We were lucky to catch up with Jimmy Carey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jimmy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

Starting my own firm was both an exhilarating and humbling journey, rooted in decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. After 37 years in the business, including ownership of five successful restaurants in Miami and Atlanta, I knew I had a deep understanding of what makes restaurants thrive. That knowledge became the foundation for the Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate Team—a firm dedicated to helping restaurant owners, landlords, and tenants navigate the complexities of restaurant real estate with a level of expertise that most agents simply can’t offer. Today, I’m proud to be recognized as a restaurant broker who truly understands the unique needs of this industry.

The Decision to Start the Firm

The idea to establish my own practice wasn’t a sudden decision—it was a culmination of my experiences as both a restaurateur and a business owner. I had worked with commercial real estate agents in the past when leasing spaces for my restaurants, and I often felt there was a disconnect. Many agents lacked an understanding of the operational needs, financial pressures, and long-term goals unique to the restaurant industry. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap by creating a brokerage that “speaks the language” of restaurateurs. My aim was to become the restaurant broker that I wish I had when I was navigating those challenges as a business owner.

When I joined Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers, I was fortunate to align with a respected brand, but I knew I needed to carve out a niche for my team. That’s when the focus became clear: specializing in restaurant brokerage, with an emphasis on helping clients buy, sell, and lease restaurant spaces. My mission was to bring my insider knowledge of the restaurant business to every transaction, ensuring my clients felt understood and well-represented.

Taking the First Steps

Establishing the firm required meticulous planning. Some of the main steps included:

-Building a Brand: I wanted my firm to reflect trust, expertise, and a deep connection to the restaurant industry. Crafting the Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate brand involved highlighting my restaurant background while emphasizing my commitment to excellence in real estate.

-Assembling the Right Team: I sought out individuals who shared my passion for restaurants and commercial real estate. My team had to be more than agents—they needed to be advisors who could empathize with clients and anticipate their needs.

-Creating Processes: From client intake to closing deals, I built systems that ensure a seamless experience. Having been a business owner myself, I knew how important it was to respect my clients’ time and resources.

Establishing Relationships: Relationships are everything in real estate. I leveraged my extensive network in the Atlanta restaurant scene, connecting with landlords, restaurateurs, and other industry professionals. These relationships became the lifeblood of the firm and solidified my reputation as a trusted restaurant broker.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any entrepreneur, I faced my fair share of challenges. Establishing credibility in a competitive market like Atlanta was a major hurdle, even with my years of restaurant experience. Some landlords and tenants were hesitant to work with a brokerage specializing in restaurants, thinking it might limit their options. It took time to educate the market on the value of having an expert restaurant broker who understands the nuances of restaurant real estate.

Another challenge was balancing my vision for the firm with the realities of running a new business. From managing operational expenses to marketing the firm, I leaned heavily on my experience as a restaurateur. I implemented targeted marketing strategies and maintained disciplined budget management to create a strong foundation for success. This process taught me the critical importance of delegation and trusting my team, allowing the business to flourish while staying true to my vision.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Looking back, I wouldn’t change much because even the challenges shaped the firm into what it is today. However, one thing I might have done differently is invest in technology and digital marketing earlier. These tools have been instrumental in helping us reach new clients and streamline operations.

For young professionals considering starting their own firm, my advice is simple: know your niche and own it. The market is crowded, but when you specialize, you become the go-to expert in your field. Build a network, never stop learning, and don’t underestimate the power of authenticity. People want to work with someone who genuinely understands their needs and shares their vision.

Establishing the Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate Team has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my career. It’s not just about closing deals—it’s about supporting my clients in achieving their vision and realizing their goals. Whether it’s finding the perfect location for a new concept, or helping a business owner sell a restaurant they’ve poured their heart into, I’m proud to be a trusted restaurant broker and advisor in their journey.

Jimmy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jimmy Carey, and I am proud to be a restaurant broker and the founder of the Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate Team in Atlanta. My journey into the world of restaurant real estate wasn’t a straight line—it was built upon decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. I spent 37 years working in the industry, during which I owned and operated five successful restaurants in Miami and Atlanta. This hands-on experience gave me an intimate understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and nuances that restaurant owners face every day.

