Los Angeles County is home to one of the most diverse and competitive food scenes in the world. From iconic taco stands and celebrity chef restaurants to family-owned diners and premium fine-dining establishments, the region offers unmatched opportunities for aspiring restaurateurs, seasoned operators, franchise buyers, and investors. If you’re searching for restaurants for sale in Los Angeles County, CA, understanding the market, trends, pricing, and buying process will give you a major advantage.
Whether you’re looking for a turnkey operation, a second-generation restaurant space, or a franchise concept, platforms like Bizben Restaurants in Los Angeles make it easier to explore a wide variety of listings and find opportunities that match your goals.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before buying a restaurant in Los Angeles County — including market trends, costs, location considerations, due diligence, and tips for making a profitable purchase.
Why Los Angeles County Is a Top Market for Restaurant Buyers
Los Angeles County isn’t just big—it’s economically massive, culturally vibrant, and incredibly food-centric. With more than 10 million residents, millions of annual tourists, and a diverse collection of neighborhoods and dining scenes, the demand for food service remains consistently strong.
Here’s why buyers continue to flock to this market:
1. A Strong and Resilient Food Culture
LA is known globally for leading food trends—from fresh fusion concepts to plant-based dining, ethnic cuisines, food trucks, pop-ups, and craft beverage culture. This creates abundant opportunities for innovative restaurant operators.
2. Year-Round Tourism
From Hollywood to beaches and theme parks, LA County attracts millions of visitors. Tourism-heavy zones offer constant customer flow and higher revenue potential for dining establishments.
3. Diverse Demographics
Restaurant concepts can succeed across a wide variety of neighborhoods—affluent areas, college zones, entertainment districts, and suburban communities.
4. High Market Turnover
Restaurants frequently enter and exit the market, creating a steady supply of listings. Buyers benefit from finding turnkey setups at lower-than-new buildout costs.
Types of Restaurants for Sale in Los Angeles County
When browsing restaurants for sale in Los Angeles County, CA, you’ll find a range of options suited for different price points and business strategies.
1. Turnkey Restaurants with Full Kitchen
These listings often include:
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Commercial hoods
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Grease traps
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Cooking equipment
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Dining furniture
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Point-of-sale systems
They’re ideal for buyers who want to start operating quickly without heavy renovation costs.
2. Franchise Restaurants
Popular franchises in LA include:
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Fast-casual concepts
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Coffee shops
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Smoothie bars
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Pizza chains
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National burger brands
Franchises often come with established brand recognition and proven systems.
3. Fast Casual & QSR (Quick Service Restaurants)
These dominate high-traffic zones like:
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Downtown LA
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Koreatown
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Santa Monica
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Burbank
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Glendale
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West Hollywood
Lower labor requirements and simpler menus make them attractive to first-time buyers.
4. Bars & Nightlife Establishments
LA’s nightlife continues to thrive, especially in:
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Hollywood
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Silver Lake
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West LA
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Long Beach
These businesses may include liquor licenses, which significantly impact listing value.
5. Coffee Shops & Bakeries
Popular among lifestyle entrepreneurs, these listings usually have lower overhead compared to full-service restaurants.
6. Second-Generation Restaurant Spaces
Spaces built out by previous tenants—already equipped with:
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Plumbing
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Electrical
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Ventilation
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Kitchen infrastructure
These save new owners hundreds of thousands in buildout costs.
How Much Do Restaurants Cost in Los Angeles County?
Restaurant prices in Los Angeles County vary widely depending on:
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Location
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Size
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Equipment
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Lease terms
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Liquor license type
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Revenue history
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Reputation and branding
Here’s a general pricing range:
| Restaurant Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small Café or Coffee Shop | $50,000 – $300,000 |
| Fast Casual/Quick Service | $150,000 – $500,000 |
| Full-Service Restaurant | $250,000 – $1 million+ |
| Bar with Liquor License | $300,000 – $1.5 million+ |
| High-End or Historic Locations | $500,000 – $5 million+ |
Tip: Buyers can often acquire assets (FF&E) at a fraction of the cost compared to building a restaurant from scratch.
