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For Sale: Fully Equipped Turnkey Restaurant in Decatur, GA — Exceptional opportunity featuring low rent with electricity included. Presented by Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers. A perfect space for restaurateurs ready to open quickly and operate efficiently in one of Atlanta’s most dynamic food markets.
Decatur, Georgia, has long been one of Atlanta’s most beloved communities — known for its charm, walkability, and thriving restaurant scene. But over the past few years, Decatur has evolved from a local favorite into one of Metro Atlanta’s most sought-after dining destinations. For aspiring restaurateurs and seasoned operators, this transformation presents something special: an opportunity to open faster, smarter, and with less risk by investing in a Turnkey Restaurant for Sale in Decatur, GA.
Decatur’s Dining Momentum: Where Community and Culinary Energy Collide
Walk through the streets of Decatur, and you’ll feel the pulse of the neighborhood’s culinary identity. From trendy cafes to chef-driven bistros, Decatur’s restaurant culture thrives on authenticity, diversity, and constant reinvention. It’s not just the food scene—it’s the atmosphere.
Anchored by Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and nearby medical centers, Decatur benefits from a constant flow of students, faculty, healthcare professionals, and families. Combined with an ever-growing residential base and mixed-use developments, this creates a steady rhythm of daytime and evening traffic that fuels restaurant success year-round.
The result? An ideal environment for operators seeking to enter a strong, walkable market with built-in demand.
The Rise of the Turnkey Advantage
For many restaurant operators, the biggest barrier to entry isn’t vision — it’s buildout cost and time. Permitting delays, construction overruns, and equipment purchases can push new openings six months (or even a year) behind schedule.
That’s why more savvy restaurateurs are shifting their focus toward turnkey and 2nd-generation restaurant spaces — properties that already have the key infrastructure in place: hood systems, grease traps, HVAC, walk-in coolers, and plumbing.
A well-chosen turnkey space can save operators hundreds of thousands of dollars in upfront expenses and allow them to start generating revenue faster. As I explained in What Is a Restaurant Asset Sale and Why It’s the Smartest Move for Restaurateurs in 2025, these deals allow buyers to step into a fully functional business environment without the complications of purchasing an entire corporation.
For anyone exploring the restaurant market, turnkey is the new strategic advantage.
Case Study: A Prime Turnkey Restaurant for Sale in Decatur, GA
One of the best examples of this opportunity is now available through Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate — a Turnkey Restaurant for Sale in Decatur, GA that represents everything operators love about 2nd-generation spaces.
Situated on a busy high-traffic corridor, this 2,200-square-foot restaurant offers outstanding street visibility and convenience. It comes fully equipped with a 12-foot hood system, walk-in cooler, underground grease trap, and ample refrigeration — everything you need to get cooking from day one.
But what truly sets it apart is the lease value: $7,600 per month including electricity and trash service. That’s a rare, cost-efficient lease structure in the heart of Decatur. The space also features patio dining, free parking, and a bonus second floor (included at no additional cost) that can be used for storage or office space.
In a competitive market where time equals money, a listing like this gives an operator a serious head start. You can even watch a quick walk-through of similar turnkey setups on my YouTube Short, where I explain how fully equipped spaces cut months off your opening timeline.
Turnkey vs. Buildout: The Financial Reality
Opening a new restaurant from scratch can be thrilling—but financially draining. Between architectural plans, permitting, and construction costs, most buildouts in Metro Atlanta average between $300–$450 per square foot. That means a 2,000-square-foot space can easily cost close to $1 million before you even serve your first meal.
Compare that to acquiring a turnkey 2nd-generation space where the heavy lifting is already done. You save time, avoid unexpected construction costs, and get to focus on operations, marketing, and your guest experience.
For a deeper look at the economics of restaurant openings, check out our in-depth article on Restaurant Startup Costs: A Comprehensive Guide.
Beautifully designed full-service bar at a turnkey restaurant for sale in Decatur, GA. Complete with liquor shelving, draft taps, and POS station — ready for your concept. Marketed exclusively by Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate, Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers
Why Decatur Is the Ideal Market for Restaurant Growth
Beyond the numbers, Decatur offers something every operator wants: a built-in, loyal customer base. It’s a city that celebrates independent restaurants and rewards creativity. Whether you’re serving tacos, tapas, or tiki cocktails, Decatur diners are open-minded and loyal once you win them over.