A significant part of my journey was my time as the owner of Jimmy’z Kitchen, a beloved fast-casual restaurant concept that became a staple in Miami’s dining scene. Jimmy’z Kitchen operated for over 15 years in four vibrant locations: Miami Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and Pinecrest. Each location brought something unique to the table, but all shared a commitment to delivering high-quality, chef-inspired dishes. Known for its fusion of American, Spanish, French, and Nuevo Latino cuisines, the restaurant’s crowning jewel was its authentic Puerto Rican mofongo, a dish that earned us accolades and a loyal following.

Jimmy’z Kitchen received significant recognition over the years, including being named “Best Mofongo” by the Miami New Times in 2009 and again in 2016. Our Wynwood location was also recognized as the “Best Restaurant Spinoff” in 2011, highlighting its vibrant ambiance and expanded menu. The restaurant became synonymous with innovation, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Additionally, Jimmy’z Kitchen participated in the esteemed Estrella Damm Gastronomy Congress, a platform celebrating culinary excellence and creativity. The event featured renowned chefs, including Ferran Adrià, whose innovative approach to cuisine has inspired countless restaurateurs worldwide. Participating in such a prestigious event further cemented Jimmy’z Kitchen’s status as a leader in culinary innovation. This event underscored the restaurant’s reputation for pushing boundaries and elevating the dining experience, placing it among Miami’s most innovative culinary establishments. Publications like Forbes also acknowledged our role in popularizing chef-driven fast-casual dining in South Florida.

These experiences at Jimmy’z Kitchen taught me invaluable lessons about what makes a restaurant successful, from choosing the right location to creating an unforgettable dining experience. Transitioning into commercial real estate felt like a natural progression. After years of leasing and managing restaurant spaces for my own businesses, I realized there was a gap in the market for brokers who truly understand the needs of restaurateurs. Many agents can sell or lease a space, but few can anticipate the operational, financial, and logistical requirements that make a location perfect for a restaurant concept. That’s where my background sets me apart. I don’t just broker deals—I provide clients with the insights, guidance, and expertise that only someone with my industry experience can offer.

At Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate, we specialize in restaurant brokerage, helping clients buy, sell, and lease spaces tailored to their vision and needs. Our services range from site selection and lease negotiations to full business sales. We also work closely with landlords who are looking to lease their spaces to restaurant tenants. By bridging the gap between landlords and tenants, we create opportunities that drive long-term success for both parties.

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and a deep understanding of the restaurant industry. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we take the time to understand our clients’ goals, whether they’re launching a new concept, expanding their portfolio, or transitioning out of their business. Our approach is rooted in empathy, education, and advocacy, ensuring our clients feel confident and supported throughout the entire process.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and within the Atlanta restaurant community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a client’s vision come to life—a new restaurant bustling with happy patrons or a long-time restaurateur successfully passing their legacy to the next generation. These moments remind me why I do what I do.

To anyone reading this, here’s what I want you to know about me and my brand: I’m here to help you succeed. Whether you’re an aspiring restaurateur looking for the perfect space, or a large corporation looking to expand, a seasoned owner ready to sell, or a landlord searching for the right tenant, my team and I are dedicated to providing you with unmatched expertise and a seamless

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

Yes, I have had the privilege of selling a business, and it was one of the most transformative experiences of my career. As the former Restaurant owner of Jimmy’z Kitchen, a beloved restaurant concept with four locations in Miami—Miami Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, Pinecrest—and one in Atlanta, I not only built a brand that thrived for over 15 years but also navigated the complexities of transitioning that business to new ownership. However, I chose not to sell the restaurant as the Jimmy’z Kitchen brand but instead as an asset sale.

