Quick answer: Restaurant Equipment Loans Canada can spread the cost of eligible commercial assets over scheduled payments, subject to provider approval. Compare the asset and seller details, required contribution, total repayment and cash available for operating costs before committing.
Financing options to compare
| Option | Best suited for | Repayment structure | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment loan | Businesses planning to own the asset | Fixed scheduled payments | Down payment, term, fees, lien, prepayment |
| Equipment lease | Businesses prioritizing payment flexibility | Scheduled lease payments | End-of-term option, residual, fees, buyout |
| Business line of credit | Smaller recurring purchases or deposits | Revolving balance | Draw limits, interest, renewal, security |
Terms, eligibility and costs vary by lender and borrower profile. Compare the full financing agreement rather than relying on a single payment or rate.
Approval and funding timelines vary by lender, application completeness, and required conditions.
BDC’s equipment-financing guide emphasizes the complete financing structure when comparing offers.
“Don’t focus only on interest rates”
For the equipment decision discussed here, compare the amount financed, payment schedule, collateral and remaining obligations alongside the quoted rate.
Add kitchen capacity without draining cash
Opening a new concept or expanding BOH? Ovens, refrigeration, and ventilation eat capital before the first plate leaves the pass. Mehmi sells equipment directly and structures restaurant equipment financing that protects cash for inventory, payroll, and marketing. Start with our equipment financing overview and price scenarios in minutes with the calculator.
Related: Restaurant Business Loans for Equipment Repairs Canada.
Typical assets we finance: ranges/ovens/combi ovens, fryers, grills, charbroilers, hoods & make-up air, dishwashers, walk-ins & reach-ins, ice machines, prep tables, smallwares bundles, POS/IT, and delivery shelving. Confirm on Eligible Equipment. Buying via private sale? We can secure title with Conditional Sales Contracts.
Choose the right structure for your kitchen
| Option | Ownership Path | Cash-Flow Profile | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Loan | Own from day one | Predictable amortization; CCA | Long-hold items (hoods, walk-ins, dish) | Loans |
| Equipment Lease | Use now; buyout/refresh at term | Lower monthly via residual | Tech-refresh items (combi, POS, ice) | Leases |
| Equipment Line of Credit (E-LOC) | Draw per delivery/phase | Interest on draws only | Staged buildouts (HVAC now, line later) | E-LOC |
| Refinancing / Sale-Leaseback | Sell owned; lease back | Immediate liquidity | Unlock equity for opening inventory | Sale-Leaseback |
| Working Capital / ABL | Term or AR/inventory-backed | Operating buffer | Staffing, food, beverages, marketing | Working Capital | ABL |
Select files may also fit the Canada Small Business Financing Program. Unique files/startups can ask about In-House Financing.
Include soft costs so cash stays on the floor
Installation, electrical/plumbing, hood/duct/fire suppression, engineering, permits, freight/rigging, commissioning, software/POS licenses, training, and extended warranties can often be rolled into loans or leases to reduce launch friction.
What actually drives 2025 approvals
- Time in business & credit depth: Established operators earn longer terms and sharper pricing; first-time owners can qualify with a sensible contribution and a clear opening plan via In-House Financing.
- Project phasing: If buildout is staged, an E-LOC avoids re-papering every drop.
- Menu & throughput plan: Seats, turns, delivery mix, and expected sales ramp de-risk the file.
- Compliance: Fire suppression, health-code readiness, and insurance binder accelerate funding.
- Liquidity buffer: Pair the capex with Working Capital or ABL for opening inventory and payroll.
Model payments in minutes
Use the calculator to compare:
- 60 vs 72-month loan for hoods/walk-ins you’ll hold 7–10 years.
- Lease with a modest buyout (~10%) for combi ovens or POS to lower monthly while keeping an ownership path.
- A sale-leaseback on existing assets to fund deposits, signage, and ads.
Documentation checklist for a decision
- Government ID, void cheque, incorporation/HST
- Last 3–6 months bank statements (personal if startup)
- Equipment quotes/specs and install plan (hood/suppression details help)
- Insurance broker contact and target bind date
- Opening plan: seats, hours, delivery partners, forecast
Send your file via Contact Us and our credit analysts will structure the strongest path, subject to credit and asset review.
Case study: full BOH build, no cash crunch
Profile: New casual concept adding a Type-1 hood, two fryers, a range, combi oven, and POS—phased over 45 days.
Structure: Loan for hood/duct/suppression and walk-in (long holds). Lease for combi & POS (10% buyouts). Rolled electrical/plumbing, freight, and training into facilities; small Working Capital top-up for opening inventory and pre-launch ads.
Outcome: Commissioned on schedule. Blended monthly ~12% lower than an all-loan plan and cash preserved for hiring and opening week promos.
FAQs: Restaurant equipment loans in Canada
Do you finance used equipment and private sales?
Yes—subject to condition and documentation; we manage title with Conditional Sales Contracts.
Can soft costs be included?
Often yes—installation, trades, permits, rigging, and training can be rolled into loans or leases.
Is leasing cheaper than a loan?
Leasing typically lowers the monthly via a residual; loans may minimize total interest for long-hold assets. Compare both in the calculator.
Can a startup get approved?
Frequently—with a sensible contribution, clean banking, and a credible opening plan. See In-House Financing and CSBFP.
How fast is funding?
Approval and funding timelines vary by lender, application completeness, and required conditions. Start via Contact Us.
Ready to price your kitchen? Run numbers in the Equipment Financing Calculator, compare Loans vs Leases, stage installs with an E-LOC, or unlock equity with Sale-Leaseback. Mehmi sells equipment directly—feel free to contact our credit analysts for a tailored structure.