Restaurant Industry

Holland & Knight's Restaurant Industry Team is a multidisciplinary group of attorneys with deep experience across all aspects of the restaurant and retail industries. Our lawyers serve as a one-stop resource for clients seeking guidance on transactions, intellectual property (IP), regulatory compliance, franchising, real estate and operational matters. With a global footprint and extensive industry knowledge, we advise clients from concept to expansion, including partnerships, franchising models, leasing and investment strategies.

Our team combines legal experience with practical, operational insight. Several lawyers have served in-house with major restaurant brands or as outside counsel to well-known chains, giving clients the benefit of real-world experience and the breadth of a full-service law firm. This integrated approach ensures solutions are legally sound, commercially practical and strategically tailored to each client's objectives. Our clients are our priority, and you can count on us to understand your business, anticipate your challenges and deliver solutions with impact.

Transactional and Business Counsel

Our Restaurant Industry attorneys guide clients through the full spectrum of business transactions, from startups and franchise agreements to major acquisitions, investments and joint ventures. We negotiate and draft licensing agreements, vendor contracts, real estate leases and other contracts while advising on permitting, land use, corporate structure and capital formation.

By integrating legal considerations with business strategy, we help restaurant and food retail clients achieve operational efficiency and long-term growth. This holistic perspective helps ensure our clients are well positioned to navigate complex commercial environments and seize strategic opportunities.

Regulatory, Compliance and Public Policy

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the restaurant and retail sectors is essential. Holland & Knight lawyers counsel clients on labor and employment matters, health and safety regulations, ingredient compliance, alcohol licensing and environmental requirements.

Our Public Policy & Regulation Group advocates for clients' interests with policymakers and regulatory agencies at the federal, state and local levels. This combination of compliance acumen and proactive guidance on emerging laws helps clients operate efficiently and confidently while minimizing risk.

Intellectual Property and Brand Management

Restaurants and retailers rely on strong brand identity to compete in a crowded marketplace. Holland & Knight's Intellectual Property Group provides comprehensive trademark, copyright and branding protection, including portfolio management, enforcement and licensing.

We advise on digital branding, social media, advertising compliance and emerging IP issues to ensure clients' brand strategies align with their business goals. By integrating IP counsel with transactional and operational guidance, we protect and leverage our clients' most valuable assets.

Dispute Resolution and Risk Management

Our Restaurant Industry Team works to help restaurant and food retail clients anticipate challenges before they become disputes, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for operational and strategic improvement. Our attorneys also provide skilled guidance on vendor contracts, employment practices, leases and intellectual property matters, coordinating seamlessly across practice areas to deliver comprehensive, forward-looking strategies.

By integrating legal insight with practical business considerations, we partner closely with our clients to help protect their operations, maintain continuity and support long-term growth in a dynamic and highly regulated marketplace