Franchise Finance Expert Offers Advice On Borrowing

Chain Leader:

What? Restaurant operators are no longer interested in borrowing? Have they given up already?

One might have thought so from a sparsely attended panel discussion, “Financing Your Restaurant Growth in a Tight Credit Market,” at this week’s National Restaurant Association Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago.

Merely two dozen people showed up. Maybe others spotted the word “tight” and figured, what could I possibly gain?

Plenty if had they taken a seat and listened to suggestions from panel member Bernie Siegel, founder and chairman of Siegel Financial Group, Bala Cynwyd, Pa.

Done Deal
Siegel, a former Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee, talked mainly about franchise finance. “Good deals are getting done; few, but they are getting done,” he said, adding that rates are about 7.5 percent for seven-and-a-half years. Carry on reading.