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For a U.S. buyer, start by asking participating lenders about an SBA 7(a) loan: the program permits complete or partial business ownership changes and may also cover working capital and certain equipment and supplies. The SBA does not lend directly to you or guarantee approval. First map every project cost, check the exact brand in the SBA Franchise Directory, and have lenders assess the purchase structure and your ability to repay.

Start by mapping the whole project

Do not size financing from the seller’s asking price alone. List each intended use and its amount so a lender can determine which financing route, if any, fits each part of the transaction.

  • Acquisition: purchase price and any transfer costs. Ask the lender which transaction costs qualify.
  • Operating cash: working capital needed after closing and before the restaurant generates enough cash to support itself.
  • Business assets: equipment, furniture, fixtures, and supplies.
  • Real estate: land or buildings included in the deal, if any.

SBA lists changes of ownership, working capital, and specified asset purchases among 7(a) loan uses, but a lender must confirm how the uses in your particular transaction are treated. See the SBA 7(a) program overview and its eligibility information.

Compare financing routes that may fit

Route Potential role What to establish
SBA 7(a) through a participating lender Business ownership change; potentially working capital and listed equipment, furniture, fixtures, and supplies Borrower and business eligibility, permitted uses, repayment capacity, rate type, term, fees, borrower contribution, collateral, guarantees, and any effect of seller financing. These terms are deal- and lender-specific.
SBA 504 through a lender and CDC Financing for qualifying fixed assets such as land, buildings, or equipment Whether the asset and project qualify, the project structure, contributions, maturities, fees, and whether the acquisition can be structured around eligible assets. The general program description does not determine eligibility for a specific franchise purchase.
Seller or other private financing Potential negotiated part of an acquisition Whether financing is offered, its payment and subordination terms, how the senior lender treats it, and its effect on total debt service. Availability is not assured.
Buyer equity Funds the buyer contributes toward closing and the project Required contribution for the specific deal, source and seasoning of funds, and cash retained for operations. Do not assume a universal down-payment percentage.

Why 7(a) is the first route to discuss

The SBA’s 7(a) overview lists a maximum loan amount of $5 million. That is a program ceiling, not a likely or guaranteed amount for a restaurant buyer. Eligible businesses must be U.S.-based, for-profit, small under SBA rules, creditworthy, able to repay, and unable to obtain the desired credit on reasonable terms from non-government sources. The borrower applies through a participating lender, which underwrites the transaction under current SBA rules and its own requirements.

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As the SBA puts it, “You will always work directly with your lender and not with SBA.” Read the 7(a) overview for program details.

Where 504 may fit—and where not to assume

The SBA lender overview describes a general 504 project structure of up to 50% private-sector lender financing, up to 40% CDC financing backed by an SBA-guaranteed debenture, and at least 10% borrower equity. Its stated uses focus on fixed assets such as land, buildings, and equipment. These figures describe the general structure, not a determination that your project qualifies or that 504 can fund the franchise acquisition itself. Ask the lender whether an identifiable real-estate or equipment portion qualifies; do not assume goodwill, franchise rights, or the full purchase price is covered.

See the SBA’s lender overview and confirm current rules with a lender and CDC.

Check the exact franchise brand

Search the brand in the SBA Franchise Directory and have the lender confirm the application path for the transaction. The directory is an eligibility tool, not a recommendation: SBA says, “Placement of a franchise brand in the Directory is not an endorsement or approval of the brand and does not ensure the success of the business.” The directory is updated weekly, so check it again when applying.

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Rank #3
BookFactory Restaurant Reservation Book, Wire-O, Black, 120 Pages
  • Made in USA - Proudly produced in Ohio by a Veteran-owned business
  • Black Cover, Wire-O and "RESERVATIONS" on cover, Quarterly reservations
  • Page Dimensions: 8.5" x 11”, Wire-O
  • Features pages (blank day/month/year), reservation entries which include the following entry columns: TIME, NAME, #, PHONE, and TABLE
  • Reorder SKU: LOG-120-7CW-PP-(Reservations)

The directory effective September 29, 2026, was last updated October 2, 2026, according to the SBA’s Franchise Directory page. Status can change.

Build a lender-ready diligence file

Review the franchisor’s disclosure and purchase materials with qualified advisers. SBA recommends objective investigation and notes that a buyer may want an attorney and accountant. Its diligence examples include a letter of intent, confidentiality agreement, contracts and leases, financial statements, tax returns, sales agreement, and purchase-price adjustment.

