Northern California's Restaurant Broker.
Working selectively across the region
Jim Pate is a Certified Business Broker with 40+ years in the restaurant industry — covering Northern California from Sacramento to Wine Country to the East Bay, and taking select listings wherever the deal warrants it.
Most brokers will list anything. Jim doesn't. He evaluates every inquiry seriously — then takes only the listings he is genuinely positioned to sell. When Jim takes your listing, you have his full attention. That's the deal.
Every Inquiry Gets a Real Conversation
Whether you're in Sacramento, Sonoma, or Shasta — Jim talks to you directly. No intake forms routed to a junior assistant. You get 30 minutes with the broker who would actually handle your sale.
Jim Only Takes Listings He Can Sell
He reviews your financials, lease, concept, and location before committing. If he can't give you an honest path to closing, he'll tell you that — and what would need to change. No false promises, no shelf listings.
When He Takes Your Deal, You Have His Focus
Jim keeps a small, managed client load by design. Your listing won't compete for attention against 200 others. You'll know where you stand — every step of the way.
Three Markets. Deep Local Knowledge.
Jim maintains active offices in Sacramento and Santa Rosa. These are his home markets — where he has the deepest buyer networks, the strongest lease contacts, and the most direct market intelligence.
Greater Sacramento Region
California's capital region is one of the fastest-growing restaurant markets in the west — fueled by state government employees, UC Davis, strong suburban growth in Placer and El Dorado, and a downtown culinary scene that has matured significantly. Jim has dedicated brokerage infrastructure here.
North Bay — Wine Country
This is home. Jim's Santa Rosa office sits in the heart of Sonoma County — wine country, farm-to-table culture, and a restaurant scene defined by strong brunch and destination dining. Napa and Marin bring distinct buyer profiles. Jim knows all three markets firsthand.
East Bay — 680 Corridor
The I-680 corridor is Northern California's suburban dining spine — strong household incomes, franchise-friendly strip centers, and a large qualified buyer pool of corporate professionals ready to buy into restaurant ownership. Jim covers this corridor from Concord south through the Tri-Valley.
Not in Jim's home market?
Call anyway.
Jim's three territories are where he has offices, deep buyer networks, and day-to-day market presence. But they don't define the outer limit of where he'll work.
If you have a strong operation and you're ready to sell — whether you're in Chico, Redding, Modesto, or somewhere else in Northern California — Jim wants to hear about it. He takes select listings outside his home markets when the deal is right: clean financials, a reasonable lease, a concept with a real buyer pool.
The worst that happens is he tells you he's not the right fit — and points you to someone who is. That conversation is always free.
(916) 250-2012Markets Jim Considers
on a Selective Basis
- Central Valley — Modesto, Stockton, Fresno corridor
- Northern Interior — Chico, Redding, Shasta County
- Foothills — Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada City
- Inland East Bay — Tracy, Manteca, Lodi
- Other Northern California markets — call and ask
Selectivity means Jim evaluates every deal on its merits — financials, lease, concept, and market. If the deal is real, the distance isn't the issue.
How a Sale Works With Jim
Free Confidential Evaluation
Jim reviews your financials, lease, concept, and location. You learn what your restaurant is actually worth and what a realistic sale process looks like.
Packaging & Preparation
Jim recasts your P&L to identify true Seller's Discretionary Earnings and prepares your deal package to SBA lending standards — so buyers can actually get financed.
Confidential Marketing
Your restaurant is marketed to Jim's qualified buyer network without revealing its identity. Your staff, your customers, and your competitors don't know it's for sale.
Negotiation Through Close
Jim manages offers, buyer qualification, ABC license transfer, lease assignment, and health permit coordination — from accepted offer to keys in hand.
Sellers Who've Worked With Jim
"Jim has been great to work with on the lease assignment — an incredibly complicated deal. I would highly recommend Jim to any seller, buyer, or landlord. He will stay with it till it's done."
"Jim has been incredibly knowledgeable and patient. His experience in owning a restaurant and his knowledge of the industry made the entire buying process seamless. Would highly recommend to anyone who needs a restaurant broker."
"Jim and the team have been great — educating me on how to sell, acquire businesses, and consult on the restaurant real estate market. He goes above and beyond and clearly knows this industry from the inside."
Frequently Asked
Who is the restaurant broker for Northern California?
What does it mean that Jim works on a "selective basis"?
What areas of Northern California does Jim serve?
How do I sell my restaurant in Northern California?
Does Jim Pate charge upfront fees?
Ready to Find Out What Your Restaurant Is Worth?
The evaluation is free. The conversation is confidential. And there's no obligation on the other end of it. Jim answers his own phone.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 250-2012
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(916) 250-2012