Restaurant small business loans, fast.

Apply for financing today to market your restaurant, remodel your space, cover seasonal fluctuations, or upgrade your equipment.

One application

75+ lenders

Multiple offers

We’re here to help you grow.

Flippin Flavors

MAY 2, 2022


Lendio is always there when I need…

Lendio is always there when I need funding and Jeff makes the entire process stress-free. Thank you so much for helping my restaurant so we can continue to grow.

Stephanie Jeanbaptiste

MAY 9, 2022


Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service, fast and reliable. Mitch cloward helped my small restaurant get the capital it needed. I truly appreciate it all.

Moni Tiatia

March 15, 2022


It’s the best lender company

Lendio was great, I had no clue it could be this easy to get funding. It was nice to see the different options and find one that worked out perfectly for our little restaurant. Bennett was amazing and didn’t force us into anything and found the PERFECT solution for us.

Lendio knows the restaurant business.

The restaurant industry is fast-paced, and you may start to feel the heat when you need capital to open, renovate, or expand your business. With Lendio, you can explore different financing structures to find the one that fits your company’s next big move. Use funds to:

Bridge seasonal slow-downs

Purchase supplies and materials

Upgrade equipment

Pay your staff

Invest in marketing

1. Tell us about your business.

Answer a few simple questions and complete the application in minutes.

2. Submit your application.

We’ll present your application to our marketplace 75+ lenders. Applying is free and won’t impact your credit score.

3. Compare offers.

Find the funding option with the terms that best fit your small business goals.

4. Get funded.

Once you accept, funding can hit your bank account in as little as 24 hours.

Your guide to restaurant financing.

What is a restaurant loan?

A restaurant loan is financing borrowed from a lender or other funder to help start or grow a restaurant business. While there isn’t a business loan type specific to restaurants, multiple types of funding are available to restauranteurs.

What are the requirements for a restaurant loan?

Each lender and financing type has its requirements. While some lenders may allow for a lower credit score based on higher monthly revenue and a few may have lower monthly revenue or time in business requirements, typical minimum requirements for financing start at:

  • A credit score minimum of 600 
  • Monthly revenue of $8,000 or more
  • In business for at least six months

Many lenders will also require collateral to secure the loan.

How can I use a restaurant loan?

A loan obtained by a restaurant can be used for both short-term operating expenses, as well as long-term growth opportunities. For instance, you may use the funds to cover payroll during slow periods or capital expenses like equipment, furniture, or a bathroom renovation. 

Renovations

A restaurant business loan could be the key to revamping your restaurant’s interior to attract new customers and keep regulars coming back for more.

Equipment upgrades

Stay ahead of your competition by using your loan to purchase the latest cooking equipment, improving efficiency, and delivering a superior dining experience.

Inventory expansion

A loan can allow you to introduce new menu items by investing in a wider range of ingredients and beverages.

Marketing and advertising

Use your loan to fund a vibrant marketing campaign, driving awareness and attracting more patrons to your restaurant.

Working capital

A restaurant business loan can also serve as a safety net for your daily operational costs. This includes utilities, salaries, lease payments, and other recurring expenses.

Opening a new location

Ready for expansion? A business loan can provide the capital necessary to open a new restaurant location.

How to evaluate a restaurant loan.

Before you jump into the financing world, it’s important to understand how to evaluate restaurant financing options to make the best decision for your business. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Identify your business needs

Before you start searching for loans, take a good look at your restaurant’s financial situation and determine how much funding you need. Consider what the loan will be used for and the expected return on investment. This will help you identify the type of loan and the amount that will best suit your business needs.

Step 2: Research lenders

There are various lenders that offer restaurant business loans, including banks, credit unions, online lenders, and alternative financing companies.

Navigating the world of restaurant business loans can be a daunting task, but Lendio is here to simplify the process. As a trusted online marketplace for small business loans, Lendio presents a one-stop solution that matches your unique needs with the most suitable lenders. By filling out a single application, you gain access to a network of more than 75 lenders.

Step 3: Evaluate loan terms

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential lenders, it’s important to carefully evaluate the loan terms. Consider factors such as interest rates, repayment schedules, and any additional fees or requirements. Make sure you fully understand the terms before signing on the dotted line.

Types of business loans for restaurants.

Revenue-based financing

Also known as a business cash advance or merchant cash advance, this type of financing uses your establishment’s expected revenue as collateral for restaurant funding.

TERM LENGTH

1-15 months
MAX LOAN AMOUNT

$1 million

Term loan

Get a lump sum to grow your business with a set interest rate and monthly payment. Term loans are offered by banks, credit unions and other online lenders.

TERM LENGTH

6 months-10 years
MAX LOAN AMOUNT

$2 million

SBA loan

An SBA loan is backed by the Small Business Association and offers some of the best interest rates. For those opening a franchise, our marketplace offers specific SBA franchise loans you can apply for.

TERM LENGTH

10-25 years
MAX LOAN AMOUNT

$5 million

Line of credit

Give your restaurant a financial safety net with a business line of credit. Like a credit card, you can borrow funds as you need them. So whether a commercial stove breaks or the space next door becomes available for an expansion, you’ve got the capital to get things done.

TERM LENGTH

6-24 months
MAX LOAN AMOUNT

Up to $250,000

Equipment financing

It takes a lot of equipment to get a restaurant up and running. With this financing option, the equipment you purchase serves as collateral. Plus, you can typically roll soft costs (Ex: taxes, delivery, and installation fees) into the loan.

TERM LENGTH

1-5 years
MAX LOAN AMOUNT

$5 million

FAQs

SBA loans for restaurants are backed by the government and can be a good source of funding if you don’t qualify for a traditional bank loan. The application process is generally longer and more intensive than an online business loan, but you may qualify for competitive rates. There are also options to finance commercial real estate if you want to own your restaurant buildings.

The three most popular types of SBA loans include:

  • SBA 7(a) loans: Used for working capital, refinancing existing debt, or the purchase of business assets.
  • SBA 504 loans: Used for fixed assets, including land, buildings, or equipment. 
  • SBA microloans: Ideal restaurant loans for startups and can be used for working capital, inventory, or equipment.

Yes, business loans can be used to acquire a restaurant. These loans provide financial assistance for purchasing existing businesses, including restaurants, and can cover costs such as the acquisition price, renovations, equipment, and working capital. By securing a business loan, entrepreneurs can leverage the financial support needed to acquire and grow their restaurant ventures successfully.

Compare loan options from multiple funders.

Applying is free and won’t impact your credit.
Talk to a rep at (855) 853-6346
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