The city’s continued growth is backed by major residential and mixed-use projects, with new residents looking for quality dining options they can walk to. That walkability, paired with strong local pride, creates the kind of sustainable customer base few markets can match.
It’s also worth noting that for international investors, turnkey restaurant opportunities often fit E-2 Visa qualification requirements. For more insight, see E-2 Visa and Restaurants: What You Need to Know.
Inviting outdoor patio at a fully equipped restaurant for sale in Decatur, GA. Perfect for al fresco dining, this turnkey space offers charm, visibility, and functionality — exclusively listed by Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate, Atlanta’s Premier Restaurant Broker.
The Broker’s Insight: Experience That Speaks the Same Language
Restaurant transactions are complex. Lease assignments, equipment transfers, and health code compliance all require deep industry understanding. That’s where specialized representation makes all the difference.
As a former chef and restaurateur turned broker, I’ve spent more than 37 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry — and I’ve owned five restaurants myself. That experience helps me guide clients through the process with confidence and clarity.
At Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate Team, we specialize in:
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Selling restaurants and food & beverage businesses
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Tenant representation for operators looking to lease or expand
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Landlord representation for properties tailored to restaurant use
Our mission is simple: to help you make informed, profitable decisions in every phase of your restaurant journey.You can learn more about my background and professional experience on my CBC Metro Brokers profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does “turnkey restaurant for sale in Decatur, GA” mean?
A turnkey restaurant is a fully equipped, move-in-ready space that allows a buyer to open quickly without the cost and delay of a full buildout. Everything from the kitchen equipment to the hood system and grease trap is already in place — saving time, money, and permitting headaches.
2. Why is Decatur such a desirable location for restaurant operators?
Decatur, GA is one of Metro Atlanta’s most walkable and vibrant dining communities, surrounded by residential growth, universities, and hospitals. Its steady customer traffic, foodie reputation, and strong local support make it ideal for both established operators and first-time restaurateurs.
3. How does buying a turnkey or 2nd-generation restaurant space save money?
A 2nd-generation restaurant comes with existing infrastructure — like HVAC, plumbing, and venting — which can save buyers hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to a new buildout. This allows operators to focus on concept, staff, and branding instead of construction.
4. What’s included in this Decatur turnkey restaurant listing?
This fully equipped 2nd-generation restaurant includes all FF&E, a 12-ft hood, walk-in cooler, underground grease trap, patio dining, and even a bonus second floor ideal for office or storage. Rent is $7,600/month including electricity and trash — a rare value in Decatur.
5. What types of restaurant concepts would work best in this location?
The space’s design and layout make it ideal for a casual dining concept, bar & grill, café, bistro, or fast-casual operation. With excellent visibility, patio seating, and ample free parking, it’s flexible enough to fit almost any food and beverage concept.
6. How can I sell my restaurant through Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate?
If you’re a restaurant owner looking to sell, Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate provides professional restaurant brokerage, valuation, and marketing services tailored to the food and beverage industry. Learn more at the Restaurant & Business Brokerage page.
7. Does Jimmy Carey offer tenant representation services for restaurant operators?
Yes — Jimmy specializes in tenant representation for restaurants, helping operators secure the right location, negotiate lease terms, and avoid costly mistakes. His decades of experience as a chef, owner, and broker make him uniquely qualified to represent your best interests.
8. How can I learn more or schedule a showing for the Decatur restaurant for sale?
Serious buyers can view the full Decatur listing here or contact Jimmy Carey directly at 305-788-8207 or 678-320-4800. Proof of funds and an NDA are required prior to showing.
Ready to Buy, Sell, or Lease Your Next Restaurant?
Whether you’re looking to buy a turnkey restaurant for sale in Decatur, sell your existing restaurant, or need tenant representation for your next concept, our team has you covered.
With unmatched local knowledge and decades of restaurant experience, Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate helps operators, buyers, and landlords navigate Atlanta’s restaurant market with precision and professionalism.
📞 Contact Jimmy Carey — Atlanta’s Premier Restaurant Broker
Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers 305-788-8207 | 678-320-4800
