The only reason i had one of my rich Merchant Sims buy a restraraunt (He bought the One-Twenty-Five) was to give a secluded place for my other sims to go to on dates. As it's currently only a Rank 2 Business, there are very few other customers to get in the way. Hired 3 employees who had decent skills then the owner never touched that business again.
Another side benefit is it seems Mrs. Crumblebottom seems to be on the lot alot less than before. Maybe my imagination but then i prefer my imagination over RL sometimes.