Media Credit: Dave Martinez Red Agave's Mexican-American cuisine and stylish decor was highlighted in Eugene Weekly's annual restaurant guide. Restaurant owners Katie Brown and Sarah Willis expect a smooth transition to the potential new owners. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Dave Martinez Red Agave is one of four Eugene restaurants put up for sale by owners Katie Brown and Sarah Willis. Brown and Willis are selling the restaurants as they are and do not expect any drastic changes. [Click to enlarge]

Although four popular Eugene restaurants are for sale, diners shouldn't take notice. The current owners are hoping for a smooth transition to potential new owners.

Restaurant owners Katie Brown and Sarah Willis surprised the Eugene dining community when they put their four restaurants - Red Agave, El Vaquero, Asado Latin Bistro and Zendo Café - on the market recently.

Brown and Willis are trying to sell the restaurants to spend more time with family, said Brian Hebb, operations manager of The Agave Group.

The owners also want to start a new venture, but the company is releasing few details.

"It will certainly draw from the roots defined in their restaurants," Hebb said.

The sale will likely not affect customers or employees.

"We're selling each one of these as concept - just how we opened it," Hebb said. "Because of their success, I think it's unlikely that anyone would make any major changes."

In the meantime, Hebb said the restaurants will operate as usual.

"People shouldn't experience any change," Hebb said. "We're going to be running these to our highest standards."

Brown and Willis opened Red Agave on Willamette Street six years ago to much success. They opened El Vaquero at the Fifth Street Public Market in 2005, Asado Latin Bistro about a year ago at 29th Avenue and Willamette Street and Zendo Café last year.

Hebb said the restaurants attract different crowds, including University students, faculty and staff.

"Each of them offers a unique experience you're not going to get anywhere else in town," Hebb said. "The quality is there - certainly in the food and the drinks."

The group's restaurants are being sold individually.

After the recent announcement of the sale, potential buyers have shown interest in the restaurants, Hebb said.

"We're delighted by how many people have contacted us with serious interest in one or more of the restaurants," Hebb said. "At this point though, nothing is for certain."

If one fails to sell, The Agave Group will keep it open as is.

"Although we'd like to start our new venture without owning them, we're still committed to keeping them open," Hebb said. "There's no reason to close a good business."

Potential buyers should have restaurant experience, Hebb said.

For more information on buying one of the restaurants, those interested can visit www.redagavegroup.com.

tdavis@dailyemerald.com

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