Best Locations in Los Angeles County to Buy a Restaurant
1. Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Perfect for nightlife concepts, modern dining, and high-density foot traffic.
2. West Hollywood
Trendy neighborhoods with tourists, celebrities, and affluent diners.
3. Santa Monica & Venice
Ideal for beachfront dining, cafés, and upscale casual concepts.
4. San Fernando Valley
A strong market for family restaurants, fast casual, and franchise concepts.
5. Pasadena & Glendale
Historical charm combined with strong local traffic and mixed demographics.
6. Long Beach
Growing food scene with strong tourism and waterfront dining.
7. Koreatown
One of the busiest dining districts in the U.S. with strong late-night demand.
Key Steps to Buying a Restaurant in Los Angeles
1. Define Your Budget & Business Model
Before searching, clarify:
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Investment amount
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Preferred size
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Cuisine type
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Staff requirements
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Target audience
This will help you filter listings quickly.
2. Review Listings Carefully
On platforms like BizBen, listings include:
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Financials
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Lease details
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Photos
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Equipment lists
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Business history
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Asking price
Make sure the listing aligns with your goals before arranging a site visit.
3. Conduct Thorough Due Diligence
This includes reviewing:
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Tax returns
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Profit and loss statements
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Vendor contracts
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Health inspection records
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Equipment condition
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Lease clauses and CAM fees
Due diligence protects your investment and uncovers hidden risks.
4. Evaluate Lease Terms
In Los Angeles County, rent can make or break a restaurant. Pay close attention to:
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Base rent
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Triple-net (NNN) charges
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Lease expiration
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Renewal options
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Restrictions on menu or hours
Landlord approval is often required for buying an existing restaurant.
5. Check Zoning Requirements
Verify that the property is properly zoned for:
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Food service
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Outdoor dining
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Alcohol sales
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Ventilation systems (hoods)
Zoning issues can delay or prevent you from operating.
6. Understand Licensing Requirements
You may need:
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Health Permit
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Business License
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Seller’s Permit
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COO (Certificate of Occupancy)
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Liquor License (Type 41 or Type 47 in CA)
Liquor licenses significantly affect both cost and approval timelines.
7. Negotiate the Purchase Agreement
An experienced broker or attorney can help negotiate:
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Purchase price
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Training period
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Inventory
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Contingencies
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Asset transfer details
Strong negotiation can save thousands.
8. Finalize the Deal & Transition Smoothly
During the transition period:
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Train with the seller
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Introduce yourself to staff
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Maintain vendor relationships
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Roll out soft improvements
Smooth transitions improve long-term success.
Tips for Choosing the Right Restaurant Opportunity
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Check foot traffic trends during different times of day
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Avoid locations with chronically high turnover
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Choose a restaurant type that matches your experience
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Research local competition extensively
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Analyze online reviews to understand customer perception
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Inspect the equipment to avoid early repair costs
Buying a restaurant is both a financial and lifestyle decision—make it carefully.
Why Use BizBen to Find Restaurants for Sale in Los Angeles County?
BizBen is one of the most trusted and comprehensive business-for-sale marketplaces in the United States. Buyers use it because:
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Thousands of active listings
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Daily updated opportunities
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Experienced brokers and advisors
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Detailed listing filters
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Nationwide coverage
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Transparent, reliable information
For those searching for restaurants for sale in Los Angeles County, CA, BizBen provides access to one of the largest databases of restaurant listings in California and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles County continues to be one of the best places to own and operate a restaurant. With a diverse population, global tourism, and constant demand for innovative dining experiences, the market remains strong and full of opportunity. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced restaurateur, using a trusted platform and conducting proper due diligence will ensure you make a smart investment.
If you’re ready to begin your search, platforms like BizBen offer a comprehensive selection of listings, expert support, and tools to help you find the perfect restaurant opportunity in Los Angeles County.
