Buy a Liquor Store in Colorado Springs, CO

The Colorado Springs Liquor Market

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in Colorado with close to 483,000 residents and a median household income of $83,198. That combination, a large population with solid purchasing power, creates a stable consumer base for liquor retail.

Colorado is a license-control state, meaning the state sets the rules on who can sell alcohol and how many licenses are available. That regulatory friction works in a buyer's favor. A liquor store with an existing license is worth more than just its cash flow. The license itself represents a real barrier to entry.

As of Q1 2026, there are approximately 7 active liquor store listings in Colorado at the state level, with asking prices ranging from $99,995 to $699,995. The spread is wide because this category includes everything from small neighborhood shops to higher-volume stores with established wholesale accounts.

How Much Does a Liquor Store Cost in Colorado Springs?

A 2.5x multiple is well inside the SBA sweet spot of 3x to 5x EBITDA. That means these deals carry relatively low financing risk, assuming the cash flow is real and verifiable.

Here is what a typical deal at the median looks like:

These are rough estimates based on Q1 2026 market data. Actual terms depend on individual qualification and lender.

A 2.1x DSCR is solid. It clears the 2x target and gives meaningful buffer above the 1.5x floor.

Note that the average multiple listed in the data is 2.5x, but the table above reflects the actual median asking price divided by median cash flow, which works out closer to 3.75x. Both figures are accurate because individual listings vary. Some stores are priced below 3x and some above. The average multiple reflects the midpoint across the deal mix.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Colorado Springs Liquor Store?

The single most important thing to verify is revenue. Colorado liquor stores are required to track sales by the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations. That means there is a paper trail. Ask for state excise tax returns and reconcile them against the seller's profit and loss statements.

If the numbers do not line up, walk away.

Beyond revenue verification, focus on these factors:

License type and transferability. Colorado liquor licenses are issued by the state and the local municipality. Confirm the license is transferable and that there are no violations on record. The transfer process takes time, typically 30 to 90 days, and must be factored into your closing timeline.

Lease terms. A liquor store is only as good as its location. A store doing $120K in cash flow on a lease expiring in 12 months with no renewal option is a problem. Confirm lease length, renewal options, and whether the landlord will consent to an assignment.

Inventory value. Liquor store acquisitions typically include inventory, which is often priced separately or added on top of the business purchase price. Clarify what is included in the asking price and negotiate accordingly. SBA loans can include inventory under certain conditions, but there are limits.

Customer concentration. A store relying heavily on one nearby anchor (a sports venue, a military base, a large apartment complex) carries event risk. Understand the revenue mix before committing.

Colorado Springs has a large active-duty and veteran population tied to Fort Carson, NORAD, and Peterson Space Force Base. That demographic tends to be a steady consumer base, but it also means some stores see volume swings tied to deployments and base activity.

Can You Get SBA Financing to Buy a Liquor Store in Colorado?

The seller note on full standby is a key part of the structure. It means the seller receives no payments during the 10-year SBA loan term, which keeps annual debt service manageable and protects DSCR.

Getting a seller to agree to a full standby note takes negotiation. Regalis Capital achieves full standby terms on more than 90% of deals. It is not the default position most sellers start with, but it is achievable with the right framing.

One additional note: SBA financing for liquor stores can attract more lender scrutiny than some other categories because of the regulated nature of the industry. Working with a lender experienced in Colorado liquor license transfers matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to buy a liquor store in Colorado Springs?

As of Q1 2026, the median asking price for a Colorado Springs area liquor store is $450,000. The range across active Colorado listings runs from under $100,000 for small or underperforming stores to close to $700,000 for higher-volume operations. Pricing typically reflects a 3x to 4x multiple of annual cash flow.

What is the typical cash flow for a liquor store in Colorado Springs?

Median cash flow for liquor stores in this market is approximately $120,000 per year based on Q1 2026 listing data. That figure represents seller discretionary earnings as reported by brokers, which can include add-backs. A conservative buyer should apply a 15% to 30% discount to broker-stated SDE when modeling actual post-acquisition cash flow.

Does the Colorado liquor license transfer with the business?

The license does not transfer automatically. In Colorado, a liquor license is tied to the individual licensee and the specific location. The buyer must apply for a new license or a transfer of ownership through the state and local licensing authority. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days and requires background checks and approval from the local municipality.

How long does it take to close on a liquor store acquisition in Colorado?

Most SBA-financed liquor store acquisitions in Colorado take 60 to 120 days from signed letter of intent to close. The liquor license transfer process is usually the rate-limiting step. Buyers should not assume a 30-day close is realistic in this state.

What is the minimum cash required to buy a liquor store with SBA financing?

The SBA requires a minimum 10% equity injection, structured as 5% buyer cash and 5% seller note on full standby acting as equity. On a $450,000 deal, the buyer cash requirement is roughly $22,500 at closing. Buyers should also budget for due diligence costs, legal fees, and working capital, which typically add another $10,000 to $25,000.

Ready to Evaluate a Liquor Store Acquisition in Colorado Springs?

Regalis Capital's deal team reviews 120 to 150 acquisition opportunities per week. If you are considering buying a liquor store in Colorado Springs, we can help you assess current listings, model deal economics, structure financing, and manage the process through close.

The license transfer process in Colorado adds complexity that generic acquisition advisors often underestimate. We have worked through state-level license transfer timelines and know what lenders want to see on regulated retail deals.

If this is something you are seriously considering, start with a deal assessment: https://resource.regaliscapital.com/deal