How we can help
Working capital is what our program is built for: $5,000 to $1.5 million, fixed payments, and approval the same day once your bank statements are in.
Check if my restaurant qualifies →Key takeaways
- Working capital loans are underwritten mostly on your restaurant's monthly sales and bank deposits.
- Fixed-payment working capital loans are usually far cheaper than merchant cash advances.
- Use working capital for short-term needs that pay back quickly, not for 10-year projects.
Market overview
- Amounts
- $5,000 to $1.5 million
- Terms
- 6–36 months (fixed payments)
- Speed
- Same-day approval possible; funding in days
- Based on
- Monthly sales and bank deposits
Typical market ranges, not offers.
Top reasons restaurants need working capital
- Seasonal slowdowns. January, late summer, or whatever your slow season is, while rent and payroll stay the same
- Payroll gaps. Two payrolls in a month with slow weekends, or a big catering client paying in 30 days
- Emergency repairs. A dead walk-in, dish machine, or hood fan can't wait for a bank
- Food cost spikes. Protein and produce prices swing, and suppliers want to be paid on time
- Staffing up. Hiring and training before patio season, the holidays, or a new daypart
- Marketing pushes. Launching delivery, catering, or a new menu
- Tax bills. Sales tax and payroll tax deadlines that don't wait for a good week
- Opportunities. Taking over the space next door, a bulk buy, or a liquor license
Working capital options compared
| Option | How you repay | Speed | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term working capital loan | Fixed weekly or monthly payments | Days | Moderate |
| Line of credit | Only on what you draw | Days–weeks | Low–moderate |
| SBA 7(a) / SBA Express | Monthly, up to 10 years | Weeks | Lowest |
| Merchant cash advance | A cut of daily card sales | 1–3 days | Highest |
Merchant cash advances and restaurants
Because restaurants take so many card payments, cash advance companies target them heavily. An advance takes a percentage of every card sale until a fixed amount is repaid, and the effective annual cost is often far higher than a loan. If you already have one, a fixed-payment loan may replace it with lower, predictable payments.
Illustrative example: Covering a slow quarter
A 60-seat restaurant borrows $60,000 before its slow season to keep its kitchen team and cover rent. Repaid over 12 months at an assumed 18% APR, the payment is about $5,501/month, a planned, fixed cost instead of daily card-sale withdrawals.
Hypothetical scenario for illustration. Numbers are rounded and are not a quote or offer.
What you need for quick restaurant funding
- Your 3 most recent business bank statements (approval can come the same day once we have them)
- Restaurant open at least 30 days under your ownership
- About $17,000+ in monthly sales (cash and card)
- Personal credit around 575 or higher
Frequently asked questions
How fast can a restaurant get working capital?
Is a working capital loan better than a merchant cash advance?
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.