Lending to restaurants after COVID-19

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Abstract: Restaurants have been struggling to maintain business and attract customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article offers some factors to consider that can help assess the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic and whether lending to a restaurant is prudent in today’s uncertain conditions. Lenders need to look at a restaurant’s current financial performance, business strategies and compliance with government guidance, among other considerations. A sidebar suggests five questions lenders might want to ask prospective restaurant borrowers before meeting with their loan committees.