Award-Winning Vermont Restaurant – Established, Profitable & Turnkey
Business Description
After 14 years of successful operation, Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Vermont’s most established and recognized independent restaurants.
Located in the heart of downtown Barre, Cornerstone has built a loyal following, strong statewide name recognition and a reputation for quality food, hospitality and community involvement. The business has generated approximately $1.3–$1.6 million in annual sales while operating on an intentionally limited schedule, with owner benefit historically exceeding $110,000 annually.
This is not a distressed business or turnaround opportunity. Cornerstone is an established, profitable operation being offered for sale because, after more than 35 years in the hospitality industry, ownership is ready for its next chapter.
The restaurant features approximately 4,000 square feet of fully built-out restaurant and bar space, plus approximately 4,000 square feet of basement, storage and operational space. The approximately 120-seat operation includes a full commercial kitchen, substantial bar with 28 draft lines, walk-ins, refrigeration, prep areas, furniture, fixtures, smallwares and extensive restaurant equipment.
Most importantly, Cornerstone comes with an experienced team of approximately 30 employees who have been instrumental in its success. Ownership strongly hopes to see this team retained and supported by the next owner and will work closely with the buyer to provide a smooth transition.
The sale includes the Cornerstone name and brand, established digital and social media presence, and the goodwill developed over more than a decade of operations, sponsorships, charitable involvement and community partnerships.
There is substantial upside for an owner who wants to grow the business. Opportunities include expanding to seven days, additional lunch service, Sunday brunch, extended hours, catering, private events, takeout and delivery, retail products, merchandise, entertainment and additional promotions. The existing infrastructure allows a new owner to pursue these opportunities without having to build a restaurant or brand from scratch.
The landlord is supportive of the sale and continued operation of the restaurant and is willing to discuss a long-term lease with a qualified buyer.
Seller financing may be considered for a well-qualified purchaser with a substantial down payment. Ownership is also willing to provide meaningful training, consultation and transition support, tailored to the buyer’s experience and needs.
This is an opportunity to take over a proven Vermont restaurant with the people, infrastructure, reputation and customer base already in place—and determine where to take it next.
Located in the heart of downtown Barre, Cornerstone has built a loyal following, strong statewide name recognition and a reputation for quality food, hospitality and community involvement. The business has generated approximately $1.3–$1.6 million in annual sales while operating on an intentionally limited schedule, with owner benefit historically exceeding $110,000 annually.
This is not a distressed business or turnaround opportunity. Cornerstone is an established, profitable operation being offered for sale because, after more than 35 years in the hospitality industry, ownership is ready for its next chapter.
The restaurant features approximately 4,000 square feet of fully built-out restaurant and bar space, plus approximately 4,000 square feet of basement, storage and operational space. The approximately 120-seat operation includes a full commercial kitchen, substantial bar with 28 draft lines, walk-ins, refrigeration, prep areas, furniture, fixtures, smallwares and extensive restaurant equipment.
Most importantly, Cornerstone comes with an experienced team of approximately 30 employees who have been instrumental in its success. Ownership strongly hopes to see this team retained and supported by the next owner and will work closely with the buyer to provide a smooth transition.
The sale includes the Cornerstone name and brand, established digital and social media presence, and the goodwill developed over more than a decade of operations, sponsorships, charitable involvement and community partnerships.
There is substantial upside for an owner who wants to grow the business. Opportunities include expanding to seven days, additional lunch service, Sunday brunch, extended hours, catering, private events, takeout and delivery, retail products, merchandise, entertainment and additional promotions. The existing infrastructure allows a new owner to pursue these opportunities without having to build a restaurant or brand from scratch.
The landlord is supportive of the sale and continued operation of the restaurant and is willing to discuss a long-term lease with a qualified buyer.
Seller financing may be considered for a well-qualified purchaser with a substantial down payment. Ownership is also willing to provide meaningful training, consultation and transition support, tailored to the buyer’s experience and needs.
This is an opportunity to take over a proven Vermont restaurant with the people, infrastructure, reputation and customer base already in place—and determine where to take it next.
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 14
- Employees
- 31 (6 Full-time, 25 Part-time)
Exceptional, experienced team is a major part of the success of the business. Se - Facilities & Assets
- Approximately 8,000 sq. ft. of leased space, including roughly 4,000 sq. ft. of fully built-out restaurant/bar space and approximately 4,000 sq. ft. of basement, storage and operational space. Approximately 120 seats, full commercial kitchen, large bar with 28 draft lines, walk-ins, refrigeration, prep and storage areas, furniture, fixtures, smallwares, signage and extensive restaurant equipment. Sale includes the established Cornerstone name, branding, website/social media presence and other business assets necessary for a turnkey transition. Landlord is supportive of the sale and continuation of the business and is willing to discuss long-term lease arrangements with a qualified buyer.
- Website
- Show Website URL
- Market Outlook / Competition
- Cornerstone operates in a proven restaurant market where successful concepts have historically enjoyed decades of longevity. While the local dining landscape has evolved and several newer concepts have entered the market, Cornerstone remains one of the area’s most established and recognized restaurants. After 14 years, the business has built a loyal customer base, strong name recognition and deep community ties through consistent operations, charitable involvement, sponsorships and local partnerships. Its combination of sales volume, seating capacity, location, reputation and longevity provides a competitive position that would be difficult for a new concept to replicate. Cornerstone continues to be a destination for local residents, area businesses, visitors, celebrations and community events. There remains significant opportunity for a motivated new owner to build upon an already established market position
- Opportunities for Growth
- Significant growth opportunity exists without changing the core concept. The business currently operates a deliberately limited schedule, leaving substantial opportunity to add additional days, lunch service, Sunday brunch, late-night offerings and expanded hours. Additional upside exists through catering, private events, takeout/delivery, retail products, merchandise, promotions, live entertainment and increased use of the established brand and social media following. A motivated owner-operator could pursue numerous revenue streams that current ownership has intentionally chosen not to develop. The existing kitchen, seating capacity, staff, brand recognition and infrastructure provide the foundation for growth without the expense of building a concept from scratch.
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Leased
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 8,000
- Rent
- $5,700 per month
- Lease Expiration
- 3/9/2028
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- Owner pursuing other interests after 35+ successful years in hospitality.
- Transition Support
- Seller is committed to a successful transition and will provide substantial training, consultation and operational support. Length and level of involvement can be tailored to the buyer’s experience and needs. Seller’s priority is a seamless transition for the new owner, employees, customers and community.
- Financing Options
- Seller financing may be available to a qualified buyer with a substantial down paymen
Listing Info
- ID
- 2550928
- Listing Views
- 76
Business Location
Listing ID: 2550928 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
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