Table of Contents Toggle Can I Get a Loan for My Restaurant?Do You Need To Have Good Credit Before Starting Your Own Restaurant?How Much Money Should I Save Up Before Opening My Restaurant?How Long Does It Take To Open A Restaurant?How Do I Choose The Right Location?How Do I Find Good Employees?What Type of Restaurant Business Should Get a Business Restaurant Loan?What type of small business loan can you get for your restaurant?What Kind of Restaurants Do Well When Applying For Loans?What Types of Restaurant Loans Are Available? Personal SavingsBank LoansSmall Business LoansSBA LoansMerchant Cash AdvancesInventory FinancingEquipment LeasingBusiness PartnerVenture CapitalPotential InvestorsAngel InvestorsBusiness GrantsRetirement FundsFamily And FriendsHow Do I Know Which One Works Best For My Restaurant?How Can I Get a Loan For My Restaurant Today? Can I Get a Loan for My Restaurant? The first step toward getting a small business loan for restaurants is to find a lender who understands the restaurant industry. A lender who knows how to make a restaurant business loan to businesses in this sector. One who understands what makes a successful restaurant business tick. And one who understands the challenges faced by restaurateurs. The second step is to have an idea for a restaurant you are confident will succeed. You need to know exactly what you want to do and why. And you must also have a plan on how to achieve your goal. Do You Need To Have Good Credit Before Starting Your Own Restaurant? Yes! Having good credit is important. But not all restaurant loans require good credit. Some restaurants only need a minimum amount of money to get started. Others may require more than $1 million. If you do not have good credit, there are options to improve your credit score. One option for restaurant owners is to pay off their current debts. Another option is to work at a job where you earn a paycheck every two weeks. This allows you to meet the minimum credit score requirement. How Much Money Should I Save Up Before Opening My Restaurant? It depends on how much money you need to start your restaurant. You can start your restaurant immediately if you need less than $50,000. However, if you need more than $100,000, you might want to wait until you have more money. You must also consider how long you expect your restaurant to last. If you plan on opening your restaurant in one year, you’ll need to save more money. On the other hand, if you plan on opening your business after five years, you’ll need to spend less money. How Long Does It Take To Open A Restaurant? It takes anywhere from six months to two years to open a restaurant. Some people start working part-time while others work full-time. Either way, you’ll need to spend a lot of time building your brand and perfecting your recipes. The first thing you’ll need is a location. You can either buy or lease a space. Then, you’ll need to build a menu and hire staff. Once everything is ready, you’ll need to promote your new restaurant. How Do I Choose The Right Location? Choosing the right location is one of the biggest decisions in opening a restaurant. You should choose a place where there’s already a demand for your type of cuisine. You should also choose a location that’s close to other restaurants. This way, you can easily expand your business by offering catering services. How Do I Find Good Employees? Finding employees who fit well with your culture is important. You should look for people who are passionate about your product and are interested in learning more about your industry. You should also look for people who are reliable and trustworthy. You should interview potential employees to ensure they will be good team players. What Type of Restaurant Business Should Get a Business Restaurant Loan? A restaurant is a place where food is prepared and served to customers. Restaurants serve many different types of foods, from fast food restaurants to fine dining restaurants. The most common type of restaurant is a full-service restaurant which provides table services such as waiters, waitresses, chefs, cooks, bartenders, and bussers. A typical example of a full-service restaurant would be a steakhouse. Another type of restaurant is a buffet-style restaurant that serves only finger foods such as salads, sandwiches, appetizers, desserts, and beverages Buffet-style restaurants usually do not provide table services. A third type of restaurant is a carry-out restaurant which allows customers to pick up their order at the counter and pay cash. Carryout restaurants oftentimes offer contactless ordering and delivery. Food trucks are another type of restaurant. They are mobile food vendors that sell hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, pizza, and ice cream. Food trucks are typically located near busy areas like malls, parks, and college campuses. Restaurants are one of the largest industries in the world. In 2014 there were 6.2 billion meals eaten in restaurants around the world. Approximately 1 million new restaurants are open every year. This means that roughly 5 new restaurants are opening every second. According to Forbes magazine, in 2015, there was $1 trillion spent on eating out. Of this amount, $400 billion was spent in the United States alone. In 2020, 10 billion meals were eaten outside of the home. The number of people working in the restaurant industry is increasing. In 2010, there were 4.5 million people employed in the restaurant industry. That number increased to 5.3 million in 2012. However, the total employment numbers are expected to decrease slightly due to the increase in online ordering and delivery services. A good restaurant should have a great reputation among its customers, so if you want to open your own restaurant, then make sure you know what kind of restaurants get funding from banks. Several types of restaurants get funded, such as fine dining, fast food, and casual dining. If you plan to open a new restaurant, you must choose one of these