Key Takeaways
- Korean restaurant owners—many non-citizens—lost SBA working capital and equipment loans on March 1, 2026
- Restaurant SBA loans funded kitchen equipment ($50K-$200K), build-outs ($100K-$500K), and working capital
- Bankable's revenue-based model is ideal for restaurants: consistent daily revenue supports repayment
- A Korean restaurant with $600K in annual revenue qualifies for approximately $120K-$250K through Bankable
- 48-hour decisions mean you can replace SBA financing before your business growth plan stalls
Korean restaurants are among the most culturally significant and economically impactful immigrant-owned businesses in America. From neighborhood lunch spots to destination dining establishments, korean cuisine has woven itself into the fabric of American food culture—while providing livelihoods for thousands of non-citizen restaurant owners.
The March 2026 SBA citizenship rule hit restaurant owners particularly hard. Restaurants were among the most frequent SBA 7(a) borrowers—using loans for kitchen equipment, build-outs, working capital, and franchise costs. Non-citizen korean restaurant owners who had planned SBA loans for expansion suddenly needed a new capital source.
Bankable's revenue-based model was built for businesses exactly like restaurants: consistent daily revenue that demonstrates repayment capacity without requiring immigration documentation.
SBA vs. Alternatives: 2026 Comparison
| Option | Citizenship | Max | Decision | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | 100% required | $5M | 30-90 days | Blocked for non-citizens |
| CDFIs | No | $250K | 2-4 weeks | Open, limited capacity |
| Bankable | No requirement | $5M | 48 hours | Fully open, 92% approval |
What Korean Restaurants Need Funding For
- Korean BBQ Equipment: Tabletop grills, ventilation/exhaust systems ($10K-$50K per table), and commercial kitchen equipment
- Restaurant Build-Out: Korean BBQ restaurants require specialized infrastructure—ventilation alone can cost $50K-$200K
- Working Capital: Managing meat inventory, kimchi production, and kitchen staff payroll
- Second Location: Expanding a successful Korean BBQ operation to additional locations
- Beverage Program: Soju and Korean beer program development, specialized refrigeration
How Restaurant Revenue Qualifies for Bankable
Restaurants have predictable, documentable revenue—daily credit card receipts, DoorDash/Uber Eats deposits, and bank statements clearly show monthly income. Bankable's underwriting is straightforward for restaurants:
| Monthly Revenue | Estimated First Tranche | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| $12,500/month | $25K-$50K | $150K |
| $25,000/month | $50K-$120K | $300K |
| $50,000/month | $100K-$250K | $600K |
| $100,000/month | $200K-$500K | $1.2M |
| $250,000+/month | $500K-$2M+ | $3M+ |
Top Cities for Korean Restaurant Business
Bankable serves korean restaurant owners nationwide. Major concentrations include: Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Washington, DC, Seattle, WA, Atlanta, GA, Philadelphia, PA. Wherever your restaurant is located, Bankable's online application serves you.
Restaurant owners: check your Bankable funding amount in 5 minutes. Apply here.
The SBA didn't fund your culinary vision—it funded the equipment and space. Bankable does the same, without the citizenship requirement. Check your Bankability Score today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable provides revenue-based funding to korean restaurant owners based entirely on restaurant revenue. No citizenship, green card, or visa documentation is required for approval.
First tranche amounts depend on monthly revenue. A korean restaurant with $300K annual revenue typically accesses $50K-$120K. A restaurant with $600K annual revenue might access $100K-$250K.
Bankable's revenue-based capital can fund kitchen equipment, renovation and build-out costs, inventory and food supply, payroll and staffing, marketing and delivery platform fees, and general working capital.
Provide 3-6 months of business bank statements showing deposits from restaurant operations. Credit card processor statements (Square, Toast, Clover) also demonstrate revenue. No tax returns are required for the initial assessment.
Yes. Revenue from delivery platforms is valid business revenue. Bankable evaluates total business deposits—including delivery platform payouts—in assessing your funding capacity.
Bankable requires 12 months of operating history. New restaurants under 12 months may qualify for CDFI microloans ($5K-$50K) or Kiva's crowdfunded zero-interest loans while building toward Bankable's minimum.
Yes. Expansion capital—including second location build-out, equipment, and initial working capital—is a valid use of Bankable's revenue-based funding.
Bankable evaluates average monthly revenue over 3-6 months. For seasonally variable restaurants, we look at trailing revenue trends. Revenue-based repayment flexes with your actual monthly income—slower months have lower payments.
Yes. Ghost kitchens with $150K+ annual revenue and 12+ months of operating history qualify the same as traditional restaurant formats. Revenue from delivery operations is fully counted.
Your local ethnic chamber of commerce, restaurant industry associations, and CDFIs like Accion Opportunity Fund can provide referrals and supplementary funding. Bankable is the primary resource for korean restaurant owners with $150K+ revenue.