Restaurant Equipment Leasing and Financing for Every Kitchen
Restaurant equipment leasing and financing from Liberty Capital Group for restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, caterers, franchises and food processors. One application reaches multiple leasing companies, so you can replace a failed cooler, open a second location or remodel for your franchisor without draining the cash that keeps the doors open.
Restaurant equipment leasing at a glance
- Amounts: from about $10,000; application-only up to $250,000; up to $5,000,000 with financial statements
- Terms: 12 to 60 months fixed, up to 72 months by program
- Coverage: up to 120% of equipment cost, including installation, delivery and setup
- Structures: $1 buyout lease, 10% and FMV leases, equipment finance agreements, working capital
- Promotions: $99 for the first 3 or 6 months (for well-qualified businesses: strong credit, 3+ years in business and quality equipment) and 90-day deferral on select programs
- Extras: 100% vendor pre-funding, new and used equipment, won't appear on personal credit reports, no prepayment penalties
What Is Restaurant Equipment Leasing?
Restaurant equipment leasing lets you use ranges, walk-ins, dish machines and POS systems for a fixed monthly payment instead of paying for them up front. The equipment secures the lease, so approval is faster and easier than a bank loan and you don't have to pledge your home or other assets. At the end of the term you own it for $1, buy it at a set percentage, or return and upgrade, depending on the lease you choose.
Restaurant equipment financing works the same way, except you own the equipment from day one. Most owners use both: financing or a $1 buyout lease for long-life equipment, and a fair market value lease for technology they will replace.
Restaurant Equipment You Can Lease
New and used equipment qualifies, back of house and front of house. Installation, delivery and setup can be included.
Cooking equipment
Ranges, ovens, combi ovens, fryers, griddles, charbroilers, pizza ovens and smokers.
Refrigeration
Walk-in coolers and freezers, reach-ins, prep tables, display cases and ice machines.
Hoods and safety
Ventilation hoods, make-up air and fire suppression systems.
Dish and sanitation
Dish machines, glass washers, water filtration and grease traps.
Beverage and bar
Espresso machines, brewers, fountain and draft beer systems, bar coolers.
Front of house
POS and reservation systems, tables, chairs, booths, TVs, signage and lighting.
See our pages on commercial kitchen equipment financing, food truck financing and startup restaurant equipment leasing.
Restaurant Equipment Costs
Typical price ranges help you size a request. Your vendor quote is what we finance, and quotes from several vendors can be bundled into one payment.
| Equipment | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Commercial range or convection oven | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Combi oven | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Walk-in cooler or freezer | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Hood and fire suppression system | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Commercial dishwasher | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Ice machine | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| POS system (multi-terminal) | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Full kitchen package for a new restaurant | $75,000 – $300,000+ |
Ranges are general industry estimates and vary by brand, size and installation.
Food Processing and Food Machinery Leasing
Food processing equipment leasing covers commissaries, bakeries, meat and seafood processors, breweries and packaged-food producers. We lease mixers, slicers, grinders, ovens and proofers, kettles, fillers, packaging and labeling lines, blast chillers and cold storage. Food machinery leasing options include $1 buyout, 10% and FMV leases, and seasonal payments for producers whose sales peak at certain times of year.
Current Restaurant Equipment Leasing Promotions
$99 for the first 3 or 6 months · 90-day deferral (select programs, well-qualified businesses)
- Up to 120% of equipment cost, including install, delivery and setup
- 100% vendor pre-funding
- No down payment for qualified borrowers
- Terms from 12 to 72 months
- $1 buyout, 10% and FMV lease options
- Application-only up to $250,000; up to $5,000,000 with financials
- Next-day approval; no prepayment penalties
Program-dependent and subject to credit approval.
Leasing vs. Buying Restaurant Equipment
For most restaurants, leasing or financing equipment beats paying cash:
- Cash flow management. Leasing needs a low capital outlay compared to an outright purchase, so your working capital stays free for food cost, payroll and rent.
