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Restaurant Properties for Sale in Michigan

11 properties for sale
Full Restaurant for Sale in New Lothrop, MI
New
Full Restaurant
20 photos
Property Sale
$225,00012,197 sq ft0.3 Acres
9483 Genesee St, New Lothrop, MI 48460, USA12,197 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.3 Acres
  • 12,197 sq ft
  • 0.3 Acres
  • Outdoor
  • Parking
Full Restaurant for Sale in Flint, MI
New
Full Restaurant
7 photos
Property Sale
$1,250,0004,376 sq ft2.18 Acres
4150 Miller Rd, Flint, MI 48507, USA4,376 sq ft (Bldg) · 2.18 Acres
  • 4,376 sq ft
  • 2.18 Acres
  • Parking
  • Bar Area
Bar & Lounge for Sale in Clinton Township, MI
New
Bar Lounge
13 photos
Property Sale
$1,200,0006,000 sq ft0.57 Acres
36434 Groesbeck Hwy, Clinton Township, MI 48035, USA6,000 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.57 Acres
  • 6,000 sq ft
  • 0.57 Acres
  • Outdoor
  • Parking
Full Restaurant for Sale in Ludington, MI
New
Full Restaurant
15 photos
Property Sale
4,900 sq ft1.97 Acres
5275 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431, USA4,900 sq ft (Bldg) · 1.97 Acres
  • 4,900 sq ft
  • 1.97 Acres
  • Parking
  • Grease Trap
Full Restaurant for Sale in Coldwater, MI
Full Restaurant
8 photos
Property Sale
3,300 sq ft0.35 Acres
445 E Chicago St, Coldwater, MI 49036, USA3,300 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.35 Acres
  • 3,300 sq ft
  • 0.35 Acres
  • Outdoor
  • Parking
Multi-Use Bar & Lounge for Sale in Williamsburg, MI
Bar Lounge
5 photos
Property Sale
$879,0003,456 sq ft0.55 Acres
4621 Rapid City Rd NW, Williamsburg, MI 49690, USA3,456 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.55 Acres
  • 3,456 sq ft
  • 0.55 Acres
  • Parking
  • Bar Area
Full Restaurant for Sale in Reed City, MI
Full Restaurant
9 photos
Property Sale
$369,0005,644 sq ft6 Acres
20221 US-10, Reed City, MI 49677, USA5,644 sq ft (Bldg) · 6 Acres
  • 5,644 sq ft
  • 6 Acres
  • APN: 52-015-054-00
  • Outdoor
Multi-Use Full Restaurant for Sale in Pontiac, MI
Full Restaurant
4 photos
Property Sale
$399,0001,400 sq ft0.5 Acres
101 N Telegraph, Pontiac, MI 48341, USA1,400 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.5 Acres
  • 1,400 sq ft
  • 0.5 Acres
  • APN: 13-25-430-072
  • Parking
Full Restaurant for Sale in Grand Rapids, MI
Full Restaurant
13 photos
Property Sale
$1,595,0002,885 sq ft0.38 Acres$552.86/SF/mo
755 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA2,885 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.38 Acres
  • 2,885 sq ft
  • 0.38 Acres
  • Built in 2013
  • APN: 41-14-19-483-019
Full Restaurant for Sale in Sterling Heights, MI
Full Restaurant
Property Sale
$3,500,00024,814 sq ft23 Acres
NNN LeaseLong Term
38000 Utica Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, USA24,814 sq ft (Bldg) · 23 Acres
  • 24,814 sq ft
  • 23 Acres
  • APN: 10-10-24-177-006
Drive-Thru Restaurant for Sale in Detroit, MI
Drive Thru
Property Sale
$1,790,0002,201 sq ft0.54 Acres
NNN LeaseLong Term
17010 Harper Ave, Detroit, MI 48224, USA2,201 sq ft (Bldg) · 0.54 Acres
  • 2,201 sq ft
  • 0.54 Acres
  • APN: 21-003793
  • Drive-Thru

Market Context

Michigan Restaurant Market at a Glance

Key figures buyers and sellers need to understand the Michigan restaurant acquisition market.

Michigan has a restaurant industry generating billions of dollars in annual sales across thousands of locations statewide. The market spans the rapidly revitalizing Detroit food scene, the nationally recognized food and brewery destination of Grand Rapids, the dense university markets of Ann Arbor and East Lansing, and growing seasonal economies along the Great Lakes shorelines.

Lease rates vary considerably by region. Prime Detroit locations in Corktown, Midtown, and Eastern Market command $24 to $34 per square foot annually. Ann Arbor's downtown and State Street area runs $26 to $34. Grand Rapids downtown and the Heritage Hill area range from $22 to $30. Suburban Metro Detroit cities like Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Troy typically run $22 to $30. Northern Michigan and value markets fall between $14 and $22 per square foot.

Michigan restaurant transactions involving alcohol require approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Buyers should confirm license type and quota status which varies by jurisdiction, review at least three years of financials, and understand the specific regulatory context for Detroit which has its own additional permitting layer.

Popular Markets

Explore Other Restaurant Markets

Michigan restaurant opportunities span four distinct regional markets, each with different entry costs, demographics, and buyer demand.

