Up for grabs: finding expansion money may not be easy, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty of it around

The restaurant industry has obtained $2.4 billion in financing from 1991-95 compared with $1.7 billion from 1980-89. The abundance of available capital does not mean that the investments have been distributed in a logical, equitable or wise manner. Some restaurateurs obtain financing from banks, others obtain financing on their credit cards and still others obtain financing from family or friends.
LOUIS STOICO RUNS A NICE OPERATION, A 10-unit Italian chain with proven appeal, a 1.9:1 sales-to-investment ratio and plenty of room to grow. All he needs, says the Wichita restaurateur, [...]