Is Your Restaurant Ready for Easter Sunday?

Thursday, March 29, 2012 by On Deck

With Easter Sunday right around the corner, many restaurant owners are getting ready for the large brunch rush. A day when it’s common practice to make large reservations, it’s important to make sure your restaurant has all of the resources necessary. Investment in additional waiters or hostess, an adequate amount of table cloths, and plenty of food is an ideal use of restaurant financing. For restaurant business loans to make sure you’re ready for Easter Sunday, visit On Deck today. 

 

Are Special Offers Part of Your Restaurant’s Marketing Outreach?

Monday, March 5, 2012 by On Deck

 

According to Nation’s Restaurant News, in the month of February casual-dining restaurants are continuing to focus special offers. Gaining traction from two major eating events – Valentine’s Day & the Super Bowl – restaurants showcased special offers featuring themes items for both in-store and carry-out. On Deck offers restaurant financing for this exact type of situation – restaurant owners who want to take advantage of high-traffic times to gain traction. If you’re seeking restaurant business loans for this type of opportunity, look no further than On Deck. 

 

Valentine's Day - Just Around the Corner

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by On Deck
We want to remind all of our restaurants out there that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. According to our data, February is the 3rd most expensive month to operate a restaurant. If your establishment is in need of some additional working capital to accommodate the February 14th rush, look no further than On Deck. Our restaurant business loans can take your customer experience to the next level. For restaurant financing, visit our website.

 

Get Your Restaurant On Deck for Valentine's Day

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by On Deck

Valentines Day Loans for RestaurantsValentine's Day is just around the corner and this most-romantic of all days is big business for restaurants. Since a traditional Valentine's Day date consists of taking that special someone out to eat at their favorite dining destination, it is important that restaurants prepare ahead of time for the big day. If needed, take out restaurant business loans in order to get your restaurant into tip-top shape for this holiday.

Restaurant financing may be needed in order to buy all the decorations that you need to make sure your restaurant is the hottest spot in town for Valentine's Day. Remember that classic, elegant tablecloths add a touch of elegance to any restaurant, and fresh flowers on all of the tables set the stage for romance. Restaurant business loans are available for restaurant owners to revamp the look of their restaurant. In addition to adding new, fresh decor elements, owners may need restaurant financing in order to stock up on inventory. No restaurant owner wants to be known as the spot in town that ran out of steak or lobster on February 14.

Another reason to look into restaurant financing and restaurant business loans just before Valentine's Day is to make sure your restaurant is well-staffed for this romantic evening. Consider taking out restaurant business loans and hiring an extra hostess or more wait staff for your restaurant. This will ensure that all customers receive the top-notch service and personal attention that they deserve as they celebrate love and rekindle romance.

Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days of the year in the restaurant business, so the importance of restaurant financing and restaurant business loans cannot be stressed enough. It is always a good idea to plan ahead, and to make sure you have plenty of food, drinks, staff and atmosphere before February 14 comes around.

Financing Your Dream Restaurant

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by On Deck

If your dining establishment is doing reasonably well, but you lack the extra capital to push your business to the next level, then restaurant financing may be just the ticket to get you over the hump. The most important aspect of restaurant financing is envisioning a plan for how best to use the extra money. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Discuss with your team what the restaurant needs to boost revenue, improve the decor, or whatever might be necessary to get more people through the door. Make a list of priorities for your business, and agree on how you might use any restaurant loans. Come up with a rough estimate as to the amount of restaurant loans you need to fully realize your goals. When you show a loan officer how much thought and effort you've put toward securing restaurant financing, you put yourself in the best position to earn fair terms.

Before you even think about restaurant loans, however, you'll want to do your homework. Franchise Times is one of the premier online trade publications for franchises in the restaurant and hospitality industry. They publish numerous informative articles about small business and restaurant loans, and the finer points of franchising in general . Learn everything you can about the nuts and bolts of securing restaurant financing before you sign any papers.

Get Your Restaurant Ready for Thanksgiving

Monday, November 21, 2011 by On Deck

Restaurant FinancingWith Thanksgiving right around the corner, many families may be opting to go out to eat this year rather than spending time slaving in the kitchen. As such, restaurants should be fully prepared to accommodate the holiday rush customers. If your restaurant is going to be offering Thanksgiving meals, restaurant financing may be required to purchase the additional food orders. Or, perhaps restaurant business loans may be used to upgrade your facility for such an occasion. Either way, be sure your restaurant is ready for the holiday’s with On Deck’s small business loans.