three categories. The most popular category is fine dining because this type of restaurant is very expensive to run. In addition, many people like eating at fine dining restaurants. However, there are some disadvantages to opening a fine dining restaurant, such as having a long waiting list, limited seating capacity, and high prices. On the other hand, fast food restaurants require a capital investment. A wide range of initial investment requirements depends on the market niche and the chosen franchise name. Starting a franchise can cost anywhere from less than $10,000 to more than $5 million, but the average investment is between $50,000 and $75,000, or $180,000 to $220,000. Fast food restaurants include McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, etc. Casual dining restaurants are usually family-owned businesses that serve simple meals. Some examples of casual dining restaurants are Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Applebee’s, Chili’s, etc. If you plan to open a fast food restaurant, you should consider using a franchise model. Franchises are similar to buying a house. When you buy a house, you don’t build it yourself. Instead, you purchase a home from someone, and he/she builds it for you. Similarly, when you buy a franchise, you purchase a brand name, and the franchisor provides everything needed. If you decide to go into any of these three categories, you need to find out how to get funding for your restaurant. What type of small business loan can you get for your restaurant? You can use different methods to get funding for your business, including bank loans, SBA (Small Business Administration) loans, and crowdfunding. Bank loans are not necessarily the easiest way to get funding for your startup. Banks offer loans for small businesses, but you need to prove that you have enough money to repay the term loan, stellar credit, and assets to back up the loan. This means you need to show that you have a steady income source. Most banks give loans up to $250,000. Another option is applying for an SBA loan. An SBA loan is offered through the Small Business Administration. You just need to fill out an application form and submit it to the SBA. The approval process can be up to 90 days. The SBA will review your application and approve or deny it. You will receive funds directly deposited into your bank account if approved. Crowdfunding is another method of getting funding for your restaurant. Many startups are looking for investors online. Investors are individuals or companies that invest money in start-ups. A common example of crowdfunding is Kickstarter. People raise money by selling products or services online. Once the goal is reached, the investor receives his/her reward. What Kind of Restaurants Do Well When Applying For Loans? The most common types of restaurants that apply for loans are fast food restaurants, pizza delivery restaurants, Mexican restaurants, Chinese restaurants, Italian restaurants, sushi restaurants, and steak houses. These restaurants usually receive funding because they offer quick service, good customer service, and consistent quality. Also, if you own a franchise, this will help your chances of getting funded. What Types of Restaurant Loans Are Available? There are dozens of ways to finance your restaurant. All the loan types of financing have their advantages and disadvantages. The best way to choose which one works best for you is to research each type of loan. Make sure you know your personal credit score and business credit score before applying (if applicable). Personal Savings Pros: Personal savings allow you to save money before starting your business. You can put aside some money from your current salary into an account dedicated to your restaurant. If something happens to your restaurant, you still have money saved up. Cons: If you don’t have enough money saved up, you won’t be able to open your restaurant until you find another funding source. Bank Loans A bank loan for your restaurant is one of the most common financings available today. A bank loan is a financial instrument that allows businesses to borrow money from banks at competitive rates while providing flexible repayment options. Banks use this kind of funding because they know how much risk they take when lending money to a new borrower. They want to make sure their investment is protected. There are many different kinds of bank loans available for restaurants. Some of these include: • Commercial real estate loan – This type of loan is used to purchase real estate. The loan amount generally depends on the value of the property purchased. It is usually paid back through monthly payments. • Equipment loans – This bank loan is used to buy equipment such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, etc. The loan amount typically ranges from $5,000-$10,000. • Restaurant equipment leases – Restaurant equipment financing is often used to finance equipment costs. The restaurant owner then owns the leased equipment. Leases are usually paid off over a period of 3-6 months. • Working capital loans – Working capital loans are used to pay for inventory purchases, supplies, payroll, advertising, and other expenses that help keep the business running smoothly. Restaurants usually do not qualify for working capital loans unless they have been operating for several years and have a good track record of paying their bills. • Commercial mortgages – Commercial mortgages allow a business owner to borrow money against his/her home or commercial property. Commercial loans require collateral (i.e., something that belongs to the lender) to secure the loan. In some cases, a mortgage broker is involved. Pros: Banks make loans to businesses so they can help them grow. They want to see your future success. So they give you the money you need when you need it. Cons: Banks take time to process your loan applications. This may delay your opening date. Bank loans require collateral. Collateral is anything you own that