Funding for franchise restaurant operators. Initial fees, build-out, equipment, working capital. Across QSR, fast casual, and full-service franchises.
Restaurant franchising spans every category from quick service (McDonald's, Subway, Wendy's, Taco Bell) to fast casual (Chipotle franchises in select markets, Five Guys, Wingstop) to full-service (Applebee's, IHOP, Denny's, Outback). The franchise model has predictable economics, established systems, and brand recognition that drives traffic — but requires substantial capital for initial fees, build-out, and operations.
Prime Restaurant Capital funds franchise restaurant operators across most major brands. Funding includes initial franchise fees, build-out costs, equipment, training and grand opening costs, and working capital for operations. Funding ranges from $50K (smaller franchise with build-out support from franchisor) to $1M (large QSR or full-service builds).
Franchise fees vary widely by brand. Major QSR brands charge $25K-$60K initial franchise fee. Fast casual brands range $30K-$50K. Full-service brands $35K-$100K. Premium brands (some upscale concepts, established mid-scale chains) can charge $100K-$200K+ in initial fees.
Franchise build-outs are highly standardized — required equipment, finishes, and layouts per the franchise standards. QSR builds typically run $300K-$700K. Fast casual builds $400K-$800K. Full-service builds $700K-$1.5M. Smaller footprint formats (smaller QSRs, kiosks) can be $150K-$300K.
Most franchises require specific equipment from approved vendors. Franchisor often provides preferred financing relationships but franchisees can typically use independent financing for better terms. Equipment financing structures these costs over 36-60 months.
Franchise operations typically need 90-180 days of working capital reserve at opening — covering payroll, inventory, royalties (typically 4-8% of revenue), advertising fees (typically 2-4% of revenue), and rent until revenue stabilizes.
Frequently Asked
We fund the vast majority of major and mid-tier restaurant franchise brands. Some highly restricted brands have lender approval requirements we work within.
First-time franchisee funding is harder — most lenders prefer 12+ months operating history. We can help in some cases when you have substantial industry experience or strong personal financial profile.
$300K-$700K typically, depending on brand and build-out scope. Multi-unit operators often qualify for the higher end.
Yes. Refinancing existing franchise debt at better rates is one of the most common requests from established franchise operators.
Area development funding is more complex — typically structured as a multi-tranche facility releasing funds as each unit opens. Available for established multi-unit franchise operators.
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Operating restaurants doing $20K+/month qualify for $25K – $1,000,000. Apply in 5 minutes.
Approved on your revenue, not just your credit. Start your 1-minute application.
We are not a generic small-business lender. Prime underwrites restaurants only — and we fund the way you actually operate.
Every concept — full-service, fast-casual, bars, cafés, food trucks, catering, multi-unit. We read restaurant P&Ls, not generic templates.
Decision in as little as 4 hours, money wired in 24–48. Cover payroll, a broken walk-in, or a second-location window — now.
500+ FICO accepted. We underwrite on your bank deposits and sales, so steady revenue qualifies even after a bank says no.
Built only for restaurants. Approved on your deposits, not just your score. Funded in as little as 24 hours.