Equipment Leasing

Equipment leasing is a strategic financial arrangement that allows restaurants to acquire and use essential kitchen machinery without the large, upfront cost of purchasing it outright. Through a lease agreement, a restaurant (the lessee) makes fixed, regular payments to a leasing company (the lessor) for the use of specific equipment, such as ovens, refrigeration units, or warewashers, over a predetermined period. At the end of the lease term, the restaurant typically has the option to return the equipment, renew the lease, or purchase the item for its fair market value.

For the capital-intensive foodservice industry, leasing offers profound advantages, primarily the preservation of working capital. By avoiding a significant cash outlay, operators can allocate funds to other critical areas like inventory, marketing, or staffing. Leasing provides access to higher-end, more efficient equipment that might be too expensive to buy, while predictable monthly payments simplify budgeting and cash flow management. Crucially, it helps restaurants stay technologically current, allowing them to easily upgrade to newer models and avoid the burden of owning obsolete machinery.

The directory below provides a list of equipment leasing companies that specialize in financing for the restaurant industry. Browse their profiles to find a financial partner who can help you outfit your kitchen in a smart, cost-effective way. If you are an equipment leasing provider and your firm is not yet listed, we invite you to submit your business profile and connect with our community of foodservice operators.