David's Deal Digest - July 2025

Hi ,

In case this email address threw you off, it’s still me, David Downing. Just reaching out from my business brokerage email tool this time.

Hope you’ve been surviving this insane summer heat. Breakfast is easy now that I can cook eggs on my car, and things are only forecasted to get hotter as my wife and I prepare to welcome baby #2 this September 😂

As I continue to plumb the depths of business brokering, I wanted to share a few updates, including a brand new listing, a quick story from a recent competitive sale, and a poem that has been helping me stay grounded through the daily chaos.

Let’s dive in.

Featured Listing: Profitable Multi-Unit Boba Tea Chain (Houston)

Okay, well first off... what the heck is a “boba” anyways?

Boba tea (also called bubble tea) is a sweet iced drink that started in Taiwan. It’s made with brewed tea, milk or fruit flavors, and chewy tapioca pearls (the “boba”). Think of it as part tea, part dessert, and a total sensory experience, usually served with a wide straw so you can sip and chew at the same time.

The U.S. boba market reached $2.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to over $4.3 billion by 2032, driven by Gen Z enthusiasm, Instagrammable drinks, and endless flavor combinations.

And there’s no better city for it than Houston, one of the most diverse metro areas in the country, with a young, adventurous population and a thriving Asian food scene. Boba isn’t a trend here. It’s already part of the culture.

This listing features four profitable boba shops in high-traffic Houston locations, each generating between $300K and $600K in annual revenue. They are part of a popular Taiwanese franchise with strong branding and operational systems already in place.

If you’re curious, thungry (that’s thirsty + hungry), or just looking for a cash-flowing business in a fast-growing category, here’s the link: View Listing and Request Details

🏪 Current Listings in Greater Houston

📍 Pet Grooming & Boarding – Southwest Houston
7+ years of consistent operation, 3,000+ loyal clients, and exceptional online reviews, the business offers full-service grooming for dogs and cats plus boarding and daycare
🔗 View Listing

📍 Liquor Store – North Houston
10+ year history, low rent, and $50K of inventory included. Primed for growth with seller financing available.
🔗 View Listing

📍 Full-Service & Self-Service Pet Wash & Grooming – North Houston Suburb
Franchise location offering both full-service and self-service grooming. Over $400K in revenue with a strong team of groomers and front-desk staff in place.
🔗 View Listing

📍 Neighborhood Café – Kingwood (Listed by my partner Browning Williams)
A popular and long-running Greek restaurant with excellent reviews and high profitability (41% margins on $500K of revenue).
🔗 View Listing

🎯 Tips from the Field: Why Some Buyers Win

A recent listing of mine received over 50 inquiries and five offers within a week. It’s now under contract. All of the potential buyers were serious, but a few really stood out. Here’s what set them apart:

• They already knew me, so got early access to the listing

• They shared a buyer profile or resume up front

• They were pre-qualified with a lender and could prove it

• They met with the seller in person, asked smart questions, and showed real respect for what the seller had built

• Most importantly, they took time to build rapport with the seller

It’s not always the highest offer that wins. More often, it’s the buyer who feels like the right fit, someone the seller can trust to carry their legacy forward.

If you’d like to get on my early access list or want more advice on how to win a deal as a buyer, let’s talk. 📅 Book a quick call

🌟 Advisor Spotlight: Brian Peart of Commercial Capital Limited

If you’re looking for financing help on a business acquisition, Brian Peart is someone I always recommend.

Brian founded Commercial Capital Limited back in 1995 and has since closed over 1,000 deals across SBA loans, bridge financing, conventional loans, and private funding. Whether you’re buying a business, investing in real estate, or launching a project from scratch, he’s one of the best out there at finding a path to funding, even when others say no.

What makes Brian different is how much he actually cares. He’ll chase down lenders, structure creative solutions, and guide you through the maze when things get complicated. I’ve seen him personally rescue deals that were falling apart and turn them into successful closings.

If you’re a buyer preparing for a deal and want someone in your corner who can make financing feel less painful and more possible, I’m happy to make an intro. Or you can reach out to Brian directly at [email protected]

🔗 Learn more at commercialcapitalltd.com

🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness Corner: “The Guest House” by Rumi

I first heard this poem during a guided meditation on The Way App (a meditation app by Zen teacher Henry Shukman, which I highly recommend). It’s one I’ve returned to again and again, especially on the harder days:

There’s something powerful in simply making space for whatever arises. Instead of resisting or running away from our emotions, we can choose to notice, welcome, and learn from them.

Thanks for reading this far. If you're ever thinking about buying or selling a business, want to talk Zen, or even get a workout in together, I'm here for it.

Until next time,
David

David Downing
[email protected] | (713) 205-2455
Book a Call With Me