How we can help
One licensed, restaurant-experienced lending partner. Same-business-day response, same-day approval with 3 bank statements, and funding in 3–7 business days.
Check if my restaurant qualifies →Key takeaways
- Banks and SBA lenders are cheapest but slowest and the most selective with restaurants.
- Equipment finance companies and restaurant-focused lenders move faster and understand the industry.
- Always compare the total cost and payment frequency, not just the rate or factor.
Market overview
- Lender types
- Banks, SBA lenders, equipment finance cos., online lenders, MCA funders
- Fastest
- Online lenders and equipment finance companies
- Cheapest
- Banks and SBA lenders
- Most important question
- What's the total repayment amount?
Typical market ranges, not offers.
Types of restaurant lenders compared
| Lender type | Speed | Cost | Approval odds for restaurants | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community and national banks | Weeks | Lowest | Selective | Profitable, established restaurants |
| SBA lenders | Weeks–months | Low | Moderate | Startups, acquisitions, large projects |
| Equipment finance companies | Days | Moderate | Good | Kitchen and dining equipment |
| Restaurant-focused business lenders | Days | Moderate | Good | Working capital, remodels, growth |
| Merchant cash advance funders | 1–3 days | Highest | Easiest | True emergencies only |
Questions to ask any restaurant lender
- What is the total amount I'll repay, including all fees?
- How often are payments taken: daily, weekly, or monthly?
- Is there a prepayment penalty, or a discount for paying early?
- Is this a loan or a purchase of future receivables (cash advance)?
- What collateral and personal guarantee are required?
- Will you file a UCC lien, and on what?
- How fast can you fund, and what documents do you need?
How we work
We work with one licensed, restaurant-experienced lending partner, not a list of anonymous funders. Your request goes to a dedicated specialist who gets back to you the same business day, approval can come the same day once we have your 3 most recent bank statements, and funding typically takes 3–7 business days. You'll see your full cost before you sign. See our disclosures.
Compare your options with a specialist. No effect on your credit.
Get my numbersFrequently asked questions
What lenders finance restaurants?
Do banks lend to restaurants?
Sources
We cite primary sources: federal agencies, regulations, and official program rules. Rules vary by state and change over time.
General education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Loan programs, licensing rules, and lender requirements change and vary by state. Disclosures.