- Inflation buster. Equipment prices keep climbing. A lease locks in today's price with a fixed payment, and you pay it back with tomorrow's dollars.
- Low, manageable payments. Fixed monthly payments make budgeting predictable, even through slow seasons.
- Terms up to 5 years, most with a $1 buyout. At the end of the term you own the equipment for a dollar, with no balloon payment.
- Section 179 and 100% bonus depreciation. A $1 buyout lease is generally treated as a purchase for tax purposes, so qualifying equipment may be eligible for the Section 179 deduction and 100% bonus depreciation in the year it is placed in service. Ask your CPA.
- Conserve cash. Keep your reserves for repairs, slow months and the next location instead of tying them up in stainless steel.
Sample Monthly Payments
Rates and terms disclosure: Any rates, payments or terms shown are examples only. Sample rates apply to established businesses with 3 to 5+ years in business and strong credit (680+ FICO) and are subject to credit approval. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval. This is not an offer or commitment to lend.
| Amount financed | 36 months @ 10% | 60 months @ 10% | 36 months @ 16% | 60 months @ 16% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $323 | $212 | $352 | $243 |
| $25,000 | $807 | $531 | $879 | $608 |
| $50,000 | $1,613 | $1,062 | $1,758 | $1,216 |
| $100,000 | $3,227 | $2,125 | $3,516 | $2,432 |
Want your own numbers? Use our payment calculator or get a real quote in 3 minutes.
Restaurant Equipment Leasing vs. Financing vs. Business Loans
| Feature | Business loan / working capital | Equipment leasing | Equipment financing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds used for | Anything | Equipment | Equipment |
| Upfront cost | $0 | Low to moderate | Varies |
| Payments | Daily, weekly or monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Typical credit minimum | 500 | 600 | 650 |
| Maximum term | About 24 months | 60 months (longer by program) | 60 months (longer by program) |
| Time in business | 3+ years preferred | Startups OK | Startups OK |
| Relative cost | Higher | Lower | Lower |
| Application only up to | $150,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
$1 buyout lease
Fixed payments, and you own the equipment for a dollar at the end. Generally treated as a purchase for Section 179.
10% or FMV lease
Lower payments with the option to buy, return or upgrade at the end. FMV payments are often deductible as an operating expense.
Equipment finance agreement
Own from day one with fixed payments and no balloon.
Working capital
Short-term funding for inventory, payroll and repairs. Learn more about working capital loans.
Restaurant Equipment Leasing for Startups
New restaurants lease equipment every day. Lenders want good personal credit, restaurant or management experience, a down payment or first and last payments, and a business plan with your concept, location and projected sales. Buying quality used equipment for part of the kitchen keeps payments low while you build a following. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval. Read more about startup restaurant equipment leasing.
Credit, Approval Limits and No-Credit-Check Questions
Searches for "lease restaurant equipment no credit check" are common, but every legitimate leasing company reviews credit. What we can do is quote you on a soft pull that won't affect your score, and most leases don't report to your personal credit. Leasing generally starts around a 600 score; working capital can go lower when card sales are steady.
Be realistic about size. Not every lender takes large exposure on restaurants, and limits often run $50,000 to $100,000+ depending on the age and credit of the business. Sending one application to multiple lenders is how bigger packages get approved, and equity investors can make sense for a full build-out.
Franchise and Remodel Financing
We finance franchisor-mandated upgrades and remodels, including kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, lobby furniture, TVs, A/C, counters and POS or reservation systems. Hospitality is a specialty, so terms are built around your image requirements, timeline and bottom line.
Choosing a Restaurant Equipment Leasing Company
Before you sign with any company that leases restaurant equipment, compare:
- Total cost, not just the payment. Ask for the term, buyout and all fees in writing.
- End-of-term options. $1 buyout, 10% or FMV. Know what you own at the end.
- Soft costs. Whether installation, delivery, hoods and setup can be included.