Groupon Reserve? Great Way to Increase Your Holiday Revenue

Monday, October 31, 2011 by On Deck

Groupon has launched a new feature – Groupon Reserve – targeted towards fine-diners seeking high-end restaurant experiences. The deals include programs such as 3 course meals for $70, are an ideal way for restaurants to bring in customers, especially from a demographic who otherwise might not attend. Ideal for the holidays, Groupon Reserve is an excellent way to increase your revenue. If you need restaurant business loans or restaurant financing, let On Deck be your source. Your restaurant will have all the inventory and equipment you need to accommodate the extra holiday rush. Visit On Deck today to learn more.

Is Your Business Ready for Halloween?

Friday, October 28, 2011 by On Deck

Halloween just around the corner means increased business for many small businesses – especially restaurants and retailers. Halloween is one of the highest grossing holidays (next to Christmas) so it’s best to make sure your shop is well stocked with inventory. If you’re in need of inventory loans, visit On Deck’s website. Our sources of business financing and short term loans are ideal for making sure you’re customers have everything they need for Halloween!

A Restaurant Industry Resource

Monday, August 1, 2011 by On Deck
RestaurantResources.com is a useful resource for everything related to restaurant ownership and management. The website offers a wide range of assistance to everything from acquiring new and used restaurant equipment, suppliers and insurance to finding reliable repair and maintenance services.  Using RestaurantResources.com to enhance your business can be done using many of the restaurant financing options provided by On Deck. Many of On Deck’s customers are restaurant owners, benefiting from using our restaurant business loans every day.

How Accommodating Food Allergies Can Raise Your Bottom Line

Monday, July 25, 2011 by On Deck

Nation’s Restaurant News, the premier website for restaurant owners and professionals, now has an entire section devoted to Healthy Dining. The section includes a recent Q&A’s with Paul Antico, Founder of AllergyEats.com about how catering to different dietary restrictions is particularly important. It is becoming a rising trend in the restaurant industry – and often restaurant business loans are required in order to take on the extra capabilities. Antico says that accommodating your customers in this way can be a "...a big payoff in your bottom line," and increase loyalty. On Deck’s restaurant financing options are ideal if extra inventory or materials are required in order to let your customer base know you are on the cutting edge of accommodating dietary restrictions.

Honing Your Customer Service

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 by On Deck
According to Micah Solomon, co-author of Exceptional Service, Exceptional Profit,
Shoe Shoppingconscientiousness customer service is an important, non-negotiable for every small business. Rising expectations from liberal return policies and lightening fast shipping times have altered how consumers evaluate a business. In order to stay ahead of your competitors, it’s essential that small business have a clear vision of their customer’s experience.  Devoting a portion of your business working capital to this end is the key to maintaining customer retention; On Deck's small business loans can help your restaurant or retailer enhance its bandwidth in order to accomplish this goal. Solomon recommends carefully training all customer-facing personnel and outfitting them with the appropriate dialogue. He explains that for a restaurant, "May I take your plate?" is better wording for a waiter than "Are you still working on that?" For a retailer, saying "You're welcome" or "my pleasure" rather than, "no problem," means a customer is more likely to return for additional purchases.  For more information on your restaurant or retail business can keeping your customer service platform competitive, visit On Deck’s website.

Equipment Financing On The Rise

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by On Deck

According to the Equipment Leasing and Financing Association monthly survey, financing volume for business equipment rose 44% in March from a year ago. On a whole, leasing equipment financing rose to $6.2 billion last month, as compared to $4.3 in March of 2010. At On Deck, we’ve experienced a similar uptick – we provide financing for equipment purchases for a wide variety of industries on a daily basis. Our loans are ideal for doctor’s offices, hair salons, auto repair shops and restaurants looking to finance their next new equipment purchase.

And according to William Sutton, president of the Washington-based leasing and finance association, the increase is here to stay. He said of the study, “The dramatic increase in new business volume is, in large measure, the result of strong demand in business equipment in various industries and markets. We see this trend continuing."

Visit www.ondeckcapital.com to learn more about how our small business loans can help finance your next equipment purchase.   