Rank #4
Sale
24 Pack Server Books, PVC Waiter Check Presenters, 5.5 x 10 in
  • 【Package Included】You will receive a 24-book set of server books to meet your bulk needs, easily accommodating your daily use and replacement requirements, making your work more efficient and convenient.
  • 【PVC Material】 The outer layer of the waitress book is made of PVC material, easy to clean, waterproof, and oil-proof. Good stitching design ensures it won't easily unravel or tear over time.
  • 【Large Capacity】Two built-in side pockets and a transparent card pocket make it easy to organize guest bills, specialty menus, credit cards, receipts, and cash. Helps you organize items in an orderly manner.
  • 【Moderate Size】Each server check book measures approximately 5.5 x 10 inches and is 0.2 inches thick, a suitable size for most people, you can easily slip it into your pocket.
  • 【Wide Range of Use】Our guest check pads is suitable for restaurants, bars, cafes, eateries, or pubs. It can also hold various small items such as check pads, napkins, cards, pens, recipe cards, menus, etc.
  • Reconcile the seller’s financial statements with tax returns and investigate material differences.
  • Review the lease, assignment conditions, remaining term, rent obligations, and any required landlord consent.
  • Identify franchise fees and required expenditures, including any obligations associated with transfer or opening.
  • Test working-capital assumptions against the outlet’s operating needs and the funds available after closing.
  • Ask the lender to assess repayment capacity using verified financial information and the proposed debt structure.

SBA’s guide to buying an existing business or franchise describes diligence documents and professional support.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Approach lenders and compare complete offers

  1. Prepare a one-page deal summary. State the transaction type, total project cost by use, buyer experience, available funds, and the supporting financial evidence.
  2. Find participating lenders. Use SBA Lender Match or another suitable lender channel, then confirm that each lender handles franchise acquisitions and the proposed structure.
  3. Provide the requested application documents. SBA says the lender specifies what it needs; answer questions about the buyer, franchise agreement, seller records, purchase structure, and intended loan uses directly.
  4. Ask separately about 504. If the deal includes real estate or equipment, ask whether a qualifying fixed-asset structure is practical alongside or apart from acquisition financing.
  5. Compare written terms on the same basis. Review total cash required at closing, interest rate and whether it is fixed or variable, term and amortization, fees, collateral, personal guarantees, prepayment terms, debt-service requirements, and conditions involving franchise approval, lease assignment, or seller financing.

The lender—not a general online estimate—must establish the contribution, collateral, guarantee, rate, repayment requirements, and other terms for your deal. The SBA’s current listed SOP 50 10 version 8.1 technical updates took effect October 1, 2026; lenders apply current program rules to the actual transaction. See the SBA’s SOP 50 10 page.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
BookFactory Restaurant Reservation Book, Wire-O, Black, 120 Pages
BookFactory Restaurant Reservation Book, Wire-O, Black, 120 Pages
Made in USA - Proudly produced in Ohio by a Veteran-owned business; Black Cover, Wire-O and "RESERVATIONS" on cover, Quarterly reservations
$22.99
Best Value
ZENOWICK 20 Pcs Server Books, Check Presenters for Restaurants
  • MULTIPLE QUANTITIES AT A GREAT COST: This 20-pack of check books for restaurant will meet your bulk needs. Measures 5.5 x 10 inches and is 0.2 inches thick. Great for keeping in your apron or holding in your hand. Extra points for your service
  • HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL, STRONG AND DURABLE: The outer layer of the server books is made of harmless, high quality pvc material, sturdy and durable, easy to sterilize and clean, waterproof and oilproof. Heavy duty stitching is used for high tensile strength and good tear resistance
  • DESIGNED FOR SERVICE: Two built-in side pockets and one clear card pocket, convenient for you to easily organize your guest checkbook, special menus, credit cards, receipts and money. The restaurant check book allows restaurants and servers to serve guests decently
  • EASY TO USE: the interior of the serving book is padded and sponged, making it easy for you to write matters on the top of the menu holder. The check book cover is foil stamped with “Thank You” and has exquisite workmanship and even seams, giving each checkbook a touch of sophistication and enhancing your brand image
  • WIDE APPLICATION: Our restaurant check books are suitable for restaurants, bars, cafeterias, eateries or taverns. : We have different quantities of check holders for your choice, no matter how many you want, we are the right choice for you

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.