Restaurant Finance And Development Conference 2026: What Restaurant Owners and Investors Need to Know

What Is the Restaurant Finance And Development Conference?

The Restaurant Finance And Development Conference (RFDC) is an annual industry event managed by Franchise Times. It brings together restaurant operators, franchisees, lenders, private equity firms, and development advisors for three days of educational sessions, networking, and capital sourcing.

The conference is known for its practical focus: sessions cover how to structure financing for new builds, how to refinance existing stores, how to negotiate with landlords, and how to manage multi-unit growth. The exhibit hall features banks, credit unions, equipment lessors, and real estate firms that specialize in the restaurant vertical.

Key elements of the conference include:

• Capital Connection sessions: One-on-one pre-scheduled meetings between operators and lenders.
• Industry outlook panels: Data on same-store sales, labor costs, and commodity pricing from firms like TDn2K and Black Box Intelligence.
• Franchise development workshops: How to secure area development agreements and manage unit performance.
• Real estate and construction finance: How development costs, construction loans, and build-to-suit models work in the current rate environment.

For context on the types of funding available, see our guide to restaurant business loans and how to get them.

The 2026 RFDC program focuses on three themes: accessing capital in a higher-for-longer rate environment, managing development costs, and optimizing franchise performance. Here’s what attendees can expect.

Capital Access and Lending Trends

With the Federal Reserve’s target rate at 4.25–4.50% as of early 2026, restaurant loans remain more expensive than in the 2020–2021 period. Sessions will address how lenders are underwriting deals today: debt service coverage ratios (DSCR) typically need to be 1.25x or higher, and loan-to-value (LTV) on real estate is generally capped at 65–70% for acquisition loans. Expect panelists to discuss SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs, which remain popular for franchisees.

Development Costs and Construction Finance

Construction costs have stabilized after the post-pandemic spike, but labor and material expenses are still 20–30% above 2019 levels. Sessions will cover how to structure construction loans with interest reserves, how to manage change orders, and how to negotiate tenant improvement allowances. Some operators are turning to synthetic leases or sale-leaseback arrangements to free up capital.

Franchise Performance and Unit Economics

A strong focus will be on unit-level economics: what separates a high-performing franchise from a struggling one. Operators can expect data on average unit volumes (AUVs) by segment, food cost percentages, and labor cost management. Emerging tools like AI-driven scheduling and inventory management will also see discussion.

Attending the RFDC without preparation means leaving value on the table. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to maximize the experience.

1. Define your capital needs. Know how much you need, what type (construction loan, term loan, equipment lease), and your projected DSCR and LTV. Lenders want to see realistic projections, not wishful thinking.
2. Prepare a one-page deal summary. Include concept type, number of units, current financials (at least 12 months of profit and loss), projected unit economics, amount sought, and proposed use of funds.
3. Register for Capital Connection meetings early. The conference’s matchmaking system pairs operators with lenders. Slots fill quickly, particularly with banks active in your region.
4. Research lenders and their focus. Not all lenders fund all concepts. Some specialize in fast-casual, others in full-service. Check their target loan size, preferred credit profile, and geographic preference.
5. Plan your networking schedule. Identify 10–15 exhibitors you want to visit. Prioritize one-on-one meetings and ask for introductions to operators who have grown with that lender.
6. Bring your tax returns and financial statements. Have three years of tax returns and interim financials available electronically. If you have a franchise disclosure document (FDD) for your concept, bring that too.

For a broader foundation on managing business finances, see our personal finance and financial basics guide.

Common Limitations

The RFDC is primarily a lending and development conference. It is not ideal for first-time restaurant entrepreneurs who have not yet opened a location. The content assumes you understand unit economics, cash flow statements, and basic franchise law. If you are exploring the idea of opening a restaurant but have no financials and no operating experience, consider a local SBDC or franchise trade day first.

Caveats Before You Decide

This conference is not a one-stop solution for getting a loan. Many attendees meet 8–10 lenders and walk away with 2–3 real follow-ups. The real work happens after the event: providing detailed financials, site plans, and personal guarantees. Also note that the conference fee is approximately $1,000–$1,500 depending on registration timing and member status. Travel and lodging in downtown Chicago add to the cost.

Expert Tips

• Arrive with a digital and printed version of your deal summary, lenders will ask for it on the spot.
• Attend the pre-conference workshops on SBA lending and franchise development; they cover baseline knowledge that makes higher-level panels more useful.
• Schedule at least 4 one-on-one Capital Connection meetings per day, the exhibit hall is secondary to those appointments.
• Ask every lender the same two questions: “What is your typical turnaround time from application to closing?” and “Do you have a minimum unit count or sales threshold?”
• Follow up within 48 hours with a thank-you email and the requested documents. Speed signals professionalism.
• If you’re a single-unit operator, consider bringing a partner or mentor who has already scaled, lenders prefer multi-unit borrowers.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming every lender is the same. A credit union may offer better terms for a small franchisee than a national bank, research each exhibitor’s focus beforehand.
• Arriving without a clear purpose. “I’m looking for growth capital” is too vague. Be specific: “I need $800,000 for a build-to-suit drive-through on a 15-year amortization.”
• Overlooking non-bank lenders. Equipment lessors, working capital finance companies, and franchise-specific lenders can fill gaps that banks won’t touch.
• Failing to follow up. The conference generates leads; the execution happens in the following weeks.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Access to 50+ lenders in one room; educational sessions on real-world finance; networking with operators who have grown through multiple cycles; matchmaking system saves time.
• Cons: High cost of attendance; content is advanced for beginners; not all lenders are actively funding every concept; requires significant preparation to be effective.

Bottom Line

The Restaurant Finance And Development Conference remains the most targeted annual event for restaurant operators seeking capital. It works well for multi-unit franchisees and experienced operators who come prepared with financials and a clear ask. For first-time owners exploring the industry, the cost and complexity may outweigh the benefits. As with any business loan, verify current rates and terms with multiple lenders before committing.