Blab Business
Leonard Mello Joins We Sell Restaurants Franchise in Gold Coast, FL
On October 8, 2026, Gold Coast, Florida, welcomed a new player in the restaurant brokerage arena as Leonard Mello became the latest franchise partner of We Sell Restaurants, the nation’s largest and only restaurant‑focused business‑broker franchise. The partnership, announced from the Florida market, adds a seasoned CPA and veteran restaurant owner to a network that has been helping buyers and sellers move more than $645 million of restaurant inventory in 25 years.
Mello’s career bridges accounting and hospitality. After 15 years as a certified public accountant, he bought his first restaurant in 2011 and has since operated six locations across the United States. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Mello said, “I was a CPA for 15 years before buying my first restaurant in 2011. My direct ownership of restaurants combined with my experience as a CPA helps me understand what other buyers and sellers will be looking for in a restaurant sales transaction.” His dual perspective is a key reason the firm chose him.
We Sell Restaurants describes itself as a systemized national practice that has been in operation for a quarter of a century. The company maintains a live listing inventory of more than $645 million on its restaurant‑for‑sale marketplace, WeSellRestaurants.com, which features independent restaurants and multi‑unit franchise resales. All franchise partners earn the Certified Restaurant Brokers® credential, a designation that requires completion of the firm’s proprietary training program.
The franchise model is built on a 30‑day onboarding program that covers the company’s software, web platform, and core brokerage practices. Once onboarding is complete, partners enter a 12‑week curriculum that includes a Mastermind coach and specialized boot camps focused on negotiation, valuation, and transaction‑management skills. CEO and co‑founder Robin Gagnon highlighted the training emphasis, noting, “Our growth network continues to build momentum as we expand throughout the country to meet rising industry demand for specialized restaurant brokerage.”
The restaurant brokerage market has long been fragmented, with many independent brokers offering limited geographic coverage and inconsistent service models. We Sell Restaurants’ franchise approach seeks to standardize expertise and provide a national brand that buyers and sellers can trust. The firm’s expansion into Florida, where Mello will operate, reflects a broader trend of increased demand for professional brokerage services in the state’s vibrant hospitality sector.
Mello’s background aligns with the firm’s stated preference for candidates who combine finance, sales, hospitality, or restaurant‑management experience with a commitment to client service. The press release invites qualified individuals to learn more about franchise opportunities at WeSellRestaurants.com/franchise.
The partnership is part of We Sell Restaurants’ ongoing effort to add new territories across the United States. The firm already has franchise operations in 45 states and has a track record of helping clients buy, sell, and lease restaurant locations. The company’s website lists more than 1,200 active listings and highlights its Certified Restaurant Broker® designation as a key differentiator.
At present, Leonard Mello will focus on serving the Gold Coast market, leveraging his accounting background and restaurant ownership experience to assist local buyers and sellers. The company’s contact information is listed as 404‑800‑6700 and robin@wesellrestaurants.com.
The announcement comes as the restaurant industry continues to recover from pandemic‑induced disruptions, with many owners seeking professional guidance on exit strategies and new entrants looking for acquisition opportunities. We Sell Restaurants’ franchise model positions it to meet that demand, and Mello’s entry into the Gold Coast market is expected to strengthen the firm’s presence in a high‑growth region.
In the coming months, the firm will likely continue to add franchise partners, particularly in Florida, and may release additional data on its inventory and transaction volume. Investors and industry observers will watch for updates on the company’s growth metrics and any new service offerings that could influence the restaurant brokerage landscape.
Mello’s career bridges accounting and hospitality. After 15 years as a certified public accountant, he bought his first restaurant in 2011 and has since operated six locations across the United States. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Mello said, “I was a CPA for 15 years before buying my first restaurant in 2011. My direct ownership of restaurants combined with my experience as a CPA helps me understand what other buyers and sellers will be looking for in a restaurant sales transaction.” His dual perspective is a key reason the firm chose him.
We Sell Restaurants describes itself as a systemized national practice that has been in operation for a quarter of a century. The company maintains a live listing inventory of more than $645 million on its restaurant‑for‑sale marketplace, WeSellRestaurants.com, which features independent restaurants and multi‑unit franchise resales. All franchise partners earn the Certified Restaurant Brokers® credential, a designation that requires completion of the firm’s proprietary training program.
The franchise model is built on a 30‑day onboarding program that covers the company’s software, web platform, and core brokerage practices. Once onboarding is complete, partners enter a 12‑week curriculum that includes a Mastermind coach and specialized boot camps focused on negotiation, valuation, and transaction‑management skills. CEO and co‑founder Robin Gagnon highlighted the training emphasis, noting, “Our growth network continues to build momentum as we expand throughout the country to meet rising industry demand for specialized restaurant brokerage.”
The restaurant brokerage market has long been fragmented, with many independent brokers offering limited geographic coverage and inconsistent service models. We Sell Restaurants’ franchise approach seeks to standardize expertise and provide a national brand that buyers and sellers can trust. The firm’s expansion into Florida, where Mello will operate, reflects a broader trend of increased demand for professional brokerage services in the state’s vibrant hospitality sector.
Mello’s background aligns with the firm’s stated preference for candidates who combine finance, sales, hospitality, or restaurant‑management experience with a commitment to client service. The press release invites qualified individuals to learn more about franchise opportunities at WeSellRestaurants.com/franchise.
The partnership is part of We Sell Restaurants’ ongoing effort to add new territories across the United States. The firm already has franchise operations in 45 states and has a track record of helping clients buy, sell, and lease restaurant locations. The company’s website lists more than 1,200 active listings and highlights its Certified Restaurant Broker® designation as a key differentiator.
At present, Leonard Mello will focus on serving the Gold Coast market, leveraging his accounting background and restaurant ownership experience to assist local buyers and sellers. The company’s contact information is listed as 404‑800‑6700 and robin@wesellrestaurants.com.
The announcement comes as the restaurant industry continues to recover from pandemic‑induced disruptions, with many owners seeking professional guidance on exit strategies and new entrants looking for acquisition opportunities. We Sell Restaurants’ franchise model positions it to meet that demand, and Mello’s entry into the Gold Coast market is expected to strengthen the firm’s presence in a high‑growth region.
In the coming months, the firm will likely continue to add franchise partners, particularly in Florida, and may release additional data on its inventory and transaction volume. Investors and industry observers will watch for updates on the company’s growth metrics and any new service offerings that could influence the restaurant brokerage landscape.