The reason for this decision was that I wanted to retain ownership of the Jimmy’z Kitchen brand, as I wasn’t sure if I might open more restaurants under the brand in the future. By structuring the sale as an asset sale, I was able to keep the Jimmy’z Kitchen name while providing other restaurant owners with a ready-to-go second-generation space. This allowed them to open their restaurant businesses without incurring the major expense of building out a restaurant from scratch. Additionally, by doing this, I was able to recuperate some of the initial capital investment that was made when the restaurant was originally built out making it a win-win situation for me.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs Hoping to Sell Their Businesses

1. Understand Your Value: One of the first steps is understanding the true value of your business—not just in terms of revenue, but in the goodwill, brand recognition, and customer loyalty it has built. Accolades and recognition play a critical role in showcasing the strength of our brand.
2. Plan Ahead: Selling a business is not an overnight process—it requires careful preparation. This includes organizing financial records, streamlining operations, and ensuring consistency in business processes across all locations. These steps are crucial to making the transition as seamless as possible for the new owner.
3. Tell Your Story: A business is more than just numbers—it’s a story of passion, dedication, and community impact. Share the journey of how the business began and how it has grown into what it is today. Highlighting its legacy and unique story can help attract buyers who align with your vision and values.
4. Find the Right Buyer: Selling a business is like handing off a baton. You want to ensure the new owner not only has the financial capacity but also the passion and commitment to maintain what you’ve built.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Even as someone with extensive experience in the restaurant industry, I sought the expertise of advisors and brokers who could guide me through the selling process. This experience was one of the factors that led me to transition into restaurant brokerage. I realized the value of having someone who understands both the business and emotional sides of selling a restaurant.

Final Thoughts for Entrepreneurs
Selling a business is a milestone that requires both heart and strategy. It’s about honoring what you’ve built while setting it up for continued success under new leadership. As someone who has been through this journey, I now use my experience to help other entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and leasing restaurant spaces. Whether it’s ensuring they understand the market value of their business or helping them find the perfect buyer, my goal is to be a trusted partner in what is often one of the most significant decisions of their career.

If there’s one piece of advice I’d leave for entrepreneurs, it’s this: build your business as if you might sell it one day. Keep your operations clean, your financials organized, and your brand strong. Whether you sell or not, these are the foundations of long-term success.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting from being a seasoned restaurateur to becoming a restaurant broker was one of the most challenging and rewarding transitions of my life. After spending over 37 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry—including owning and operating my restaurants Jimmy’z Kitchen, I reached a crossroads in my career. It was time for a change, but I wanted to ensure the next step leveraged everything I had learned as a restaurant owner and my career in the food & beverage industry.

Owning and growing Jimmy’z Kitchen taught me the intricacies of the restaurant business, from concept development and branding to site selection and operational efficiency. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on what it takes to run a successful restaurant—and also revealed an untapped need in the commercial real estate market. During my time as a restaurateur, I had worked with various brokers and noticed a significant gap and disconnect: many agents didn’t fully understand the specific needs of restaurant owners. This gap/disconnect inspired me to pivot into a career where I could use my expertise to help others navigate the complexities of restaurant real estate.

The transition from restaurateur to restaurant broker wasn’t without its challenges. Shifting from running my own restaurants to advising others required me to adapt my skill set and mindset. However, my extensive background gave me a unique advantage. I understood the operational and financial pressures restaurateurs face, and I could speak their language in a way that other brokers often couldn’t. This connection became the foundation of the Jimmy Carey Commercial Real Estate Team.

Today, I specialize in helping restaurant owners, landlords, and tenants find the perfect spaces to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s assisting a client with the purchase of a restaurant, negotiating favorable lease terms, advising landlords on how to attract the best tenants, or helping restaurant business owners sell their restaurants, my goal is always to bridge the gap between the world of restaurants and real estate. I’m proud to say that my unique perspective has made my team one of the go-to resources for restaurant brokerage in Atlanta and Georgia.

What I’ve learned from this pivot is that change can be an opportunity for growth. It’s about identifying your strengths, recognizing the needs in the market, and finding ways to bring value to others. For me, the transition to restaurant brokerage wasn’t just a career change—it was the chance to take everything I loved about the restaurant industry and use it to help others succeed. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jimmycareycommercialrealestate.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmyzcommercialre/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jimmyzcommercialre
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmycarey/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyCarey-RestaurantBroker
• Other: Our Featured Listings: https://www.jimmycareycommercialrealestate.com/featured-listings