Introduction
Restaurant growth is rarely a straight line. New locations, equipment upgrades, seasonal dips, and timing around vendor payments can all create financial pressure at once. The right funding structure makes that manageable. The wrong one can stall expansion and tie up working capital.
Riverside Pizza Group, a well-established restaurant operator in the Midwest, faced that exact challenge. After years of relying on fixed-term funding, the owners were ready for a more flexible option that matched the way they ran their business. They wanted access to capital they could draw from when needed and pay back on their own timeline.
That’s when they partnered with BusinessFunds.com.
The Situation
Riverside Pizza Group operates several thriving restaurant locations and employs a large, loyal team. The business had previously used a short-term loan to fund renovations and payroll expansion. While the financing worked initially, the owners wanted more control moving forward.
Their goal was to transition to a revolving line of credit that would let them:
- Draw only what they needed for projects or equipment purchases
- Repay on their own schedule
- Avoid reapplying for new funding each time capital needs arose
Funding Specialist Gabe Castillo led the process and worked directly with the ownership team to execute a structured transition. The plan: open a significant credit line, fund an initial draw, and unlock the remaining capacity once the old loan was paid off and officially released.
The Challenge
A few challenges stood out early in the process:
- The company still carried an active balance that needed to be paid off before the full line could open.
- Coordination between multiple family members was required to complete the online verifications and document uploads.
- Month-to-date deposits were still clearing at the time of submission, so the financial data had to be refreshed the next business morning to reflect true balances.
- Competing lenders were reaching out to the client, creating noise and confusion around offers.
BusinessFunds.com’s approach focused on keeping communication clear, protecting the client’s timeline, and ensuring the line opened without any disruption to day-to-day operations.
The BusinessFunds.com Approach
- Structure the Facility Around Real Needs
Gabe helped the owners identify their short- and medium-term goals. The approved line was designed to fund current projects while leaving room for future draws related to new equipment, location improvements, and seasonal working capital. - Sequence Every Step
The operations team ordered the process carefully: payoff letter first, discount confirmation next, wire execution, zero balance confirmation, and finally the release filing. Each step was verified to ensure a seamless transition. - Simplify the Process for the Client
The owner’s daughter assisted with digital onboarding and bank verification. Gabe walked her through each step of the online checkout, ensuring all data synced correctly and that the submission reflected the most recent activity. - Keep Communication Tight
Daily updates and same-day follow-ups kept everyone aligned. The client always knew what was next, and no outside noise from other lenders disrupted the plan.
Execution and Results
The new revolving line was approved and funded quickly. The first draw provided immediate capital for working needs, while the remainder of the line was made available as soon as the old loan’s balance and filing were cleared.
The transition gave Riverside Pizza Group exactly what they needed:
- A revolving line of credit large enough to fund multiple initiatives
- The ability to draw and repay at their own pace
- Smooth payoff and release of the previous obligation
- Zero disruption to daily business operations
The owners now have a financial tool that moves with their business instead of holding it back.
Client quote
“We wanted funding that fit the way we actually operate. Gabe and his team made it simple. They explained every step, kept communication clear, and made sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Now we can pull funds when we need them and focus on growing.”
Team quote, Gabe Castillo
“The goal was to help them shift from a one-time loan to a long-term solution. We managed the payoff, tracked the release, and opened the rest of the line. They’ve got flexibility now, and that’s what every growing restaurant needs.”
Why It Worked
A structure built for growth
The line was customized around real business cycles instead of a fixed repayment schedule.
Clean sequencing
Each phase of the transition was handled in order so there was no funding gap.
Collaboration with the client’s team
Working closely with both ownership and family members made document handling fast and accurate.
Consistent communication
Proactive updates kept all parties aligned and prevented confusion from outside offers.
Key Takeaways for Restaurant Owners
- A revolving credit line can provide lasting flexibility for expansion and cash management.
- Timing and sequencing matter. Clearing an old balance and release first keeps your capital pipeline open.
- Keep your bank data current to avoid unnecessary underwriting delays.
- Consistent communication with one trusted partner ensures a smooth transition.
Conclusion
Riverside Pizza Group’s story shows how the right funding partner can transform how a business manages its growth. By replacing a rigid term loan with a revolving credit line, the company gained control, flexibility, and room to expand at its own pace.
With the help of BusinessFunds.com and Gabe Castillo, the transition was efficient, transparent, and completely aligned with the client’s operational goals. Today, Riverside Pizza Group continues to grow with confidence, backed by a line of credit that moves as quickly as they do.
