Restaurant Closure: Selling Remaining Wine and Spirits Inventory
Closing a restaurant involves liquidating many assets, including wine and spirits inventory. This guide covers how to sell your beverage program efficiently while managing the many demands of closure.
What to Do Next
Determine who has authority to sell. If you are the owner, you likely have this authority. If there are partners or investors, confirm approval. In bankruptcy situations, coordinate with the trustee.
Export your inventory from your point of sale or inventory management system if possible. This speeds up the valuation process.
- Confirm authority to sell (owner, partnership agreement, trustee)
- Export inventory from POS or inventory management system
- Photograph wine storage areas and bottles
- Note case quantities and any high value bottles separately
- Submit inventory and photos for an offer
What Information Matters for Pricing
We need to understand what you have and its condition. Restaurant inventory often differs from private cellars in format and documentation.
- Inventory list with producer names, vintages, and quantities
- Case packs versus loose bottles
- Storage conditions (wine cellar, refrigeration, room temperature)
- Any high value bottles that should be highlighted
- Bottle sizes (standard, half bottles, magnums)
- Original packaging if available
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Time pressure during closure can lead to accepting low offers or overlooking valuable inventory. Take time to document properly.
Opened bottles are generally not eligible for purchase. Focus on sealed inventory.
- Selling to the first buyer without understanding value
- Including opened bottles in the submission
- Losing track of high value bottles mixed into general inventory
- Discarding original cases or cartons before sale
- Waiting until the last day before closure
How the Process Works
We work with restaurant owners and operators to handle inventory sales efficiently.
- Submit inventory export and photos through our form or text to 213-770-9463
- We review and provide an offer within one to three business days
- If accepted, we coordinate pickup from the restaurant
- Payment is issued after we receive and verify the inventory
Privacy and Safety Notes
We handle restaurant closures discreetly. Your sale is not publicized.
We provide documentation suitable for business records and, where applicable, creditor or bankruptcy filings.
We can work around your closure timeline and schedule pickup at convenient times.
What to Do Next
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you buy opened bottles?
Generally no. Opened bottles cannot be resold. We buy sealed bottles only.
Can you work with my inventory system export?
Yes. Most common formats work. Send what you have and we will let you know if we need additional information.
What about spirits?
Yes, we buy collectible spirits including bourbon, scotch, and other categories. Highlight any high value bottles in your submission.
How quickly can you pick up inventory?
We can often coordinate pickup within a week of accepted offers, depending on location and logistics.
What if I am in bankruptcy?
We work with trustees and attorneys. Coordinate with your legal counsel about authorization, then contact us with the appropriate documentation.
Do you buy by the glass program wines?
Sealed bottles only. If your by the glass program has sealed backup inventory, include those.
What about wines stored at room temperature?
We assess condition based on storage conditions and what we see. Wines stored improperly may have reduced value or may not be eligible for purchase.