Hospitality Agreement Transaction Attorneys 

Run Your Restaurant Without Contracts? That’s a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen. 

You wouldn’t run a kitchen without a fire extinguisher. So why run your restaurant without solid legal contracts? Every handshake deal, every verbal agreement—it’s a ticking time bomb. When something goes wrong (and it will), you’ll wish you had the right paperwork in place. 

Contracts aren’t just legal formalities. They’re the foundation of a successful, stress-free business. Without them, you risk disputes with vendors, employees, landlords, and even customers. A well-drafted contract can prevent lawsuits before they start, setting clear expectations and legal protections. If you don’t have strong agreements in place, you’re one bad deal away from disaster. 

Business Partnerships Go Sour Fast—Lock It Down Before It’s Too Late. 

Opening a restaurant with a partner? Sounds great—until it isn’t. Money disputes, creative differences, or personal conflicts can destroy a business and a friendship. If you don’t have a legally binding partnership agreement, you’re gambling with your future. The stress of running a restaurant is already high, and when partnerships lack clear boundaries and legal protections, tension can boil over fast. 

Here’s what you need to protect yourself: 

• Business structure: Are you forming an LLC, a corporation, or a general partnership? Each has different legal and financial implications. 
• Ownership agreements: Who owns what percentage of the business? What happens if one of you wants out? 
• Dissolution terms: If the partnership fails, how will assets, debts, and responsibilities be divided? 

Think of your partnership contract as a prenuptial agreement for your restaurant. You might not think you need it now, but when things get tough, you’ll be glad it’s there. A strong partnership agreement isn’t just about preparing for the worst—it’s about setting clear expectations and keeping everyone on the same page to ensure long-term success. The transaction attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP can help you draft a partnership agreement that minimizes risk and protects your interests. 

A Bad Lease Can Destroy Your Restaurant—Don’t Sign Until You Read This. 

Your lease could be the most expensive mistake you ever make: or the smartest investment. Landlords draft leases to protect themselves, not you. If you sign without careful negotiation, you could be stuck with skyrocketing rent, hidden fees, or renovation restrictions that kill your growth. A restaurant’s success depends on its location and physical space, so every lease term matters. 

Watch out for these traps: 

• Rent escalation clauses: Will your rent increase automatically every year? 
• Tenant improvement allowances: Who pays for modifications and repairs? 
• Exclusive use clauses: Can your landlord lease space to a direct competitor next door? 

Before you sign anything, get a lawyer to review it. A bad lease can crush your business before you even get started. Having the right legal guidance ensures you don’t commit to terms that could cripple your operations or limit your ability to grow and adapt. The team at Horn Wright, LLP, can carefully review and negotiate your lease to ensure you get fair terms and avoid costly surprises. 

One Bad Supplier Contract Can Sink Your Entire Business. 

Your food and beverage suppliers keep your kitchen running—but if you don’t lock in fair contracts, they can also bring your restaurant to a standstill. One missed shipment, a sudden price increase, or a quality dispute can throw everything into chaos. Unreliable suppliers can break your reputation, lead to wasted inventory, and ultimately, cost you valuable customers. 

Your supplier agreements should include: 

• Pricing terms: Fixed costs vs. fluctuating market rates. 
• Delivery schedules: What happens if they don’t deliver on time? 
• Quality control clauses: What recourse do you have if products don’t meet your standards? 

 By taking the time to negotiate and draft airtight agreements, you ensure reliability, consistency, and financial predictability for your business. Horn Wright, LLP, can help you structure supplier agreements that safeguard your restaurant’s bottom line and prevent costly supply chain disruptions. 

Employee Contracts Can Save You—or Get You Sued. 

Your staff is the heart of your business, but hiring employees without clear contracts is a legal disaster waiting to happen. Verbal promises won’t hold up in court if a former employee claims wrongful termination or unpaid wages. In the fast-paced restaurant industry, where turnover is high and labor laws are strict, clear contracts keep you protected from costly legal battles. 

At a minimum, employment contracts should include: 

• At-will employment terms: Can you legally fire an employee without cause? 
• Non-compete clauses: Can former employees open a rival restaurant nearby? 
• Employee handbook policies: Clear guidelines on behavior, wages, overtime, and benefits. 

Without proper agreements, you’re exposed to lawsuits that could drain your business dry. Having well-drafted employment policies also improves workplace morale, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters a more professional environment. The employment attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP can draft and review employee contracts to ensure compliance with labor laws and reduce your legal risks. 

Franchises: The Ultimate Dream or an Expensive Nightmare? 

Thinking about franchising your restaurant? Or maybe buying into a franchise? Either way, the contracts will determine your success—or failure. While franchises offer brand recognition and a proven business model, they also come with rigid rules and financial commitments that can be overwhelming if you’re not fully prepared. 

For franchisees, the Franchise Disclosure Document is packed with legal traps. Royalty fees, marketing obligations, non-compete clauses—miss one clause, and you could be locked into a money-losing deal for years. 

For franchisors, your franchise agreements must protect your brand. If you don’t set clear operational standards, franchisees can tarnish your reputation overnight. Either way, having a franchise lawyer on your side is non-negotiable. Understanding these agreements fully before committing can mean the difference between building a successful empire and getting buried in a bad deal.  

Horn Wright, LLP, specializes in franchise law and can help you navigate the complexities of these agreements, ensuring your business is set up for long-term success. 

The Right Law Firm Is Your Secret Weapon—Here’s How We Help. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we specialize in protecting restaurant owners from costly legal mistakes. Whether you’re drafting contracts, negotiating leases, or handling compliance issues, our experienced attorneys ensure your business stays secure. We take the legal stress off your plate so you can focus on running a successful restaurant. Contact us today to safeguard your business. 

When it comes to the restaurant industry, the right legal strategy can mean the difference between growth and failure. Our team understands the unique challenges you face and provides proactive legal solutions to keep your business thriving.  

Don’t wait until a problem arises—partner with Horn Wright, LLP now and build a strong legal foundation for your future success. Contact our firm today to get started.