On Deck @ The Restaurant & Foodservice Show in NYC

Friday, April 8, 2011 by On Deck

On Deck recently attended the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show in New York. It was a great show, with hundreds of vendors offering different types of foods, spices, equipment and services.  If it related to restaurants - it was there - signage, orange juice squeezers, sushi supplies, linens and samples of just about any type of food you could imagine (note to self: go on an empty stomach!).

Walking the show we talked to a lot of restaurant owners as they looked at different products. When we told them that On Deck offers loans for restaurants so they can buy  equipment or market their business - they were always excited.   While equipment financing and leasing is often an option for larger ticket purchases, smaller purchases often leave restaurant owners in need of small business loans for the $10,000 or $15,000 piece of equipment or marketing.

If you are looking for restaurant financing or a small business loan to launch your next marketing program or to stock up inventory, you can check out On Deck's free service today to find out if our loans are right for you. 

It only takes 5 minute and if approved you can access your loan in as fast as 7 business days! 

 

restaurant show finance loans

Restaurant Business Loans - There Are Options

Friday, January 28, 2011 by On Deck
Restaurants are known for having trouble finding financing.  EvenRestaurant Business Loans if the restaurant has positive cash flow, good business, and the owner has a descent personal credit score, financing options can be limited. 

This is a constant concern for restaurants because of the regular (and sometimes unexpected) need for capital.  While trying to increase profits a restaurant may need to; purchase new equipment, expand the dining area or kitchen, hire new staff, or may just have a need for working capital financing.Restaurant Business Loans

On Deck regularly works with restaurants, basing a part of our approval process on the cash flow and health of the business.  Restaurants can sign up for a Free On Deck profile and find out information about their Business Credit, Personal Credit, Cash Flow, and even determine if an On Deck loan is right for them.  The whole process takes about 5 minutes, and if approved you can access your loan in as fast as 7 business days.

Try On Deck’s free service today, and find out if an On Deck Loan is right for you!

Some Restaurant Facts & Figures

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 by On Deck
At On Deck, a significant amount of our businesses is devoted to restaurant financing.  Restaurants historically have trouble getting bank financing, and so many of them come to On Deck after searching for small business loans online.

Restaurant owners typically use On Deck cash flow loans to help purchase equipment, buy inventory, hire employees and launch marketing campaigns. 

While doing some industry research this afternoon, I came across some interesting statistics provided by the National Restaurant Association.

2010 Restaurant Industry Overview
  • Sales: $580 billion
  • Locations: 945,000
  • Employees: 12.7 million — one of the largest private-sector employers
  • Restaurant-industry share of the food dollar: 49%

Additional Restaurant Industry Facts:

  • $1.6 billion: Restaurant-industry sales on a typical day in 2010.
  • $2,698: Average household expenditure for food away from home in 2008.
  • 40 percent of adults agree that purchasing meals from restaurants and take-out and delivery places makes them more productive in their day-to-day life.
  • 73 percent of adults say they try to eat healthier now at restaurants than they did two years ago.
  • 57 percent of adults say they are likely to make a restaurant choice based on how much a restaurant supports charitable activities and the local community.
  • 78 percent of adults say they would like to receive restaurant gift cards or certificates on gift occasions.
  • 52 percent of adults say they would be more likely to patronize a restaurant if it offered a customer loyalty and reward program.
  • 57 percent of adults say they are likely to make a restaurant choice based on how much a restaurant supports charitable activities and the local community.
  • 56 percent of adults say they are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers food grown or raised in an organic or environmentally friendly way.
  • 78 percent of adults agree that going out to a restaurant with family or friends gives them an opportunity to socialize and is a better way to make use of their leisure time than cooking and cleaning up.

Holiday Shopping on Main Street

Thursday, December 2, 2010 by Dan H
Main StreetThere has been a big push in the media this year about shopping Main Street during the Holidays.  Articles like "Main Street Offers Mall Alternative" talk about the benefits of shopping at small businesses, avoiding the mall lines and big chain stores to shop at specialized local businesses. 

On Deck is thrilled that the main stream media is supporting small businesses.  We know that all of the inventory loans that were taken prior to the Holiday season will benefit not only the small business owners, but also their customers.  

