Buying or starting a restaurant or bar can be an exciting business opportunity, but it also comes with legal issues that are best addressed before you open the doors or sign on the dotted line.

Buying or starting a restaurant or bar can be an exciting business opportunity, but it also comes with legal issues that are best addressed before you open the doors or sign on the dotted line. An experienced lawyer can help you choose and form the appropriate business entity, review or negotiate your commercial lease, evaluate an asset or business purchase agreement, address employment and vendor contracts, and help you understand licensing, permitting, and other regulatory requirements that apply to restaurants and bars. If you are purchasing an existing establishment, your lawyer can also help with due diligence to identify potential liabilities, determine exactly what assets and obligations you are acquiring, and make sure the transaction documents protect your interests. Addressing these issues at the beginning can help prevent expensive disputes and unpleasant surprises later. If you are considering buying or starting a restaurant or bar in Washington, the Law Offices of P. Stephen Aita, PLLC can help you navigate the legal side of the process so you can focus on building and operating your business.