Revenue Based Lending for Restaurants and Cafés in Ireland
Gary Grimes
CEO & Founder | Head Of Revenue at Simplí Finance
Published:
Hospitality cash flow in Ireland is genuinely different to almost any other sector. A wet Tuesday in February is nothing like a Saturday night in August. Revenue based lending is one of the few funding products designed to work with that reality rather than against it.
At Simpli Finance, we work with restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hospitality businesses across Ireland. We understand the seasonal swings, the high-cost months, and the pressure of payroll during a quiet stretch.
Here is what Irish restaurant and cafe owners need to know about revenue based lending.
What Is Revenue Based Lending for Restaurants and Cafés in Ireland?
Restaurants and cafes generate consistent card sales across the week, which gives lenders exactly the kind of data they need to make a fast decision. There is no guesswork about your ability to repay because your card terminal history tells the story directly.
Unlike a bank loan that expects the same payment in January as in July, revenue based lending adjusts to your trading level. Busy periods, you repay more. Quiet periods, you repay less. The structure was designed with variable-income businesses in mind.
How Repayments Work for Restaurants and Cafes
For most hospitality businesses, repayment is collected as a small daily percentage of your card terminal transactions. If it is a busy Friday service, your repayment that day reflects it. A slow Monday means a smaller deduction.
There are no fixed monthly amounts and no penalties for seasonally slow periods. The repayment moves with your revenue, which means it never puts pressure on your cash flow at the wrong time.
What Hospitality Businesses Use the Funding For
The most common uses we see from restaurant and cafe clients include kitchen equipment upgrades, dining room refurbishments, outdoor seating additions, and working capital to cover payroll and supplier costs during a slow season.
Some clients use it to open a second location. Others use it to clear a VAT bill before their busy season starts, so their working capital is free when they need it most.
Eligibility Requirements for Hospitality Businesses
To qualify through Simpli Finance your business needs at least €15,000 in monthly revenue and a minimum of six months of trading history. You need to be an Irish registered business with regular card payment activity.
We do not require property as collateral. We assess your revenue performance, not your credit score alone. Many of the hospitality businesses we fund were turned down by a bank despite having a solid trading record.
How Much Can a Restaurant or Cafe Access?
Through Simpli Finance, advances range from €50,000 to €500,000. The amount is typically six to twelve times your average monthly card revenue.
A restaurant bringing in €40,000 per month could access between €240,000 and €480,000 depending on trading history and profile. We work out the right number with you before you commit.
Seasonal Businesses and Revenue Based Lending
Seasonal patterns are one of the most common concerns we hear from hospitality business owners. The good news is that revenue based lending is specifically well suited to seasonal income.
We look at your full trading picture, not just a single month. A strong summer combined with a quieter winter is a pattern we see all the time and it does not disqualify you. We discuss your seasonality upfront so there are no surprises.
Revenue based lending is uniquely suited to restaurants and cafés because repayments flex with your income. When it is quiet in January, you pay less. When summer or Christmas trade picks up, you pay more — automatically.
No fixed monthly direct debit. No penalty for a slow week. The facility grows and shrinks with your cash flow, which is exactly what hospitality businesses need.
FAQ: Revenue Based Lending for Restaurants and Cafes in Ireland
Can I apply if my business is seasonal?
Yes. We look at your full year of trading rather than any single month. A clear seasonal pattern is a normal part of hospitality and does not prevent approval.
Do I need to own the building?
No. Revenue based lending is unsecured. You do not need to pledge your premises or any other property.
How long does it take to get approved?
We aim to give you a fast decision. Funds typically arrive within five business days of approval.
What if I have mixed payment methods, not just card?
We can accommodate businesses with a mix of card and cash income. Your overall monthly revenue is what we assess, not just your card terminal figures.
Can I use the funding to open a second premises?
Yes. Expansion is one of the most common reasons hospitality businesses come to us. We can discuss the right amount for your specific plans.
Conclusion
Revenue based lending is one of the most practical funding options for Irish restaurants and cafes. Repayments that flex with your service, a fast decision, and no collateral requirement make it a genuine alternative when a bank loan is not the right fit.
Simpli Finance works with hospitality businesses across Ireland. We understand the sector and we are ready to help you find out how much you could access.
Get in touch today and we can have a fast decision for you.