Hello,
Are there any trade magazines or forums for this kind of thing? My guess is that restaurant deals are as creative and variable as you can get. I suspect that there might be a book or two or a hundred on restaurant financing and partnerships.
Maybe check with SCORE at your local SBA? Also are there food and entertainment services programs or degrees at either ASU or UofA? If there is, there will be a whole University Department at your disposal for questions - you pay the taxes - most University professors are glad to give you a few minutes of their time.
Offhand I'd say operations is just as important as money in your business. You can start a restaurant with money. You can't continue without a good operation no matter the money.
Oh - you might want to get a lawyer for the partnership agreement just to protect both parties.
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