As a restaurant owner, you’ll need cash to keep your business running. Here’s how to find the best restaurant financing options.
When you’re looking to cook up some hot meals and get paid for it, you’ll need to plan out your restaurant in detail from start to finish. Part of that plan may include financing.
If you’re trying to get restaurant financing, it’s important that you research lenders and choose as many options as possible.
Whether you want to simply reach out to the bank you already use or explore other options, follow the strategies below.
Look Around Your Current Accounts and Networks for Restaurant Financing
To get the most from your restaurant financing, start with what you have. Too many people looking to start businesses make the mistake of worrying about the money they’re seeking, instead of tapping into their current network.
For instance, if you have an interest-bearing account that’s been growing money little by little, starting a restaurant might be a great reason to make a withdrawal. If you believe in your new business idea, the best thing you can do is put your own money behind it.
Aside from dipping into your own reserves, seek out people in your network that might be able to help.
Do you have a relative that can front you some of the cash? This allows you to get much better terms since a loved one might not charge you interest and may be more lenient with the payback period.
By starting with the network that you deal with regularly, you may have access to more money than you otherwise would have thought. Always do your research and leave no stone unturned when you’re trying to get the initial funding.
Build a Food Brand and Start Small
While it’s very possible to go the route of traditional funding when opening a restaurant, some have a more difficult path than others. If this is you, it doesn’t mean you should give up, it just means you need to be more enterprising in your approach.
Today, non-traditional methods of business are taking off like wildfire.
For instance, what if you started a food brand on YouTube and generated a following that way? By selling recipe books, consultations, and ad space, you’ll be able to you generate the money you need. This could help you get a better restaurant loan or you could fund it yourself completely.
Anything is possible in a Web 2.0 world, so definitely don’t limit yourself without exploring every option in front of you.
Food trucks also are more popular than ever and not only in big cities.
Consider doing a scaled-down version of the restaurant to give people a taste of what it’s going to be like. Put together your branding and recipes and scale it down to a food truck operation.
Set up shop in places of high foot traffic. This could be workplaces and municipal buildings. Put your website and social media information all over the truck and start to grow your following organically.
By starting small with a truck and good branding, you’ll be well on your way to finding restaurant financing before you know it.
Seek a Restaurant Loan and Understand the Terms
When you’re seeking a restaurant loan, it’s important that you do a lot of research first.
Know what’s on your credit report and where your score stands. This will let you seek the best financing without your interest rates getting out of control.
Do your best to find lenders that have a successful track record setting up successful businesses in your area. By speaking to a few lenders and reading through the contract thoroughly, you’ll go in with your eyes open.
In addition to traditional loan options, make sure that you also explore line of credit products. Many lenders also provide lines of credit, so go through the terms to decide what’s best for your restaurant idea.
Have Your Business Plan Together
You’re better able to find the lending that you want when your business plan is laid out. Whether you take the crowdfunding approach or get a traditional loan, anyone giving you money will want to know in detail what you intend to do with it.
A diligently laid out business plan will help you explain your business. It will include your branding and theme, exactly what equipment you need, and what you’ll do with every cent. Because of this, make sure that you have a dynamite presentation based on a sound idea.
What sets your restaurant apart? How will you serve your public in a way that is different from other restaurants? Answering this requires some research and savvy on your part.
For instance, since plant-based food sales increased by 8% recently, having vegan options on your menu might allow for growth. Having a jackfruit sandwich option at your BBQ restaurant would be a great idea and should be detailed in any business plan.
Your plan needs to be a mix of practicality and progression to let any lenders or supporters clearly see your vision.
Plan Your New Restaurant Venture Accordingly
Whether you’re trying to open a coffee shop or a seafood joint, it takes some great planning on your part. Before you can open your doors, you must find the best restaurant financing options available to you.
By reaching out to lenders or otherwise getting your hands on financing, you can start to execute the plans that you’ve hashed out.
The tips in this article teach you a bit about getting a traditional restaurant loan, in addition to other funding options. Touch base with our lenders today to find out how we can help fund your dream restaurant.