  • Metro Detroit (Most Active Market): Detroit, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Birmingham, Troy, Dearborn, and the surrounding metro form the largest restaurant market in Michigan. Detroit proper has seen significant restaurant investment in Corktown, Midtown, Eastern Market, and the New Center over the past decade. Suburban metro cities offer strong demographics with accessible entry costs. Lease rates run $22 to $34 per square foot annually in prime areas.
  • Grand Rapids and Surrounding (West Michigan Hub): Grand Rapids has emerged as one of the most respected food and brewery cities in the Midwest. Opportunities span Downtown, Heritage Hill, East Hills, Eastown, and Wealthy Street. The market combines a strong residential base with significant tourism and a maturing craft beverage scene. Lease rates run $22 to $30 per square foot annually.
  • Ann Arbor and East Lansing (University Corridor): Ann Arbor and East Lansing benefit from large student populations and a high household income professional class. Both markets command premium lease rates with strong year round demand. Ann Arbor downtown and the Kerrytown district have a particularly mature food scene with prime lease rates from $26 to $34 per square foot annually.
  • Traverse City and Up North (Northern Michigan): Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinac Island, and the surrounding Northern Michigan region support a heavily seasonal restaurant market with strong summer revenues. Traverse City has emerged as a year round food destination. Markets offer accessible entry costs alongside significant tourism upside.

Sale Types

Asset Sale vs Business Sale vs Property Sale

Asset Sale

A buyer acquires equipment, fixtures, furniture, and restaurant infrastructure without taking on the prior operating company.

Business Sale

A buyer acquires the operating business, brand, staff continuity, vendor relationships, and transfer documents tied to the acquisition.

Property Sale

A buyer acquires the real estate along with restaurant improvements, building systems, and site control.

Price Context

Restaurant Price Ranges in Michigan

Asking prices vary by market, concept, profitability, equipment condition, and whether real estate is included. Buyers often compare asset sales below $250,000, business sales from $250,000 to $1,000,000, and property sales above that range.

In Michigan, review the asking price against kitchen infrastructure, seating, alcohol license status, seller financing terms, and local permit transfer requirements.

Licenses and Permits

Alcohol License Transfer and Local Permits

Before completing a restaurant acquisition in Michigan, confirm MI alcohol license transfer, health permits, business licenses, signage approvals, and local operating permits with the agencies that control the address.

Permit transfer rules vary by market, so buyers should verify what transfers with the business sale, what requires a new application, and what must be approved by the landlord or property owner.

For Owners & Brokers

Why Use Pepperlot to Find Restaurants for Sale in Michigan

Built exclusively for restaurant real estate. Not a general commercial platform with a restaurant filter.

Restaurant Only Listings

Every listing on Pepperlot is a restaurant or F&B space. No warehouses, offices, or unrelated commercial properties diluting your search.

Restaurant Specific Listing Fields

Hood systems, grease traps, walk-in coolers, permits, alcohol licenses, seating capacity, patio availability. The details that drive restaurant acquisition decisions are in every listing.

Location Intelligence

Cuisine gap analysis, foot traffic demand, and competitive landscape data for Michigan locations. Make a more informed acquisition decision before committing.

Confidential Listings Available

Some of the best Michigan restaurant opportunities are listed confidentially. Pepperlot gives you access to off-market deals not available on general platforms.

Interior of a RestaurantContract Document with Pen

Platform

How to Buy a Restaurant in Michigan

What to expect when acquiring a restaurant through Pepperlot anywhere in Michigan.

Browse Active Listings

Filter Michigan listings by city, transaction type, size, price, and specific features like hood systems, grease traps, outdoor seating, and alcohol licenses. Every listing includes the operational details that matter for restaurant acquisitions.

Review the Transaction Structure

Understand whether you are acquiring a full business, assets only, or a lease assignment. Each structure carries different liabilities, transition timelines, and entry costs. Asset sales protect buyers from prior liabilities. Business sales require deeper due diligence on financials and staff.

Contact the Seller Directly

Each listing displays the seller or broker's contact details. Reach out directly. Ask for three years of financial statements, lease documents, and Michigan Liquor Control Commission license details. For Detroit transactions, confirm city level permits which can add complexity. For Northern Michigan seasonal markets, confirm year round versus seasonal operating requirements.

Evaluate the Lease Structure

Michigan lease rates range from $14 to $34 per square foot annually depending on market and location. Confirm the remaining lease term, renewal options, CAM charges, and any operational requirements. Personal guarantees are standard in Michigan commercial leases and the terms vary significantly by landlord and market.

About PepperLot

Built for Restaurant Acquisitions in Michigan

PepperLot organizes restaurant acquisitions around the details buyers need in Michigan: sale structure, equipment, permits, seating, and property context.

Submit Listing
Interior of a Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a restaurant for sale in Michigan cost?

Michigan restaurant acquisitions range widely depending on market and concept. Asset sales typically start from $25,000 to $120,000. Full business sales range from $90,000 to over $700,000. Ann Arbor, Birmingham, and Grand Rapids command the highest prices while secondary markets like Flint, Lansing, and Kalamazoo offer lower entry costs.

What are restaurant lease rates in Michigan?

Michigan restaurant lease rates vary significantly by market. Prime Ann Arbor and Detroit locations average $24 to $34 per square foot annually. Grand Rapids ranges from $22 to $30. Suburban Metro Detroit cities like Royal Oak and Birmingham run $22 to $30. Secondary markets typically range from $14 to $22 per square foot annually.

What types of restaurant transactions are listed in Michigan?

Pepperlot lists business sales, asset sales, and property sales across Michigan. Asset sales transfer equipment and lease only, keeping the seller's liabilities out of the transaction. Business sales include the full operation, brand, permits, and staff including any Michigan Liquor Control Commission license which can be quota limited and valuable.

Which Michigan cities have the most restaurants for sale?

Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Royal Oak, and the surrounding Metro Detroit suburbs are the most active markets on Pepperlot. Lansing, Kalamazoo, Dearborn, and Northern Michigan resort towns also have a growing number of listings.

Can I list a restaurant for sale anywhere in Michigan on Pepperlot?

Yes. Listing on Pepperlot is free. Create a restaurant specific listing with details like hood systems, seating, permits, and lease terms, and your space is in front of buyers the same day. Confidential listing options are also available.