Some SBA deals fit neatly into a checklist. Others require experience, judgment, and the willingness to look beyond surface-level qualifications.
This $700,000 SBA business acquisition loan for a long-established family restaurant in a beautiful coastal Florida town is a clear example of the latter.
Our borrower was a military veteran preparing to buy his first business—a restaurant that has served its community since 1999, with a loyal, multi-generational customer base and consistent operating history. On paper, one concern stood out immediately: he did not have direct restaurant ownership experience.
For many lenders, that would have ended the conversation.
For us, it shaped the strategy.
“SBA deals don’t close because a borrower checks every box. They close when experience, structure, and leadership are positioned the right way.”
A Community Business with Proven Stability
The restaurant has been a local fixture for more than two decades, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a familiar, family-oriented setting. Known for generous portions, approachable pricing, and consistent service, it has earned deep trust within the community.
From an SBA perspective, this matters. Long operating history, repeat customers, and stable cash flow create a strong foundation—especially when paired with a thoughtful transition plan.
Experience Isn’t Always Linear—Leadership Counts
While the buyer had not previously owned a restaurant, he brought meaningful, transferable experience to the table:
- U.S. Army veteran with years of leadership at the Sergeant level
- Extensive experience managing teams, logistics, and operations under pressure
- Early food-service exposure, including military mess hall operations
- A formal business education and professional project management background
Rather than focusing on what the borrower didn’t have, we structured the deal around what he did: discipline, systems thinking, accountability, and the ability to lead people—qualities that translate directly into restaurant ownership.
To further strengthen the transition, the acquisition plan included outside operational support during the handoff period, ensuring continuity while the new owner stepped into day-to-day management.
A Thoughtfully Structured, Collateral-Light Deal
This was not an asset-heavy transaction. The buyers did not rely on commercial real estate to make the deal work. Instead, the loan was supported by:
- Strong personal credit
- Stable additional outside income source
- Additional support where available, reinforcing overall loan structure
This is often how SBA deals succeed when liquidity is lighter: not through excess assets, but through intentional risk management and smart structuring.
Closing Across Borders and Time Zones
Adding another layer of complexity, the borrower was outside the country for much of the loan process. While this is not something we typically recommend, real life does not always align perfectly with transaction timelines.
With a 12-hour time difference, our team coordinated:
- Calls and meetings across international time zones
- Remote document execution and compliance requirements
- Continuous communication to keep underwriting and closing moving forward
By the time the borrower returned to the U.S. a few weeks before closing, the deal was already positioned to cross the finish line.
This is the difference between processing loans—and closing them.
Why This Deal Closed
This transaction succeeded because:
- The business had long-term operating stability and community trust
- The borrower brought real leadership experience, even if it wasn’t traditional restaurant ownership
- The deal was structured intentionally, not defensively
- Our team anticipated challenges early and built solutions around them
It’s also why we consistently rank among the Top 40 SBA loan closers by volume nationwide.
Thinking About Buying a Business?
If you’re exploring a business acquisition and wondering whether your background is “enough,” the answer often depends on how the deal is framed—and who is structuring it.
Experience doesn’t have to be textbook. It has to be credible, defensible, and positioned correctly – and that is why we close deals. We find the way that works.
Call us at (888) 959-1648 or email info@comcapfl.com to discuss your upcoming purchase.
Or, to get started now, apply through our Loan Finder App—no document uploads, no obligations. Just real answers and real funding.
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