THE CLIENT

This husband-and-wife team wears many hats: real estate investors, small business owners, and passionate pizza makers. After launching their Florida pizza restaurant in 2017, they made the tough decision to sell the business to their head cook during the uncertainty of the pandemic. But in 2023, when the business hit rough waters, they stepped back in to take over and breathe new life into the brand, while also expanding their real estate footprint.

THE CLIENT’S CHALLENGE

The couple owned a 12-unit mixed-use complex in Florida: 10 retail spaces and 2 vacation rental units. They wanted to refinance the property to pay off a mortgage and access cash for property upgrades, including improvements to the restaurant and a nearby marina they also owned.

But there were two major roadblocks:

• Seasoning issues: Because they had only resumed business ownership in 2023, they didn’t have the typical two years of financials most lenders require.
• Past credit issues: Previous credit challenges further narrowed their financing options.

They were turned away by multiple lenders until a broker introduced them to Apex Commercial Capital.

THE APEX COMMERCIAL CAPITAL SOLUTION

$500,000 • Cash-Out Refinance • Restaurant & Marina Improvements

Apex understood the bigger picture. Backed by both a real estate holding company and the husband-and-wife team’s personal guarantees, we structured a refinance loan that allowed the borrowers to pay off their mortgage and gave them access to funds for renovations, despite the seasoning and credit hurdles.

Our common-sense underwriting approach allowed us to focus on the strength of the property, the borrowers’ experience, and their forward-looking strategy.

FINAL RESULTS

With Apex’s help, the borrowers were able to refinance, invest in their restaurant and marina, and set the stage for future growth across multiple income streams. Now, they’re leasing retail space, booking vacation rentals, serving up fresh pizza, and showing what’s possible when entrepreneurial spirit meets flexible financing.

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