Multi-location operators, quick-service brands, and independent restaurants leave $50K–$300K on the table every year.
These are the opportunities we find in nearly every restaurants engagement — money left on the table by traditional CPAs.
Paying full tax on leasehold improvements that qualify for accelerated depreciation
Missing FICA tip credits on tipped employees — often worth $1,000–$2,000 per employee per year
Operating all locations under one entity, creating unnecessary liability exposure
Not utilizing WOTC for high-turnover kitchen and service staff
Treating equipment purchases as long-term assets instead of using Section 179
These are the strategies we evaluate and deploy for every restaurants client — tailored to your specific numbers.
Cost segregation studies on restaurant build-outs and renovations — reclassify 20-40% of costs to 5/7/15-year property
FICA tip credit (Section 45B) — dollar-for-dollar credit on tips above minimum wage
Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) — $2,400–$9,600 per qualifying new hire
Section 179 and bonus depreciation on kitchen equipment, POS systems, and furniture
Multi-entity structuring: separate OpCos per location under a management HoldCo
How we turned a $217K tax bill into over $1M in cumulative savings.
Yes. Restaurant build-outs, renovations, and leasehold improvements are prime candidates for cost segregation. Walk-in coolers, ventilation systems, specialized plumbing, and decorative finishes can all be reclassified from 39-year to 5, 7, or 15-year property — generating significant first-year deductions.
The Section 45B credit gives employers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on the employer's share of FICA taxes paid on employee tips that exceed the federal minimum wage. For a restaurant with 30 tipped employees, this can be worth $30,000–$60,000 annually.
In most cases, yes. Separating locations into individual LLCs (OpCos) under a holding company protects each location from the liabilities of others, enables cleaner per-unit financial reporting, and allows strategic allocation of shared management expenses.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides $2,400–$9,600 per qualifying new hire from targeted groups including veterans, SNAP recipients, ex-felons, and long-term unemployed. Restaurant hiring patterns align heavily with eligible categories, making WOTC a consistent annual credit.
We analyze your current situation, identify every opportunity, and show you exactly what you're leaving on the table. If we can save you money, we'll present a clear proposal with a fixed fee.
Book a free review and we'll identify the restaurants-specific opportunities hiding in your numbers.
Tell us about your business and we'll identify every savings opportunity available to you.