can be used as security against a loan. In other words, if you default on your loan, the lender can take possession of your property. Be prepared with a business plan. Small Business Loans Small businesses do not always access traditional bank financing because they lack collateral or credit history. However, you may consider an online lender to help your business grow. The following list includes some of the most common small business loans from an alternative lender. Different types of business loans are available for different kinds of restaurants. The most common ones include bank loans, SBA loans, and merchant cash advances, to name but a few. There are many ways to finance your restaurant. You should consider how much money you want to borrow, what kind of collateral you plan to use, and whether you can afford to repay the loan. If you decide to take out a loan, understand the repayment conditions. Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing. SBA Loans If you own a small business, you’ve heard about the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA offers many types of loans to help you finance your business. These are government-backed loans. These include micro-loans and short-term loans designed to help you overcome a temporary financial crisis. Microloan programs are available at banks, credit unions, community development corporations, and other lending institutions. Another type of loan offered by the SBA is the 7(a) loan. This program provides low-interest loans to eligible borrowers who lack sufficient collateral. Finally, the 504 loan is a federal government program that provides a restaurant financing option to qualified small businesses. Pros: The SBA offers several types of loans to help small businesses get started. Cons: The SBA doesn’t lend directly to individuals; it lends to small businesses. However, the individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including credit. The application process can be lengthy. Merchant Cash Advances This option is the best way to get money fast when needed. However, be careful because there are many scammers out there who will try and take advantage of you. If you have been thinking about getting a merchant cash advance, now might be the time to do it. Merchant cash advances are also known as a working capital loan because they provide immediate access to cash. These are considered “alternative loans,” although they are not a loan in the traditional sense. This loan option is considered an unsecured business loan. A percentage of your daily receipts or batch will be withheld on any day (up to 7 days per week) you batch your receipts, which will be used to repay the loan. As a result, your payments vary or are variable from day to day. The term of the loan depends on your daily payments and the fluctuation in your cash flow. You can use these loans for equipment purchase, supplies, furniture, fixtures, software, marketing materials, and more. These items will help you run your restaurant better. A merchant cash advance is not like a traditional loan. Instead, you pay back the advance over time. You pay back at regular intervals, usually daily or weekly. For instance, if you get a $10,000 advance, you would pay back $10,000 plus a fixed fee or factor rate. This can range from 1.15 to 1.50. That means you’ll repay between $11,500 to $15,000. The amount of cash available is a reflection of your monthly revenues. The maximum loan amount is up to $2M. These restaurant financing options also allow for the most liberal credit approval. You can have bad credit and get approved. When you get this type of restaurant funding, you must agree to certain terms and conditions. Make sure you read all the fine print carefully. Also, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing. Once you decide this financing option works best for you, you can move forward with getting the cash in a few hours. Pros: Merchant cash advances are funding options with no fixed maturity. This business funding usually covers immediate expenses like payroll and rent. You pay more when you’re doing well and less if sales are slow. Cons: Merchant cash advances come with high-factor rates relative to a bank loan. Inventory Financing An inventory financing plan allows you to borrow against the value of your inventory. In return, you give up ownership of the goods. This is an excellent way to raise money quickly for your business. It’s especially helpful if you need to buy new equipment or expand your menu. The advantage of borrowing against your inventory is that you don’t have to wait for customers to pay their bills before you receive payment. You can immediately take out another loan against those proceeds if you sell products. The disadvantage of using inventory financing is that you may lose control of your inventory. Pros: Inventory financing is quick and easy. Cons: You may lose control of your stock. Equipment Leasing Leasing equipment is a smart way to finance your business. Equipment leasing companies offer flexible repayment options, allowing you to spread your costs over several years. Leasing companies typically charge a monthly lease fee. They also require you to sign a long-term contract. If you want to cancel early, you’ll owe a penalty. Most leases include maintenance fees. Some also include insurance coverage. Pros: Leases are simple. Cons: Lease agreements can be long-term Business Partner A business partner can be a past or present friend, co-worker, or someone you met through networking. This can be an individual or even a company that will play a role in owning and managing the business. The advantage of having a business partner is that he or she has experience running a similar business. A business partner can also bring valuable skills to the table. He or she may be able to offer advice, help you find customers, or manage your finances. However, there are some drawbacks to having a business partner. First, you may have to share ownership of