Of course, Main Street is not only home to retail stores, there are also plenty of restaurants that will see higher foot traffic because of the Holiday shoppers.  Owners prepared this year by taking restaurant business loans and making sure they were prepared for the rush.

Small business financing has helped retail businesses and restaurants across the country to prepare for the shopping season, and we wish all small business owners luck this month!  

Restaurant Financing - Where is the money?

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by On Deck
 QSR published an article today called, "Where's the Money Now?".  The article quoted On Deck's CEO and discussed current trends in business financing options, specifically, restaurant financing.

The article addresses some very important points about franchising, and the cost of business today.  Specifically discussing a franchisor and their initiative to make it easier for restaurateurs to open up a Main Street business.  For only a small initial fee, an experienced individual is given a turnkey store, and sent on their way.  Down the road they have the ability to purchase their store and take over complete ownership.

Restaurant owners, just like most other Main Street business owners today have had a rough couple of years, and in some cases they have accrued debt, possibly impacting their business credit report.  This may limit their business financing options, and in doing so will cause them to explore bad credit business loans. 

The good news is, there are options for small business owners to access capital, and restaurant financing is available.  The first step for a small business owner to obtain financing is to understand where their personal credit is, and where their business falls in the lending spectrum.  On Deck offers a free tool for business owners to get a snapshot of their business credit report, and gives them insight into what small business financing is available for them.


Small Business Financing - A Month of Conferences

Thursday, November 18, 2010 by Dan H
The On Deck Capital team has been all over the country this month discussing the state of small business lending.  The shows have ranged from a regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo to a National Small Business Banking conference, as well as a Restaurant Financing event.  Small business lending is at the front of everyone's mind, and On Deck Capital is working hard to provide business financing options for America's small businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce event allowed On Deck to meet with Main Street business owners, discussing everything from dental practice financing to hair salon loans.  These regional events don't represent any particular industry, but instead have true small business owners from every industry, looking to network and grow their business.

There was a lot of conversation at the small business banking event about bad credit business loans.  Credit score is a large part of the approval process when applying for bank or SBA small business loans, and there are millions of businesses that do not have the credit necessary to get approved.  This is where On Deck works to provide business financing options based on the cash flow and health of the business as opposed putting a large emphasis on credit score.

The restaurant financing event was a great opportunity to learn more about the needs of restaurant owners, and help them understand their business financing options.  A good portion of the restaurant owners talked about how important new equipment can be, and business equipment financing can be difficult to find.  Helping owners to understand their financing options, including information about how important a business credit report can be to obtaining the financing they need was a major point of conversation.

These events allow members of the On Deck team to get out to Main Street and have real conversations with Small Business owners all over the country.  Our goal is to provide fair financing to healthy Main Street businesses, and these shows are a great way of spreading the word!

Small Business Loans - But How Small are the Businesses?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 by On Deck
The Small Business Administration has announced that in the week since the Small Business Bill was signed by President Obama, 2,000 small businesses have received loans totalling more than $1 billion.  While the increased lending is certainly good news, a quick review of the numbers hints at another problem.

$1 Billion divided by 2,000 small business loans comes out to $500,000 per loan. And while the size of each loan certainly varies - it is clear that this $1,000,0000 in small business lending was not focused on Main Street. The hair salons, auto repair shops, restaurants, doctors and dentists who need $20,000 and $50,000  loans are the foundation of our economy and of our communities.

The current lending system (even with recent changes) is simply not focused on Main Street, and has reduced the underwriting of these businesses to a personal credit score - a highly inaccurate judge of the health of a business.

On Deck understands the importance of Main Street businesses to the economy, and has built a proprietary technology platform that offers a far more efficient way to judge the health of small businesses. Using this platform On Deck has provided more than $80,000,000 in unsecured small business loans to Main Street, and we look forward to helping more and more small businesses grow.

Small Business Loans Recognized on Twitter

Friday, October 8, 2010 by Dan H
We take pride in lending to Main Street businesses, so here is a recap of some small business loans that were funded last week:

-  $40,000 small business loan to a Furniture Store in New Jersey

-  $30,000 micro business loan to a Hardware Store in California

-  $40,000 dental practice loan in North Carolina

-  $50,000 auto repair shop loan in Illinois

-  $40,000 restaurant business loan in Ohio

This is a small sampling, but follow us on Twitter to watch our #FundedFriday stream every Friday!