Selling a Popeyes Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for Popeyes Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling a Popeyes franchise is a complex, highly scrutinized transaction that requires deep franchise expertise, disciplined valuation, maximum buyer exposure, and experienced execution. Popeyes franchises are in strong demand due to brand strength and unit-level economics—but that demand must be handled correctly to achieve optimal value and a smooth closing.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing Popeyes franchisees across the United States. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a structured, professional process designed to maximize value and transaction certainty.

Why Selling a Popeyes Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

Popeyes operates within a tightly controlled franchise system with defined resale standards, including:

• Franchisor approval and transfer requirements

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and restaurant experience criteria

• Brand compliance audits and operational performance reviews

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and rent economics

• Evaluation of development obligations and territory rights

These variables materially affect valuation, buyer eligibility, and deal timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands Popeyes.

How Popeyes Franchises Are Valued

Popeyes franchise valuations are driven by cash flow strength, margin consistency, and scalability, not top-line revenue alone.

Core Valuation Drivers

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical financial performance

• Unit-level margins and cost controls

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Management infrastructure versus owner dependence

• Brand compliance and capital expenditure requirements

At Highwater Partners, we perform M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation analysis, ensuring the business is positioned accurately for sophisticated franchise buyers, lenders, and investors.

Who Is Buying Popeyes Franchises Today

Active buyers for Popeyes franchises include:

• Existing Popeyes franchisees expanding territory

• Large multi-unit, multi-brand QSR operators

• Private equity–backed franchise platforms

• Strategic buyers seeking strong chicken-category exposure

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

Maximum Exposure Through a National Buyer & Broker Network

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners provides broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the U.S.

• Direct outreach to active Popeyes buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials designed for institutional and strategic review

This approach creates competitive buyer demand, stronger negotiating leverage, and higher certainty of close, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Why Popeyes Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Popeyes franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we offer:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific Popeyes resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• Maximum listing exposure across national buyer channels

• Proven execution on complex, multi-unit franchise transactions

• Professional, discreet representation from start to finish

We are consistently selected by franchise owners seeking the best firm to sell a Popeyes franchise, not a generalist brokerage.

Our Popeyes Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential Valuation & Exit Strategy Assessment

2. Professional CIM & Transaction Packaging

3. Maximum Buyer Exposure & Targeted Outreach

4. Buyer Qualification & Franchisor Coordination

5. Offer Negotiation & Deal Structuring

6. Transaction Management Through Closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.

When Is the Right Time to Sell a Popeyes Franchise?

The strongest sale outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable or growing

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are established

• Buyer demand for Popeyes franchises is active

Preparation and positioning often matter more than market timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your Popeyes franchise—now or in the future—we recommend beginning with a confidential consultation to discuss valuation, timing, and exit strategy.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Franchise Resale & M&A Business Brokerage

Cell: 714.330.9999

Email: mercedes@highwater.partners

Website: www.highwater.partners