Restaurant Equipment Finance

We finance all commercial kitchen and hospitality equipment including cooking equipment (ovens, ranges, grills, fryers, char-grills, woks, salamanders), refrigeration (walk-in cool rooms, commercial fridges and freezers, display units), food preparation equipment (commercial mixers, slicers, food processors, benches, sinks), dishwashing equipment (commercial dishwashers, glasswashers, pre-rinse stations), coffee equipment (commercial espresso machines, grinders, brewers), POS systems and technology, furniture (tables, chairs, bar stools, outdoor settings), and bar equipment (beer taps, glass fridges, ice machines, bottle displays). We also finance complete venue fit-outs including signage, lighting, and audio systems. Loan amounts range from $5,000 for individual equipment pieces to $500,000+ for complete restaurant or franchise fit-outs.

Yes, we regularly finance complete hospitality venue fit-outs for new restaurants, cafes, bars, and food businesses. We can bundle all equipment (kitchen, refrigeration, coffee, POS), furniture (tables, chairs, outdoor), fit-out costs (plumbing, electrical, exhaust canopy), and even initial stock into one comprehensive loan. Typical cafe fit-outs range from $60,000 to $150,000, restaurant kitchens $80,000 to $300,000, and bars/pubs $100,000 to $400,000. For startup venues, expect to provide 25-35% deposit and demonstrate hospitality experience, solid business plan, and secured venue lease. Established hospitality operators expanding to new locations typically need 20-30% deposit. We can structure chattel mortgage or hire purchase depending on your tax position.

Yes, we finance food truck fit-outs and mobile food businesses. This includes equipment fit-out inside the vehicle (cooking equipment, fridges, generators, POS, water systems), but not the vehicle itself (that would be a vehicle loan). Food truck equipment packages typically range from $20,000 to $100,000 depending on cuisine type and fit-out complexity. Lenders want to see: (1) the vehicle is owned or on a secure lease, (2) you have hospitality experience and required licenses/permits, (3) confirmed trading locations or events, and (4) 25-35% deposit for startups. Established food truck operators adding second trucks can access better rates (8-11% p.a.) and lower deposits. Mobile coffee carts and smaller setups ($10k-$30k) can also be financed.

Yes, we have specialized franchise finance packages for major hospitality franchises including McDonald's, Subway, Domino's, Gloria Jean's, Michel's Patisserie, Red Rooster, Nando's, and all major QSR (quick service restaurant) brands. Franchise fit-outs typically require $150,000 to $500,000+ covering all equipment, signage, furniture, and initial stock as specified by the franchisor. Lenders view franchise finance favorably because of proven business models and franchisor support — this means better rates (7-10% p.a.) and potentially lower deposits (20-30%) compared to independent restaurants. You'll need to provide the franchise agreement, franchisor approval, and demonstrate sufficient working capital. Some franchisors have preferred lender relationships that we can leverage for better terms.

This depends on your budget, venue type, and equipment category. New commercial kitchen equipment offers warranties (typically 1-3 years), latest technology, better energy efficiency, and easier finance approval (lower rates and deposits). Used equipment can save 40-60% compared to new and is ideal for startups with limited capital. However, used commercial equipment has risks: no warranties, potential breakdowns, higher maintenance costs, and harder to finance (expect 25-35% deposits and rates 2-3% higher). For critical items (refrigeration, ovens), new is generally recommended to avoid breakdowns that halt operations. For furniture, smaller items, and non-essential equipment, used can be excellent value. Reputable commercial kitchen equipment dealers offer certified used equipment with limited warranties.

Deposit requirements vary by venue status and equipment. Established restaurants and cafes with 2+ years trading typically need 15-25% deposit for new equipment packages. Startup venues usually need 25-35% deposit even for new equipment due to the higher failure rate in hospitality. Used equipment requires 25-35% deposit regardless of business age. Complete venue fit-outs ($200k+) for startup businesses may require 30-40% deposit. Franchise packages often have lower deposit requirements (20-30%) due to proven business models. If you're upgrading equipment and trading in old items, the trade-in value counts toward deposit. Some equipment suppliers offer vendor finance for part of the package, reducing your deposit requirement.

Restaurant and cafe equipment finance rates typically range from 7% to 14% p.a. depending on venue type and business strength. Established hospitality businesses with 2+ years trading and consistent profitability get the best rates (7-10% p.a.). Startup venues expect 10-14% p.a. due to higher risk in the hospitality industry. Franchise packages often attract better rates (7-11% p.a.) because of proven business models. Your rate depends on: business trading history, credit profile, deposit size (20%+ is ideal), equipment type and age (new vs used), and venue type (established restaurant vs startup cafe). We shop your application across specialist hospitality equipment lenders to find the best rate for your venue.

It's very challenging to finance a restaurant or cafe startup without hospitality experience. Lenders know the restaurant failure rate is high (approximately 60% fail within 3 years), and operators with no industry experience face even higher risk. However, you can improve approval chances by: (1) partnering with someone who has substantial hospitality experience (head chef, restaurant manager), (2) providing a larger deposit (35-40%), (3) demonstrating transferable business skills (previously ran successful businesses in other industries), (4) securing a franchise with comprehensive training and support, (5) showing strong financial position and reserves to weather startup losses, and (6) completing hospitality management courses or working in a restaurant before opening. Expect rates of 12-16% p.a. for no-experience operators even with strong deposits.