MARYLAND · NAICS NAICS 7225 family
Maryland restaurant projects run from the Baltimore crab-house tradition to the Capital suburbs' dense dining markets, where high operating costs make margin and break-even analysis the center of any credible model. Lenders routinely require independent studies for startups, conversions, and expansions where operating history is thin and projections drive the credit decision.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Restaurant deals are projection-based for startups, conversions, and expansions; lenders routinely require independent studies where history is thin.
From FY2010 through FY2026, Maryland recorded 1,150 SBA-disbursed restaurant loans across the 7(a) and 504 programs, representing $473.3 million in approved financing at an average loan size of $412,000. The state sits at rank #21 of 38 for restaurant SBA lending volume and holds 1.4% of the national restaurant dollar pool. 7(a) accounts for 95.6% of the count, 504 for the rest, with 232 fresh approvals dated FY2024 or later.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 1,150 |
| Approved volume | $473.3 million |
| Average loan size | $412,000 |
| 7(a) share | 95.6% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 232 |
| State rank by loan count | #21 of 38 |
Among the 776 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 11.6% 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 11.6% adverse-resolution rate against the national restaurant benchmark of 9.4% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Maryland 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 $412,000 across 1,150 loans.
Every Maryland 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.
Maryland projects often pencil under SBA 504 because the 50/40/10 structure delivers up to 90 percent financing on owner-occupied real estate at a fixed debenture rate, and 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.
Maryland's food economy runs from the Baltimore crab-house tradition to the Capital suburbs' dense dining markets, where high operating costs make margin and break-even analysis the center of 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.
Compare neighboring markets: Maine, Massachusetts, Texas.
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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