Equipment Financing for Restaurants
That commercial range costs $15,000 but would transform your kitchen productivity. A new walk-in cooler runs $12,000 but the current one is dying. Equipment financing preserves the working capital you need for payroll and inventory while building the kitchen your restaurant requires.
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Restaurant Equipment Economics
Commercial kitchens require expensive, specialized equipment. Smart equipment decisions directly impact food quality, service speed, and operational efficiency.
Equipment Cost Reality
Commercial range: $3,000-$20,000. Walk-in cooler: $5,000-$15,000. Commercial dishwasher: $3,000-$15,000. Hood system: $5,000-$25,000. Quality kitchen equipment represents major investment.
Equipment ROI
Better equipment improves food quality, service speed, and energy efficiency. A $10,000 combi oven can reduce labor and improve consistency, paying for itself through operational gains.
Useful Life
Commercial kitchen equipment lasts 10-15 years with proper maintenance. Refrigeration runs 10-12 years. Financing over equipment life matches payments to productive use.
Section 179 Benefits
Restaurant equipment purchases may qualify for Section 179 deduction, allowing full cost deduction in the purchase year. Financed equipment qualifies. Consult your accountant.
The Restaurant Equipment Challenge
Commercial kitchens require significant equipment investment. Financing preserves operating capital.
Cash vs. Equipment Needs
Purchasing a $25,000 commercial range outright depletes working capital needed for payroll and inventory. But kitchen efficiency demands better equipment.
Emergency Replacements
Walk-in cooler dies Thursday. Product is at risk. You need immediate replacement, not 3 weeks of bank processing.
Growth Equipment Needs
Expanding capacity requires kitchen upgrades. Each seat added needs proportional kitchen investment.
Health Code Compliance
Hood systems, refrigeration, and sanitation equipment must meet code. Failure is not an option.
Technology Updates
Modern POS systems, online ordering integration, and kitchen display systems improve operations.
Multiple Equipment Needs
Complete kitchen buildout requires many pieces. Cash purchasing everything is impractical.
Restaurant Equipment Financing Process
From application to equipment deployment, most financing completes quickly.
Application
Complete online application with business information and equipment details. Provide dealer quote.
10 minutes
Credit Decision
We evaluate business financials, equipment value, and deal structure. Most decisions within 24-72 hours.
1-3 days
Documentation
Sign financing agreement and provide equipment invoice from your vendor.
Same day
Funding & Installation
Funds released to dealer. Coordinate equipment delivery and installation.
1-3 days
Finance Equipment, Preserve Working Capital
Equipment financing structures payments across equipment useful life while keeping working capital available for operations. The equipment itself secures the financing, often enabling approval even with credit challenges.
100% Financing Available
Finance the full equipment cost including installation for qualified businesses. No large down payment required.
Terms to 60 Months
Spread payments across equipment useful life. 5-year terms match typical commercial kitchen equipment longevity.
Equipment as Collateral
The restaurant equipment secures the financing. No need to pledge additional business assets.
New and Used
Finance brand new equipment from dealers or certified refurbished equipment. Terms may vary by equipment age.
Fast Approvals
Equipment emergencies do not wait. Get approval in 24-72 hours, not weeks.
Tax Benefits
Financed equipment may qualify for Section 179 deduction and depreciation benefits. Consult your accountant.
Restaurant Equipment Financing Scenarios
Common situations where equipment financing helps restaurants.
Cooking Equipment
Commercial ranges, ovens, grills, fryers, and cooking stations. Core kitchen production equipment.
Typical funding: $10K-$75K
Refrigeration
Walk-in coolers, reach-in refrigerators, freezers, and cold storage. Essential food safety equipment.
Typical funding: $8K-$30K
Hood Systems
Ventilation, exhaust, and fire suppression systems. Code-required for commercial kitchens.
Typical funding: $10K-$35K
POS Systems
Modern point-of-sale, kitchen display, and ordering technology.
Typical funding: $10K-$40K
Dishwashing
Commercial dishwashers, sanitization equipment, and ware washing systems.
Typical funding: $8K-$25K
Kitchen Buildout
Complete kitchen equipment package for new location or major renovation.
Typical funding: $75K-$250K
Equipment Financing vs. Alternatives
Understanding your options for acquiring restaurant equipment.
| Feature | Equipment Financing | Cash Purchase | Equipment Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Required | 0-10% down | 100% | First payment |
| Ownership | At term end | Immediate | Return or buyout |
| Working Capital Impact | Preserved | Depleted | Preserved |
| Tax Treatment | Sec 179 + Interest | Sec 179 | Operating expense |
| Build Equity | ✓ | ✓ | Depends on terms |
| Upgrade Path | Trade-in | Sell | Return |
| Total Cost | Moderate | Lowest | Often higher |
| Best For | Ownership goal | Strong cash | Rapid upgrade |
Restaurant Equipment Financing Requirements
Equipment financing often has flexible requirements because the equipment provides collateral.
Business History
Established restaurant with operating history.
6 months - 1 year preferred
Owner Credit
Owner credit reviewed as part of decision. Higher scores access better rates.
580+ for most approvals
Business Revenue
Revenue sufficient to support payment amounts. Card processing volume considered.
Supports payment level
Equipment Type
Standard commercial kitchen equipment from recognized manufacturers.
Mainstream equipment
Down Payment
Zero down available for strong credits. 10-20% may be required otherwise.
0-20% depending
Equipment Source
Dealers, manufacturers, and established restaurant equipment sellers.
Reputable sources
Equipment financing decisions weight equipment value heavily. Equipment collateral enables approval for restaurants that might not qualify for unsecured financing.
Real Results
Bella Cucina
Italian Restaurant, Boston MA
The Challenge
Bella Cucina needed to replace an aging commercial range ($18,000) and add a combi oven ($15,000) to improve kitchen efficiency. Cash reserves were committed to summer inventory and seasonal staffing.
The Solution
We bundled $33,000 in equipment financing over 48 months with the equipment as collateral. Monthly payments of $850 were easily supported by restaurant operations.
The Result
New equipment improved kitchen efficiency by 25%. Food consistency improved. The combi oven reduced prep labor significantly. Equipment payments are fraction of the operational gains.
“The old range was costing us in inconsistency and repairs. The new equipment transformed our kitchen. Equipment financing meant we could upgrade without touching cash reserves.”
Restaurant Equipment Data
Industry statistics informing equipment investment decisions.
Restaurant Equipment Financing Advantages
Strategic benefits beyond simple cash preservation.
Kitchen Efficiency
Better equipment improves speed, consistency, and quality. Finance the upgrade.
Emergency Response
Refrigeration and critical equipment failures need immediate solutions.
Code Compliance
Finance hood systems, sanitation equipment, and code-required upgrades.
Predictable Payments
Fixed monthly payments replace large capital outlays. Budget with certainty.
Bundling Flexibility
Combine multiple equipment pieces into single financing. One payment, complete upgrade.
Technology Updates
Modern POS and kitchen technology improve operations and customer experience.