2025 Year in Review: Dennis Serpone, National Restaurant Exchange

What accomplishment or milestone stood out for you or your firm in 2025? Now celebrating our 46^th year, 2025 was an indication that the industry recognizes the value of operational restaurant experience. Not only was the $5 million sale of the Muddy Moose, a major landmark of food and libations with a huge real estate presence in the North Conway resort arena, a major accomplishment, it fixed our presence in the New Hampshire market. Settled nicely in our list of our multi-million dollar sales were deals from Cape Cod to western Massachusetts and deals in process in Newport, Rhode Island. Our BURGER N’ BLUES entertainment concept is a crowning accomplishment.

As you look ahead to 2026, which emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or your market sector? 2026 will be a pivotal year for the food and beverage industry and the corresponding real estate component. With the higher cost for a family’s dining out experience, the difficulty of maintaining adequate staffing, and the diminishing or evaporation of net profit, the need for industry adjustment is called for. Our consulting division has been actively designing various levels of ‘competitive advantage’ for both the full service restaurateur and the fast food operator. With the plethora of choices of restaurant offerings, the winners are those operations that stand out from the ‘crowd’.