ILLINOIS · NAICS NAICS 7225 family
Illinois restaurant deals rank among the state's deepest SBA classes, second only to freight trucking. Studies translate menu mix, daypart capture, labor models, and trade-area demographics into defensible revenue, and resolve occupancy cost against the divergent Chicago neighborhood, suburban, and downstate rent structures.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Projection-based for startups, conversions, and expansions; lenders routinely require independent studies where operating history is thin.
Illinois generated 3,080 SBA-disbursed restaurant loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $1.57 billion in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $510,000 per deal. Ranked #6 of 38 states for restaurant SBA volume, the state captures 4.5% of national restaurant dollars. 84.7% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 499 approvals have posted since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 3,080 |
| Approved volume | $1.57 billion |
| Average loan size | $510,000 |
| 7(a) share | 84.7% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 499 |
| State rank by loan count | #6 of 38 |
Among the 2,175 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 11.9% 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 above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 11.9% adverse-resolution rate against the national restaurant benchmark of 9.4% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Illinois deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $510,000 across 3,080 loans.
Every Illinois 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.
Illinois projects 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, while SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. 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 rank among Illinois's top SBA categories over the past decade, second only to freight trucking.
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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