The MercatoList Blog
Insights for buying and selling businesses in NYC
Buying
Buy vs. Build: Buying an Existing NYC Restaurant vs. Opening One From Scratch (2026)
Opening an NYC restaurant from scratch runs $500K-$800K+ with 6-12 months of permits. Buying turnkey can cost half that. The real math, side by side.
Admin UserAugust 25, 2026
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Buying a Business
Transferring a Liquor License When Buying a Bar, Restaurant, or Deli/Bodega in NYC: Timeline, Costs & the Temporary Permit
Ever wondered how to transfer a liquor license in New York — you apply for your own, and NYC approvals take about six months. Here's the timeline, the...
August 17, 20266 min read
Buying a Business
Is Buying a Laundromat in NYC Profitable? Real Numbers from a Live Listing (2026)
Laundromats have a reputation as the ultimate 'boring' business. Do the numbers hold up in NYC? We break down a real Queens listing — price, revenue,...
July 22, 20266 min read
Market Insights
The 10 Best Types of Businesses to Buy in New York City
From laundromats to restaurants, discover which business types offer the best opportunities for buyers in NYC.
April 6, 202610 min read
Education
Understanding SDE, Cash Flow, and Business Valuations
Learn how Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) works and why it's the most important metric when evaluating a business for sale.
April 6, 20268 min read
Buying Guide
How to Buy a Business in NYC: A Complete Guide for First-Time Buyers
Everything you need to know about buying a business in New York City — from finding the right opportunity to closing the deal.
April 6, 20269 min read