoing operator’s equipment and take over their lease. It can be the fastest way in, but the landlord must approve you, and you need to understand the remaining lease term, rent increases and any personal guarantee. Adam has brokered these deals and can walk you through them.
Restaurant Areas in Fort Lauderdale
- Las Olas Boulevard: high visibility and high rents, strong nightlife and tourist traffic
- Flagler Village and FAT Village: younger crowd, newer apartments, creative concepts
- 17th Street and the beach: tourist and marina traffic
- Wilton Manors and Oakland Park: strong neighborhood dining corridors
Lease Terms Restaurant Tenants Should Negotiate
- Free rent during build-out
- A tenant improvement allowance
- An exclusive use clause, so the landlord can’t lease next door to a direct competitor
- Assignment rights, so you can sell the business later
- Limits on the personal guarantee
Talk to Adam Directly
No assistants. Call or text and you reach Adam.
Call or Text 954-610-0440 Email [email protected]Related reading: cold dark shell vs. vanilla shell, Fort Lauderdale build-out costs, what is a NNN lease, retail space for lease.
