GEORGIA · NAICS NAICS 7225 family
Georgia restaurant deals lead all SBA categories over the past decade, a function of metro Atlanta's dense, growing population and climbing commercial rents. Studies translate menu mix, daypart capture, labor models, and trade-area demographics into defensible revenue, and resolve occupancy cost against neighborhood and suburban rent structures.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Projection-based for startups, conversions, and expansions; lenders routinely require independent studies where operating history is thin.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 3,069 7(a) and 504 loans for restaurant projects in Georgia, totaling $1.79 billion in approved financing at an average of $584,000 per loan. Georgia ranks #7 of 38 states tracked for restaurant SBA lending volume and accounts for 5.1% of national restaurant SBA dollar volume. 90.5% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 525 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 3,069 |
| Approved volume | $1.79 billion |
| Average loan size | $584,000 |
| 7(a) share | 90.5% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 525 |
| State rank by loan count | #7 of 38 |
Among the 2,156 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 8.1% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for restaurant is 9.4%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 8.1% adverse-resolution rate below the national restaurant benchmark of 9.4% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Georgia projects in this class. Across 3,069 SBA loans averaging $584,000, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Georgia restaurants project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Georgia projects most often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate. SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment, and from July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
Full- and limited-service restaurants lead all Georgia SBA categories over the past decade, and metro Atlanta's climbing commercial rents make occupancy cost analysis central to any credible model.
For a national view of this asset class, see our restaurant SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the restaurant lending research on our blog.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
$1.1M SBA 504 through Florida First Capital
Restaurant and bar with bottle shop, national program evidence
St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare lodging and hospitality studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
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