Marlin Group, Inc.
Restaurant Testimonials
"Dave Marlin is the person that you want to represent yourself when selling or buying a restaurant. He is detail oriented, objective in his analysis of your situation, honest, has the ability to keep business matters confidential, and has his finger on the pulse of the market. In short, he is the best at his business."
Michael Cronan
Cafe Mingo/Bar Mingo
"Yes, emphatically, yes. Nick and I both would (and have) recommend
Dean Vacheresse highly. In fact, I would say that Dean's knowledge and experience were vital to the opening of Bunk Sandwiches."
Tommy Habetz
Bunk Sandwiches
"Dave Marlin is a very savvy business advisor. He has an excellent grasp of the various deal dynamics and business issues that must be properly monitored and actively guided to a successful resolution, so that the transaction can get closed quickly and profitably for his clients. He is a good communicator, and he is easy to work with, even in the midst of the stress and uncertainty of the negotiation process. I would readily recommend him as a business broker."
Jerry Elliot, Partner
Elliott, Ostrander & Preston, PC Business Law, Represented Mutual Client
"I absolutely cannot express enough gratitude and admiration towards
Dean Vacheresse, who held our hand through the entire process while my business partner and I acquired a small restaurant and bar, an accomplishment that was years in the making. Patient with our many questions and concerns, I could always expect a clear and concise answer from Dean. I trusted Dean from day one and was continually at ease throughout the entire transaction. He somehow maintained the upmost professionalism while making the experience amazingly fun. The potential for stress is so high with this kind of deal, but I can honestly say I never once felt like I wasn't in the best and most capable hands. If anyone is ever thinking of buying a restaurant or bar, they could not possibly ask for a more competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy man than Dean. Thank you so much Dean!!! I wish I could say more..."
Shannon Freeman
Sapphire Hotel
"The Marlin Group is our expert restaurant transaction advisor. We have used Dave's guidance in selling, acquiring, partnership resolution, refinancing and preparing our company for sale. Each time the Marlin Group was integral in our successful result. We have the utmost faith in them as results oriented, trust worthy and responsive to what is in the best interest of their clients."
Cathy Whims
Nostrana
Former Owner, Genoa
"I had the pleasure of doing business with Dave Marlin this past summer while negotiating the purchase of the business assets and renegotiating the existing lease for the newly opened Lovejoy Bakers. This was a complicated transaction involving multiple parties and Dave performed brilliantly. Needless to say there were moments when frustration levels were at a peak and without David's calm and neutral demeanor, I doubt that the deal could have been concluded. Although David in effect represented the owner of the business and the landlord I never doubted for a moment that he was acting in the best interests of all concerned. David was under compensated relative to the value he brought to the transaction, given the many moving parts involved in this negotiation, but his attention to detail never failed. I will seek his expertise the next time I am looking for a business opportunity and need a true professional."
Marc Frankel, Owner
Pizzicato,
Lovejoy Bakers
"I have had the occasion to work with the Marlin Group on three transactions over the past several years, specifically working with Dean Vacherese, on the acquisition and selling of restaurant properties. As a business professional, I frequently am frustrated with the lack of professionalism and lax cooperation that seems to be common in the current business environment. This is contrary to my dealings with Mr. Vacherese. On each transaction I found him to be accurate, extremely expeditious, and constantly in communication. His work made smooth transition on each of my dealings. I will unquestionably use the Marlin Group again should the occasion arise."
Sara & Nic Medici, Owner
Melt
Former Owner - La Prima & Paparazzi Restaurants
"I have worked with Dave Marlin while both selling my restaurant in Portland and looking for other locations. I found Dave to be very professional and meticulous all through the sales and negotiation processes; his knowledge and attention to detail were extremely impressive. It was clear that Dave was looking out for my best interest, not just making a sale. I have and will continue to recommended Dave and the Marlin Group to friends and other restaurateurs."
Brian Ford
Former Owner, Ford's on 5th
"I appreciated Dean's pragmatic approach, understanding of both the bar business and transaction process. His ability to negotiate and create solutions, while interacting with multiple agencies, diverse individuals, and attorneys was much appreciated. I enjoyed working with Dean and found him candid and trustworthy. He proved to be very capable and professional. I recommend
Dean Vacheresse to anyone selling a restaurant or bar."
