Selling a food franchise involves distinct complexities, from franchisor approvals and lease transfers to valuation adjustments. When the owner decided to exit his established Westshore Pizza franchise in Tampa, Florida, he partnered with seasoned business broker Michael Shea at Transworld Business Advisors.
Through strategic pricing, network-wide co-brokering via the Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) network, and active negotiation through lease transfer hurdles, the transaction closed successfully at $200,000, delivering a clean, cash-heavy exit for the seller and seamless franchise handover to the buyer.
Transaction Snapshot
| Transaction Detail | Value / Description |
| Business / Concept | Westshore Pizza Franchise |
| Location | Tampa Bay, Florida |
| Listing / Sold Price | $230,000 / $200,000 |
| Listing Number | 3353-773665 |
| Seller | confidential |
| Buyer | Doughlicous |
| Seller Agent | Michael Shea (Transworld Business Advisors – Tampa) |
| Buyer Agent | Alberto Salazar (Amerivest) |
| Closing Date | October 1, 2026 |
The Challenge
1. Complex Lease Assignment and Landlord Negotiations
Commercial landlords are notoriously conservative during small business ownership changes. Transferring the franchise lease in Tampa required overcoming strict lease conditions, negotiating assignment terms, and keeping all parties aligned without derailing due diligence deadlines. The buyer being a foreign national, coupled with the economic conditions our nation faces we worked to secure the requisite guarantees to get the buyer approved and through the assignment progess. A out of state landlord being a communication challenge. Lesson for Sellers: when you do renewals remove your personal guarantee as a condition of renewal. Landlords often requires sellers to remain on the leases post sale as extra security
2. Preserving Valuation in Franchise Resales
Franchise operations carry brand stability, but buyers frequently look to discount equipment wear, franchise transfer fees, and royalty commitments. Establishing a competitive market value that validated historical revenue while protecting seller net cash was critical. Shea and his great relationship with the Franchisor made the transition of the franchise system easy.
3. Co-Broker Coordination
Co-brokered sales require transparent communication between independent brokerages to coordinate buyer documentation, franchisor training clearances, financial deposits, and closing affidavits.
The Strategy
Targeted Franchise Valuation & Positioning
Leveraging deep familiarity with the Westshore Pizza brand and the broader Tampa Bay quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, Transworld priced the business realistically at $230,000. This attracted serious franchise-ready buyers who appreciated the turnkey operation, equipment baseline, and local customer loyalty.
Broadening Buyer Reach via BBF Co-Brokering
Rather than keeping the deal in-house, Transworld leveraged the full reach of the Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) network. Partnering with Alberto Salazar of Amerivest brought the eventual buyer, doughlicous, to the table, creating immediate buyer momentum and eliminating idle days on market.
Hands-On Landlord Mediation
Recognizing that landlord cooperation can stall restaurant sales, Michael Shea intervened directly in the lease transfer process. By structuring a clear operational transition plan and satisfying financial vetting requirements, the advisory team pushed the lease assignment past the finish line.
The Results
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Closed Near List Price: The transaction closed at $200,000 on October 1, 2026.
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Substantial Cash at Closing: Structured to provide balance and strong cash realization for the seller without burdensome seller financing contingencies.
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Streamlined Franchise Transition: The transfer cleared corporate franchisor compliance and secured key closing affidavits, paving the way for the new owners to begin day-one operations under the Westshore Pizza banner.
Key Takeaways for Restaurant Owners Planning an Exit
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Brand Experience Matters: Working with an advisor who already understands regional franchise operations (like Westshore Pizza) accelerates buyer qualification and speeds up franchisor approval pipelines.
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Never Underestimate the Commercial Lease: Commercial landlords often present the greatest hurdle to a deal. Active negotiation by experienced intermediaries prevents lease assignment stalls.
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The Co-Broker Advantage: Co-brokering through professional networks like the BBF exposes your listing to hundreds of registered buyers across Florida, ensuring full market exposure.
Are you evaluating the right time to sell a restaurant or franchise business in the Tampa Bay area? Contact Michael Shea at Transworld Business Advisors to request a confidential business valuation and structured exit roadmap.
Thank you for your interest in this business. Attached are helpful eBooks on buying a business.
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If you’re searching for businesses in Florida, the best platform to use is the Florida MLS for businesses. While BizBuySell is popular, it’s less user-friendly for searches and most brokers list exclusively on the MLS. You can access the MLS here.