Why Restaurant Operators Often Have Imperfect Credit
Restaurant operators often have credit hits from past concept failures, partner buyouts, divorces, or hurricane-driven cash crunches — none predict future restaurant performance. We underwrite on what your restaurant generates today, not what your FICO score implies.
Funding by FICO Tier
- 500-579: $25K-$100K initial, higher cost, refinance after 6-12 months
- 580-619: $25K-$500K, more program options
- 620-679: All restaurant programs available
- 680+: Premium pricing
What Bad-Credit Restaurant Operators Should Avoid
- Stacking applications across multiple lenders simultaneously
- Hard credit pulls without confirmed approval
- Factor rates above 1.55
- Brokers refusing to disclose total dollar cost
- Upfront fees before approval
Refinancing Path for Restaurants
Start with a smaller program ($25K-$100K), repay clean for 6-12 months, refinance into larger lower-cost product. Most restaurant operators see meaningful pricing improvement on the second program.