the business. Second, you may need to split profits and losses. Third, you may have to give up control of the business. Finally, you may have to work harder than you normally would. Pros: Having a business partner helps you avoid making mistakes. It’s easier to learn from someone else’s experiences. Cons: Business partners often don’t have the same level of commitment as the restaurant owners. They may only invest their time and energy into the business when it suits them. Venture Capital VC funding is long-term investment money provided by venture capitalists who want to see a return on their money. Venture capitalists are looking for businesses that have the potential to grow large enough to generate significant returns. They provide funds to start new companies or expand existing ones. Venture capitalists typically look for businesses that have already proven themselves and have a good chance of succeeding. Pros: Venture capital gives entrepreneurs access to resources they wouldn’t otherwise have. Cons: Venture capitalists expect a lot out of their investments. They may walk away from the deal if you fail to meet expectations. Potential Investors The potential investor is an individual or company that will take a percentage of equity in your company in exchange for financial considerations. Typically, they want at least 51% of the equity to maintain control over your decisions. They probably will not play a role in the actual operations of the business. Pros: Potential investors can help you raise additional capital. They can also provide expertise and connections to other investors. Cons: Potential investors may demand too much equity. If you don’t have enough equity, you won’t be able to borrow any more money. Angel Investors The angel investor is the cross between your family and friends and the investor. They are likelier to get involved with entrepreneurs and startups than venture capitalists. The venture capitalist will pool other individuals’ money while the angel investor uses their personal financial resources. Angel investors usually provide less than 50% of the total amount needed to fund a project. Pros: Angels are willing to put their money where their mouth is. They are often more flexible about how much equity they require. Cons: Angels are riskier than venture capitalists because they put their money on the line. You may not be able to get the full amount of funding Business Grants Business grants are government programs designed to support small businesses. Many types of grants are available, including those for research and development, marketing, training, and education. Some grants are awarded based on the business size, and others are given to specific industries. Pros: Government grants are free money. Cons: The Grant application process is competitive. You must compete against hundreds of other applicants. Retirement Funds Using your retirement saving to fund your business is called “retirement planning.” It’s a great way to finance your dream without having to worry about making payments every month. However, there are some things you need to consider before using your retirement savings to fund your business. Pros: Retirement plans offer tax advantages. Cons: Using your retirement plan to fund your business means you’ll lose the benefits of compound interest. Family And Friends If you’re looking for outside financing, asking your family and friends for help might make sense. While this type of financing isn’t as formalized as traditional lending, it does allow you to tap into your network of contacts. Your family members and friends may be willing to invest in your idea, but they may not be interested in taking part in the day-to-day management of the business. You should ask family members and friends for as little money as possible. However, you should also remember that they may not be willing to lend you any money. You should only ask for money if you need it. If you get money from family and friends, you should pay them back as soon as possible. This way, they’ll feel like their investment was worth it. Pros: Family and friends can be very helpful when starting out. Cons: Family and friends may not be able to give you the same level of guidance as professional advisors. How Do I Know Which One Works Best For My Restaurant? You need to figure out which financing options work best for your restaurant. Most business owners can’t afford to wait for traditional lenders because they require large amounts of paperwork, financials, tax returns, personal guarantees, collateral, and high credit. The restaurant business is easily one of the most popular small businesses. You need to work with a restaurant lender like Sunwise Capital. You can get access to capital with favorable rates and no collateral requirements. The key to getting Restaurant Business Loans from Sunwise Capital is much easier compared to a bank loan. Many entrepreneurs and business owners of all sizes do not know where to go when traditional banks cannot fund their requests. Sunwise Capital has provided alternatives to any small to medium-sized restaurant business looking beyond typical bank restaurant financing, loans, and credit lines to find the right solution for each customer’s requirement. We understand your business and work with you to help you move forward. Our successful restaurant loans, coupled with expertise in the small to medium-sized business market, give us deep insight into the minds of our clients. We offer flexible terms with our restaurant business financing. How Can I Get a Loan For My Restaurant Today? Look no further than Sunwise Capital if you’re considering a small business loan for your restaurant. Depending on your restaurant‘s revenue, time in business, and credit, we offer loans to eligible businesses ranging from $10,000 to $2 million. And because we guarantee the lowest rates, flexible repayment terms, and fast approvals, you have nothing to worry about when applying for a loan. Apply online now.