Options for beleaguered restaurants owners are quickly mobilizing and here is what you need to know. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, recently passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on March 27, allows the Small Business Administration (SBA) to guaranty $349 billion in loans to small businesses that have been impacted economically by the virus.

Obviously, these are tough times for the restaurant industry. It behooves restaurant owners to effectively use their advisors, particularly their accountants and your lawyers. Your goal is twofold: Communicate most effectively with all the constituencies you have to deal with and be in the best position possible coming out of this crisis.

If you’ve had to close your restaurant, you will need to make plans for your inventory and your employees. If you’ve done that, then you are probably hunkered down at home and thinking - now what?

Along with you, we are closely watching the impact COVID-19 is having on our communities and businesses. We understand the tremendous impact that the restaurant and franchise industries have on the economy.

The challenges for restaurants from the Covid-19 virus are formidable. Here are some ideas to ensure the viability of your business at least until the all-clear signal is given.

Peak Franchise Capital Co-Founder and Managing Partner Mike Elliott admits he came out of college with an accounting degree, only to realize he didn’t really want to be an accountant.

In an interview with the Restaurant Finance Monitor, Trinity Capital Managing Director revealed how Citizens Bank’s acquisition of his firm materialized.

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Trinity Capital.

The mergers & acquisition market for restaurant franchisees and multi-unit restaurant brands has changed dramatically over the past three decades, and Brookwood Associates’ Amy Forrestal has had a front row seat to that evolution.

2019 might be considered an off year for public restaurant chains as only seven companies outperformed the outsized 28.9% return of the S&P 500 benchmark. However, the industry’s stock market benchmark, the Restaurant Finance Monitor Stock index, weighted 70% in quick-serve restaurants and 30% in casual dining ones, returned 16.74%, an otherwise impressive performance.

One of the notable career achievements for Trinity Capital founder and managing partner Kevin Burke is the role he played in helping to develop and broaden what has become a $12 billion national franchise loan securitization market on Wall Street.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch recently hired four executives to expand their Restaurant Group there.

CoreLife Eatery, based in Binghamton, New York, is building a lifestyle brand from the inside out. CoreLife embodies an intersection between “we are what we eat” and “find what works for you.” The company further describes its objective: “Food determines how you feel, how you look, and most importantly, how you perform.” Visit www.rogerlipton.com to view free restaurant company descriptions and other articles.

There have been many articles written, sporadically timed, about the impending recession. The timing of such a projection has been challenging. During our Toroso investment committee meetings we too often discuss this risk as well as many others that can affect portfolio outcomes.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) announced it is expanding its Food & Beverage practice by hiring three corporate bankers with extensive experience in the restaurant finance sector.

Fat Brands, Inc. (FAT-NASDAQ CM), the restaurant franchisor of Fatburger, Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean, the Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and the recently acquired Elevation Burger, has registered a “best efforts” offering of up to $30 million of preferred stock and warrants.