Restaurant financing, questions answered.
Straight answers on approvals, structures, credit, and how we finance what banks won’t. Don’t see your question? Ask us directly.
Can you finance my build-out, not just the equipment?
Yes — that’s our specialty. Equipment leases cover the hard assets like the line and coolers; SBA 7(a) or working-capital programs cover the build-out, which isn’t collateral a bank can repossess. We package both.
What’s the difference between equipment and build-out financing?
Equipment — refrigeration, cooking line, dishwashers — is movable collateral a lender can finance directly and quickly. Build-out (plumbing, electrical, flooring, walls, permits) has little resale value, so it needs an SBA loan or working capital rather than an equipment lease.
I’m a first-time restaurant owner. Can I get financed?
The equipment side is very doable with strong personal credit and a collateral-first structure. For the full build-out, an SBA package is usually the path for a first location — we’ll walk you through what’s required.
Is a merchant cash advance ever a good idea?
Rarely. The effective cost of an MCA is often punishing and can sink a thin-margin restaurant. Before you sign one, let us show you SBA and working-capital options that usually cost a fraction.
Can you finance a food truck or ghost kitchen?
Yes. These lower-capital formats are often easier and faster to finance than a full build-out, and they’re a growing part of what we do.
What is SBA 7(a) and why does it matter for restaurants?
The SBA 7(a) program is a government-backed loan that can wrap your build-out, equipment, and opening working capital into one longer-term loan with a lower down payment — the workhorse product that makes ground-up restaurants financeable.
Do franchises get better terms?
Often, yes. Proven franchise concepts qualify for franchisor preferred-lender programs with faster approvals and better structures than an independent startup.
Do you finance used restaurant equipment?
Yes — used and refurbished kitchen equipment qualifies, and it generally still qualifies for Section 179 and bonus depreciation.
How much of a down payment will I need?
It varies. Established operators adding equipment may need little to none; first-time owners and SBA build-out loans typically require a meaningful down payment. We’ll give you a realistic picture up front.
The Restaurant sell sheet
A print-ready one-pager covering the equipment we finance, our structures, and the 2026 tax advantage — ideal to share, email, or leave behind.
Write off the kitchen while SBA carries the build-out
Deduct up to $2.56M of kitchen equipment in 2026 under Section 179 with 100% bonus depreciation — new or used — while an SBA package handles the leasehold improvements equipment lenders won’t.
2026 federal limits. Section 179 is capped by taxable income; bonus depreciation is not. Confirm specifics with your tax advisor.
One package. The kitchen, the build-out, opening day.
Tell us about your space and concept. We’ll show you how to fund all of it.