Atlanta’s Premier Restaurant Broker • Serving Operators Across Georgia
Restaurant Tenant Representation in Atlanta — Secure the Right Location
Work with a broker who understands operations, build-out, and profitability. Expert site selection and lease negotiation across Atlanta and Georgia.
Protecting Operators in Every Phase of the Lease Process
Why Tenant Representation Matters for Restaurant Operators
Restaurant leases are complex, high-risk, and filled with terms that can make or break your business. Most operators don’t realize how much leverage they actually have — or how costly a bad lease can be over five, seven, or ten years. Having a dedicated restaurant broker on your side ensures you avoid common pitfalls, choose the right location, and negotiate terms that support long-term success. Jimmy’s 37+ years of hands-on restaurant ownership and operational experience provide unmatched insight that general commercial brokers simply can’t offer. From kitchen layout feasibility to occupancy cost analysis, concept fit, visibility, and labor considerations, every recommendation is based on real-world industry expertise. Strong tenant representation can save you time, money, and major operational headaches — while positioning your restaurant to thrive.
A Proven System for Securing the Right Restaurant Location
Our Tenant Representation Process
Finding the right restaurant location requires far more than touring spaces. Jimmy follows a structured, data-driven process designed specifically for food and beverage operators. Here’s how the process works: 1. Initial Consultation We discuss your concept, budget, operational model, timeline, staffing needs, and preferred Atlanta or Georgia markets. 2. Site Selection & Market Research Jimmy identifies viable spaces based on foot traffic, demographics, parking, visibility, access, competition, rent structure, occupancy cost ratios, and buildout feasibility. 3. Touring & Evaluating Properties You receive expert guidance during tours on kitchen layout potential, mechanical requirements, hood and grease trap infrastructure, flow, storage, and operational considerations that only an experienced restaurateur can identify. 4. Offer Strategy & Negotiation Jimmy negotiates aggressively on your behalf — rent, TI allowances, free rent periods, exclusives, assignment rights, and all critical restaurant-specific terms are addressed. 5. Lease Review Support Your attorney handles legal review, but Jimmy provides operational insight to ensure the lease aligns with your real-world business needs. 6. Transition to Opening Once the lease is fully executed, you receive support coordinating with the landlord, vendors, and contractors as needed to ensure a smooth start. This comprehensive process ensures you make a smart, strategic real estate decision with guidance from Atlanta’s Premier Restaurant Broker.
A Restaurant Industry Expert Representing Restaurant Operators
Why Work with Jimmy Carey for Tenant Representation
Most commercial real estate agents do not understand the operational realities of running a restaurant — but Jimmy does. With 37+ years of ownership and chef experience, he speaks the same language as operators and brings a unique level of insight to every transaction. Here’s what sets Jimmy apart: • Real Restaurant Experience— Former owner of five restaurants and a professional Chef with decades of hands-on management and operations knowledge. • Restaurant-Specific Brokerage Expertise — Specializing exclusively in restaurant and Food & Beverage Business Brokerage and Commercial Real Estate across Atlanta and Georgia. • Operational Evaluation of Each Space — Jimmy evaluates hood systems, grease traps, HVAC, kitchen configuration, flow, electrical loads, and staffing requirements during every tour. • Skilled Negotiator for Tenants— From rent to TI allowances to exclusivity clauses, Jimmy negotiates terms that protect your business long-term. • Deep Market Knowledge — Insight into Atlanta neighborhoods, traffic patterns, competition, Beltline activity, and future development trends. • Multi-Lingual Advantage — Bilingual in English and Spanish, supporting a wide range of operators in the Southeast. • Hands-On, White-Glove Guidance— Personalized support from first conversation to opening day. For restaurant operators, choosing the right broker can be the difference between long-term success and unnecessary risk. Jimmy ensures you start with the strongest possible foundation.
Supporting Operators at Every Stage of Growth
Who We Represent
Jimmy works with a wide range of restaurant operators — from first-time entrepreneurs to seasoned multi-unit groups. Each client receives personalized, strategic guidance based on their concept, budget, and long-term goals. Common tenant representation clients include: • First-Time Restaurant Owners Operators who need step-by-step guidance selecting their first location. • Independent Chefs & Restaurateurs Professionals looking for the right space to launch or relocate their concepts. • Fast Casual & Quick-Service Operators Concepts requiring strong visibility, parking access, and efficient layouts. • Full-Service Restaurants & Bars Operators seeking quality second-generation spaces with existing infrastructure. • Multi-Unit Operators Growing restaurant groups planning expansion throughout Atlanta or Georgia. • Franchisees Individuals or groups needing multiple locations or precise demographic targeting. • Ghost Kitchens & Delivery Concepts Operators optimizing for delivery zones, labor, and low overhead. • Coffee Shops, Bakeries, Dessert Concepts Businesses requiring high foot traffic and specialty spaces. No matter the size or style of your concept, Jimmy ensures your location strategy supports long-term success.
What Every Successful Restaurant Location Must Have
What We Look For in a Restaurant Space
Jimmy evaluates every potential location through the lens of a real restaurateur. This goes far beyond square footage and rent — it’s about ensuring the space truly fits your concept, operations, budget, and long-term goals. Key elements we analyze include: – Hood systems, grease traps, venting, and kitchen infrastructure – Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical capacity – Seating efficiency, guest & workflow, and patio potential – Visibility, signage opportunities, parking access, and foot traffic – Occupancy cost ratios and long-term rent viability – Demographics, competition, and neighborhood trends – Delivery radius, catering opportunities, and labor availability – Buildout cost implications versus second-generation efficiencies Jimmy’s restaurant ownership and culinary background give him a unique ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each space before you commit.
Real Advantages That Protect Your Restaurant’s Success
Benefits of Working with Jimmy as Your Tenant Representative
Working with an experienced restaurant broker dramatically reduces risk and increases your chances of finding a profitable, sustainable location. Jimmy provides hands-on, industry-specific guidance that most commercial brokers simply cannot offer. Key benefits include: – Access to off-market and pre-market restaurant spaces – Expert evaluation of kitchen infrastructure and buildout feasibility – Strong negotiation for rent, tenant improvement allowances, and lease incentives – Strategic protection against common lease pitfalls – Insight into operational flow, labor considerations, and equipment requirements – Analysis of demographics, foot traffic, visibility, and competition – Support navigating landlord requirements and approval processes – Clear guidance from first consultation to lease execution You’re not just getting a broker — you’re getting a restaurant industry professional who ensures every decision supports your long-term success.
Your Next Location Starts with the Right Guidance
Ready to Find the Right Restaurant Space?
Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you will make as a restaurant operator. With 37+ years of real industry experience and a deep understanding of Atlanta and Georgia restaurant markets, Jimmy helps you navigate the process with confidence. Whether you’re opening your first concept, expanding to a second location, or relocating an existing restaurant, expert tenant representation ensures you make a smart, strategic decision that supports long-term success.