Catering Equipment Financing & Leasing
Equip the kitchen and the van, keep cash for the events
Liberty Capital finances caterers, event and wedding caterers, corporate and institutional caterers and commissary kitchens: commercial cooking equipment, hot and cold holding, refrigerated vans and event equipment. New or used, nationwide.
Catering equipment we finance
Need cash for payroll or deposits rather than equipment? See catering business loans and working capital.
Why caterers lease equipment
Catering revenue comes in waves: wedding season, holiday parties and big corporate contracts. Leasing is an inflation buster, with a payment that stays fixed while food, fuel and equipment costs rise. It is cash flow management: a low capital outlay compared with buying outright, so event deposits and cash stay free for food and staff.
Payments are low and manageable, terms run up to 5 years, and most leases end with a $1 buyout. Leased equipment may qualify for Section 179, a potential 100% deduction in the year it goes into service (ask your CPA). You conserve cash to take on bigger events.
Structures that fit catering
What it takes to qualify
- 600+ credit for smaller deals; 650+ for $50K and up
- 3–4 months of business bank statements
- Equipment invoice or quote
- Larger deals: 2–3+ years in business and financials
- $0 down is reserved for 5+ years in business, established PayNet and D&B business credit and 700+ personal credit
Startups
New catering companies are reviewed case-by-case. Food service experience, booked events or contracts, good personal credit and a down payment help. Starting in a shared commissary kitchen and financing only the van and holding equipment keeps startup costs down.
From quote to first event
- Get a quoteFrom your equipment dealer, upfitter or a private seller
- Apply in minutesOne-page application; soft inquiry to start
- Get approvedOften within a business day on smaller deals
- We pay the vendorYou take delivery and book the next event
Catering equipment financing questions
Can I lease catering equipment?
Yes. Kitchen equipment, holding cabinets, refrigeration and event equipment can be leased, usually on a $1 buyout lease so you own it at the end.
Can I finance a refrigerated catering van?
Yes, new or used, from a dealer or private seller, with terms up to 60 months.
Can a new catering business get equipment financing?
Yes, case-by-case. Expect a down payment; experience and booked contracts help.
Do you finance food trucks for caterers?
Yes. Food trucks and concession trailers can be financed new or used.
Is a lease or working capital better for a caterer?
Use a lease for equipment you will use for years and working capital for food, staff and deposits. Matching the term to the need keeps payments manageable.
Will applying hurt my credit?
We start with a soft inquiry. The lender runs a hard inquiry only when you move forward.
Ready to book bigger events?
Get a free quote or call (888) 511-6223.
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), subject to credit approval. Startup rates vary and are subject to final approval. Application-only limits vary by credit, time in business, equipment type and industry; amounts shown are guidance, not a promise. $0 down is reserved for businesses with 5+ years in business, established PayNet and D&B business credit and 700+ personal credit. This is not an offer or commitment to lend. Not tax advice; ask your CPA about Section 179.