MOMENTUM CASE STUDIES
YOSAKE & THE HUSK
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington’s historic district, Yosake Restaurant and The Husk Bar & Grill were two of the city’s most recognized dining and nightlife destinations.
When the ownership group partnered with MoMentum Companies, the goal was to strategically position both businesses and their shared location for a seamless sale. Through expert valuation, targeted marketing, and full-cycle transaction management, MoMentum secured a qualified buyer and closed the sale within seven months — nearly doubling the seller’s initial valuation expectations. This success story highlights MoMentum’s precision in hospitality brokerage and its commitment to maximizing client outcomes.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Real Estate
Upscale Restaurant & Bar
Broker of Record
Terry Espy – MoMentum Companies
Representation
Both Seller and Buyer
Business Overview
Yosake Restaurant and The Husk Bar were two separate businesses located in the same building and owned by the same entity. They were both well-established, upscale dining and nightlife venues located in downtown Wilmington, NC. The businesses occupied a prime location in the city’s historic district, offering a full-service restaurant and vibrant bar that attracted both locals and visitors. The operations had strong brand recognition, a seasoned staff, and consistent profitability — making this an attractive acquisition opportunity for an experienced operator.
Valuation and Pricing
Before going to market, the seller’s CPA completed a standard valuation and proposed an initial sale price. Once Momentum Companies was engaged, we performed a comprehensive valuation aligned with SBA guidelines, recalculating Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) to more accurately represent the business’s true cash flow and transferable value. Our valuation identified a market value 2.5× higher than the CPA’s original estimate. Shortly after the listing went public, this number was further validated by the SBA Lender’s Independent Valuation, which came in slightly higher.
With the listing live, a qualified buyer quickly submitted an offer near the full list price. While additional offers may have been secured with more time on the market, the sellers were thrilled to accept the first offer, noting, “This is over double what we anticipated getting for this business.”
Sales Process
The sale process began with a detailed business valuation and preparation of a confidential marketing portfolio. Financial records were normalized, and all operational and lease data were documented for lender readiness. The listing was marketed discreetly through industry platforms, brokerage networks, and MoMentum’s private buyer database. Within five months, the business was under contract with a qualified buyer. From there, MoMentum coordinated all aspects of due diligence and financing,
including:
• Verification of financial and tax documentation
• Coordination of liquor license transfer
and ABC compliance
• Review and assignment of the existing lease
• SBA loan packaging and
communication with lender and underwriters
Outcome
Within seven months of engagement, the sale closed successfully at $1.55M—nearly double the seller’s initial valuation estimate—financed through a blend of SBA funding and buyer equity. The result reflects MoMentum Companies’ strength in precise valuation, strategic positioning, and end-to-end deal management, delivering standout results for hospitality clients across the region.
Referral Contact
All MoMentum Companies engagement agreements include a two-year confidentiality provision; however, many clients generously agree to discuss their experience and outcomes with prospective clients.
For a referral conversation, please contact:
Justin Smith
📧 JMSmith.7290@gmail.com
📞 910.538.9532
Terry Espy
Complete our contact form or call today to schedule an initial consultation.