We represent clients in all segments of the restaurant industry, with a particular depth of knowledge and expertise in the representation of both fast casual and quick-service restaurant owners and operators.
Our clients presently own and operate restaurants located throughout the United States. We advise clients in the following areas:
Finance - Whether project finance or corporate finance, we have successfully negotiated credit facilities of all sizes to help fuel the growth of our restaurant clients. Restaurant finance is a specialized industry, requiring a thorough understanding of issues not found in general lending transactions.
Franchising - We assist clients with preparation of franchise registration, franchise disclosure documents and franchise development agreements. We also regularly advise large and small franchisees with respect to franchise agreements, area development and other agreements with franchisors.
General Business Matters - Burr & Forman provides a comprehensive resource for all client needs related to business organization and internal governance, equity and debt offerings, purchasing, contracting, insurance, employee benefits, healthcare, environmental, tax and industrial relations.
Intellectual Property - We regularly advise clients on developing successful and comprehensive IP strategies by protecting, managing, asserting, defending and leveraging their IP assets in the restaurant industry.
Labor and Employment - Perhaps no other industry includes more hourly workers at the same high rates of turnover as found in the restaurant business. We understand how to deal efficiently with employment-based claims when they arise, but our real strength lies in working closely with our restaurant clients to implement management training and operating policies which minimize the occurrence of claims.
Leasing - Restaurant leasing has become a unique specialty, and we have broad expertise in dealing with the sometimes unique intersection of interests between landlords, tenants, lenders and franchisors. We also work regularly with our restaurant clients to move fee-owned properties into the sale-leaseback market, often unlocking hidden capital and reducing the client's need for additional debt.
Litigation – Burr & Forman has a wide range of litigation experience covering all aspects of the restaurant industry including slip and fall, premise liability, insurance coverage claims, dram shop liability, personal injury claims, and franchise disputes.
Mergers and Acquisitions - Our attorneys have bought and sold hundreds of operating restaurants in transactions ranging in size from one to hundreds of restaurants in a single transaction. Representative transactions include stock, merger, asset purchases and divestitures, often coupled with complex financing structures.
New Store Development - With broad expertise in all areas of real estate acquisition and development, we have a particular understanding of the site-specific needs of restaurant clients and the potential impact of land use ordinances on profitability.
