2026 Education Program

Entering restaurant ownership—and knowing when and how to exit—are two of the most critical and complex decisions an independent operator will ever make. Whether you are considering buying your first restaurant, expanding your portfolio, or planning a future sale or transition, having a clear strategy on both the front and back ends of ownership is essential to long-term success.

Join Adam Bauer and Paul Turano of The Business Exchange as they walk potential and existing independent restaurant owners through the key steps involved in successfully entering and exiting restaurant ownership. Drawing on real-world transactions and New England–specific market insights, they will cover valuation fundamentals, due diligence, financing considerations, operational readiness, risk mitigation, and succession or exit planning.

The discussion will be further enhanced by Barbara Arena, Vice President of Granite State Development Corporation, who will provide expert insight into how restaurant owners can acquire restaurant real estate using SBA financing. Barbara will break down SBA loan programs, eligibility requirements, and practical strategies for leveraging SBA resources to support both first-time buyers and growing operators seeking long-term stability through property ownership.

Attendees will gain practical guidance on how to prepare a restaurant for acquisition, position a business for long-term growth, and maximize value when it’s time to sell or transition ownership. This session is ideal for independent restaurant owners and aspiring operators looking to make informed, strategic decisions at every stage of the ownership lifecycle.