- Vendor pre-funding. Custom walk-ins and hoods often need a deposit before delivery.
- Access to more than one lender. A broker with multiple funding sources finds approvals a single lessor can't.
What You Need to Apply
- Online application. Complete, upload and authorize. Soft inquiry up front; a hard inquiry may occur upon approval.
- Equipment invoice or quote. Multiple vendors welcome; we can bundle them into one monthly payment.
- Three to four months of bank statements. To verify revenue and set up ACH autopay.
- Over $250,000: two to three years of business tax returns and current financials.
Why Restaurant Owners Choose Liberty Capital Group
Since 2004 we have financed equipment for restaurants, franchises, bakeries, bars and food processors. One application reaches multiple lenders and leasing companies, with no application fee, a soft credit pull for your quote and a dedicated funding advisor from quote to installation.
Restaurant Equipment Leasing FAQ
How does restaurant equipment leasing work?
You choose the equipment and vendor, we send one application to multiple leasing companies, and you pick the offer. The lessor pays the vendor, often before delivery, and you make fixed monthly payments. At the end of a $1 buyout lease you own the equipment; with an FMV or 10% lease you can buy it, return it or upgrade.
Can I lease restaurant equipment with no credit check?
No legitimate leasing company approves without checking credit, but your quote uses a soft pull that won't affect your score, and leases generally don't report to your personal credit. Lower scores, down to about 600 for leasing, are considered when the restaurant has steady card sales, and working capital options go lower.
Can a new restaurant lease equipment?
Yes. Startup restaurant equipment leasing is available with good personal credit, restaurant or management experience, a down payment or advance payments, and a business plan. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval.
What restaurant equipment can I lease?
Cooking equipment, refrigeration, ice machines, dishwashers, hoods and fire suppression, food prep and processing equipment, espresso and beverage systems, POS, furniture, signage and franchise-mandated remodel items. New and used equipment qualify.
Is it better to lease or finance restaurant equipment?
Finance or take a $1 buyout lease for long-life equipment you'll keep, like hoods, walk-ins and ranges. Use an FMV lease for technology or items you'll replace, like POS systems and some beverage equipment. Both protect your cash.
How much can I get?
Application-only approvals go up to $250,000 on a one-page application. Larger requests up to $5,000,000 need financial statements. Many lenders limit exposure on restaurants to $50,000 to $100,000+ depending on the age and credit of the business, which is why using multiple lenders helps.
Is restaurant equipment leasing tax deductible?
FMV lease payments are generally deductible as an operating expense. A $1 buyout lease or equipment finance agreement is generally treated as a purchase, so qualifying equipment may be eligible for Section 179 and 100% bonus depreciation. Consult your CPA.
How fast can I get approved and funded?
Application-only requests are often approved the next business day. Once documents are signed, the vendor can be paid in days, and 100% vendor pre-funding is available so custom equipment can be ordered.
Do you finance franchise remodels?
Yes. We finance franchisor-mandated upgrades, including kitchen equipment, chairs, tables, lobby furniture, TVs, A/C, counters and POS or reservation systems.
What happens if I can't make my payments?
Missed payments can lead to late fees, repossession of the equipment, credit damage and possible legal action. That is why we structure payments around your real sales from the start, and why options like a 90-day deferral or $99 starting payments matter.
Restaurant equipment dealers: we vet vendors to protect our clients and can approve your customers fast. Become an approved Liberty Capital vendor.
Get Your Restaurant Equipment Leasing Quote
Rates and terms disclosure: Any rates, payments or terms shown are examples only. Sample rates apply to established businesses with 3 to 5+ years in business and strong credit (680+ FICO) and are subject to credit approval. Rates for startups vary and are subject to final approval. This is not an offer or commitment to lend.
Liberty Capital Group, Inc. · Established 2004 · NMLS #2009539 · California DFPI #60-DBO49692. Approval, promotions and terms depend on the program, lender and credit. Consult your CPA about the tax treatment of equipment purchases and leases.