Restaurant loans are available and can be used to buy a restaurant. Whether growing an existing restaurant or starting a new restaurant, business loans can help finance the business venture. To qualify you’ll need to meet the requirements set forth by the lender, which can vary.
Qualifying for a business loan is much like qualifying for a personal loan, but the requirements are different and tend to be more strict (given that the loan amounts are usually larger). So, what will lenders look at and what steps can you take to prepare? Visit mySMBscore today to find out.
Banks can offer business loans for restaurants. Most banks offer a variety of lending products for businesses if they offer business banking and or lending services. Working with a bank you already have a relationship with or open accounts can be a positive. For one it allows you to do business with a source you’re familiar with and hopefully trust. Second, you may be able to expedite the application process as they have some of your information on record. Lastly, you may have a representative at the bank that you like to work with and understands your business. The potential downside here is failing to recognize there may be better offers out there. Furthermore, banks can have strict requirements. Explore your options and make informed financial decisions whenever possible.
In simple terms, restaurant business loans are any type of financing that helps provide funds to restaurants for a wide variety of business purposes. They can be used for things like payroll or equipment or for larger purchases like franchise fees or real estate. Some business loans are intended for a specific use while others can just be exclusive to business expenses or investments. Learn about the various loan types and consider your needs to choose the appropriate type of financing.
What a restaurant business loan can be used for depends on the loan and its restrictions, which can vary. Some common uses for general restaurant business loans include:
There are countless reasons restaurant owners might want or need to get financing. The important takeaway here is to always understand why you need the financing. If your restaurant is struggling financially, a loan is not a band aid. Loans are intended to foster growth. Take a close look at the financial position of your business and the opportunity a business loan presents before shopping offers. One common reason restaurant owners seek business loans is to solve cash flow challenges. If cash flow problems occur on a regular basis, consider a business line of credit. If you are trying to invest in a one-time activity that is going to cause cash flow problems, consider a term business loan. While these are just two examples and options, know there are many more out there. Do your research.
Fora Financial is a reputable online lender with a low minimum credit score requirement of only 500. For restaurant business owners with bad credit, a low minimum credit score requirement can equate to a better chance at qualifying. Fora Financial is best for business owners that need cash fast, might have trouble qualifying for other business loans, and are in pursuit of short-term financing. With loan amounts up to $1.5 million available and flexible repayment options, restaurant owners can access the cash they need. Plus, with application approvals in as little as 24 hours, you can go from the frying pan to the fire faster. The downside to Fora Financial is that they don’t report to major credit bureaus so there’s no opportunity to leverage a loan to build your credit score.
OnDeck is ideal for restaurant business owners in need of fast funding. With funding times as soon as 3 business days, you can turn up the heat and grow your business faster. Plus with lenient requirements, more business owners can qualify. Plus, OnDeck does report to major credit bureaus so business owners can leverage loans as a way to build credit. The downside to working with OnDeck is that loans require a personal guarantee and a general business lien. They also require daily or weekly payments which can put strain on cash flow.
Restaurants are a fun business venture. From food trucks to local restaurants, creating gourmet dishes and atmospheres that people love is a true art. However, failure rates are high for restaurants and so it can be challenging to qualify for startup business loans.
Fora Financial is a reputable lender for startup restaurant business loans. With many lenders requiring a minimum of two years in business, it can sometimes be hard to get a startup restaurant business loan. Fora Financial’s business loan only requires you to be in business for six months to receive funding of up to $1,400,000. Plus, with no collateral required it can be easier for startups to qualify. Fora Financial offers short term business loans and merchant cash advances. For businesses, like restaurants, that may experience inconsistent sales or revenues, merchant cash advances can be easier to qualify for. Merchant cash advances take a percent of sales rather than a fixed monthly payment. If you have any recent bankruptcies or lack sufficient sales, Fora Financial may not be the right lender to work with.
SBA loans are government-backed loans that restaurants can take advantage of if they qualify. While some industries are excluded from SBA loans, the food-service industry is not one of those. SBA loans are designed to help small businesses grow. If you can qualify for an SBA loan you can take advantage of competitive rates and flexibility. Prepare yourself though, the application process is time-consuming and strict. Checking your SMBscore before applying can help ensure your business credit is in as good of health as possible.
Restaurant business loans typically require good credit. When we say bad credit there’s the case that the business has a bad financial history and or the business owner does. Regardless, there may be ways around the bad credit, but if possible consider posting the business better financially before pursuing a loan. At mySMBscore, we can help restaurant owners determine ways to improve eligibility for a business loan using AI-driven technology. In a hurry? Create an account at mySMBScore and check personalized restaurant loan offers.
At the end of the day, running a profitable business is the main goal of every business owner. That’s no different when it comes to restaurants. On average, a full-service restaurant will have a profit margin between 3% to 5%, with a fast-casual restaurant netting a bit more between 6% and 9%.
The most profitable type of restaurant is usually a bar, which can get, on average, between 10% and 15% profit margin. Cheers to that!
There’s something about an ice cold beer or delicately crafted cocktail at a restaurant or bar that makes consumers want to pay up. And if it lives up to your expectations, it’ll be hard to turn down another. As a restaurant owner, put yourself in the seat of your customer to customize offerings and find the right price point.
On average, beverages have a profit margin of 60% to 70%, presenting the opportunity to profit tremendously.
It’s tough to calculate since it’ll depend on a lot of things like location, the size of the restaurant, and the overall design and concept. On average, it can cost between $95,000 all the way up to $2 million or more. That’s where getting a restaurant business loan can come in handy since many entrepreneurs don’t have that type of cash on hand to open a restaurant.
That depends on the type of business loan you are applying for. Some restaurant business loans require collateral (which makes them secured) while others do not. Backing a restaurant loan with collateral can help restaurant owners qualify but it can also increase the risk, especially if restaurant owners use personal assets.
Whether you're looking to open a new restaurant, expand your existing business, or simply need extra cash flow to cover operational costs, there are various types of restaurant business loans available to suit your needs.
It can help to consider what you need funds for and then back into the type of loan you feel is best based on description. If loan offers support your theory that you’ve chosen the right type of loan, you can proceed with confidence. If you run into speedbumps, go back to the drawing board.
Some common types of restaurant business loans include:
Restaurants need all the right equipment to prepare food. From freezers to fryers, you’ll need the right equipment to operate. Equipment financing is intended to help restaurant owners finance necessary equipment. It’s usually secured by the equipment purchased.
Restaurants rely on the ingredients that go into every meal. However, high inventory costs can cause cash flow strain. Restaurants can use a business line of credit to overcome cash flow challenges. Financing or not, consider investing in inventory management systems to help reduce waste. And, yes you can use financing for that too!
Traditional term business loans can be used for a variety of expenses. In most cases the lender will just require that the funds are used for business purposes. Restaurants could use a business term loan for inventory management systems, remodels, signage, marketing, marketing, and more.
Credit score requirements can vary depending on several factors. Factors can include, but are not limited to, the loan amount, the lender, or the type of loan. Keep in mind, lenders can take personal and business credit scores into account. Credit score can be among the factors a lender uses to determine the risk of the loan. Restaurant owners should visit mySMBscore to get an instant business credit score. We can help restaurant owners see their business the way lenders do, thus offering actionable insights. Utilize our platform to position your restaurant for a competitive business loan and find lenders that can help.
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