A considered intake

Tell us what's actually going on.

Twelve questions. As short or as long as you want. Confidential by default — nothing reaches anyone outside this conversation until and unless you say so.

What you'll get back, within 72 hours: a written response from the operator. What we'd consider, what we wouldn't, and what other paths you should be thinking about. Even if we never work together, the response is yours to keep.

Before you start —

This isn't a sales form. There's no quote, no callback queue, no automated funnel.
Skip anything that doesn't apply. Long-form answers are welcome but not required.
If you'd rather not put it in writing first, the alternative is: read the guide.

01 In one or two sentences, what's the situation?

No structure required. Just what you'd say out loud if we were sitting across a table.

02 Which of these is closest to where you are?

Pick one. We'll get to nuance on the call.

Founder burnout — I'm tired, the business still works Lease pressure — landlord, renewal, guaranty, or assignment Partnership fatigue — partner roles or equity need to change Multi-unit exhaustion — scale broke something Succession — ready to step back, brand matters Distressed but salvageable — quiet hand needed Other, or honestly not sure yet

03 What's the concept and where is it located?

Name, format (QSR, fast casual, full service, drive-thru, etc.), city.

04 How many units?

Operating, in development, or formerly operating.

05 Roughly, what does the business do in annual revenue?

Order of magnitude is fine — $500K, $1M, $2-5M, $5M+, etc.

06 Is it profitable today?

Honest answer. "Barely," "depends on the month," or "not anymore" are all fine answers.

07 What's the lease situation?

Years remaining, monthly rent (base + all-in), personal guaranty, anything pending. Skip if N/A.

08 Who else has skin in this?

Co-owners, investors, family, key staff. Cap-table sketch if relevant.

09 What do you actually want to happen?

Not what you think the options are. What you'd quietly want, if you could choose.

10 How soon does something need to happen?

Real timeline, not aspirational. "Yesterday," "next 90 days," "exploring," etc.

11 Who, if anyone, knows you're sending this?

So we know what discretion means in your situation. "Just me" is the most common answer.

12 How can we reach you?

A response goes to your email. Phone is only used if you ask for a call.

A response will come within 72 hours, from the operator directly, by email. If after that you'd like to talk by phone, we'll arrange it. If not, you keep the response and we move on. Both are equally fine.