What do cafes usually borrow for?
Espresso machines, grinders and refrigeration, a renovation or patio, a second location, inventory and payroll through slow stretches, and equipment replacement when something fails. Each has a different payoff timeline.
Cafes tend to run on tight margins with steady daily sales, which is why seasonal dips and a broken machine are the usual triggers for financing.
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment financing | Espresso machines, grinders, refrigeration | Total payback and the term |
| Working capital | Inventory, payroll, a slow season | Repayment pace in slow weeks |
| Line of credit | Recurring gaps in cash flow | Balances that creep up |
| Term loan | Renovation or a second location | Longer terms lower payments but cost more overall |
How do I pick the right option?
Match the term to the life of what you are buying. Equipment lasts years and suits equipment financing; a payroll gap lasts weeks and suits working capital or a line of credit. Do not fund a short-term gap with a long-term loan, or the reverse.
Size the payment to your slowest week. Many cafes dip after the holidays or in the summer, and a payment sized to peak weeks can be hard to carry.
What do I need to apply?
Recent bank statements, business registration and a clear description of the purchase, such as a supplier quote. Time in business and monthly revenue shape what is available.
If you are weighing a bigger move, such as adding a kitchen, read how others fund it, or review wine bars for a similar model.
Updated October 24, 2026 · OpenTab Capital Funding Team
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a loan for a new cafe?
Eligibility depends on time in business and revenue. Apply with real numbers to see what fits.
Is equipment financing or working capital better for a cafe?
Equipment financing fits a specific machine; working capital is more flexible for daily costs.
Can I finance a broken espresso machine quickly?
Have the supplier quote and recent bank statements ready; timing depends on your file.
Does applying commit me to an offer?
No. You can review and decline.