Denny Frank, Owner
Sweethome Bar & Grill
"Dave Marlin and the Marlin Group were instrumental in facilitating a very difficult restaurant transaction in one of our retail locations. Throughout the 3-way negotiation, Dave's involvement as a liaison kept the deal on track and the result was a mutually beneficial agreement. I found Dave to be both professional and ethical and I appreciated his candor and patience throughout the negotiations. I would not hesitate to recommend his firm for business brokerage services."
Susan M. Miller, VP of Project Development
Hoyt Street Properties, Landlord
"I worked with Dean Vacheresse in purchasing our bar in N. Portland and found him to be of high integrity and provided very insightful information in our decision making process. This was my expansion project and Dean really helped in easing my nervousness. Luckily I found a broker who is very personable that I would not hesitate to work with again for future projects. I highly recommend Dean Vacheresse."
Michael Chang
Pig N' Pancake West/ Sneaker's Pub & Grill
"It was a real pleasure to work with the Marlin Group in selling our Bakery/Café this year. My wife and I were very impressed with the constant personal attention you invested in the sales process. From buyer screening, meetings, and follow-ups, through inspections and closing, you were highly available, knowledgeable, and professional in your approach. We could not expect more from a representative and advocate. I am looking forward to referring you to friends, family, and clients."
Will Price, CPA
Former Owner, Madrona Hill Cafe
"Dean Vacheresse, thank you for making the process of closing this space simple and easy. You were a true professional. You found me the exact space I was looking for and pointed me in all the right directions when I was a little lost in the process. I would definitely refer you to anyone looking for a space. Things are great. We have been open for a little more than two weeks and business is already hitting my goals. Thanks again, and I hope to see you soon."
Robert Thomas
Swift (formerly Colosso)
"In 2005, we purchased a restaurant from a seller represented by the Marlin Group, and we were very pleased with how the transaction was completed. The Marlin Group provided excellent due diligence materials, a clear indication of where the process stood, and helpful suggestions as to how we might successfully complete the acquisition. Then, when a few obstacles arose along the way (as they so often do), Dave Marlin showed us that he was straight, fair and pragmatic. The way he handled things earned our trust, turning any potential mountains back into mole hills. All in all, I think it's fair to say that Dave personally made this deal happen. Not only was the seller successful, but so were we, as all of the representations regarding the business were true. We feel fortunate to have acquired the business, but if we ever seek to sell it, we will only make one call...to Dave Marlin."
Alex Bond
Serratto
"When I first started looking at small businesses to purchase I ran into all sorts of interesting situations and people that made it very difficult to make a deal. I finally ran into the Marlin Group and we quickly formed a great line of communication discussing my needs and goals and matching me with a business that fit the bill. Not only did the Marlin Group help with every aspect of the purchase but they were knowledgeable about the hospitality industry. I'm glad I found and used the Marlin Group and would not hesitate to use them in the future or recommend them to others."
Jeff Elbel, Owner
Theo's Restaurant
"As a lifetime restaurateur, I seldom come upon a realty broker who has integrity, humor and a good work ethic. Each member of The Marlin Group was all of this and more in selling two of my three Portland restaurants, one being the famous "Laslow's Northwest" which won Oregonian's restaurant of the year" in 2002. They had approached the market with the much needed confidentiality and were tenacious in finding prospective buyers who were serious candidates and may offer the best price. Not only did they bring them to the table, but they executed all the formalities of the transactions to make the process easy and flawless. This enabled me to concentrate on my other businesses during the selling period."
Connie Laslow
Laslows Restaurant
"Our experience with the Marlin Group was excellent---they handled the sale of our restaurant with a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
Dave Marlin took the time to understand our business and obviously vetted the potential buyers so that we didn't waste anyone's time. Dave provided clear-headed guidance to us all the way through the negotiation process with the buyer."
Stephen Gomez
Former Owner, Serratto Restaurant