It's difficult to finance a restaurant because there's usually not much good collateral available. You don't have any real estate (assuming you're leasing), you don't have any accounts receivable, you don't have any inventory (not that inventory makes great collateral), and your fixed assets -- the equipment -- probably don't hold their value very well (especially when you add in the cost of seizing and relocating).
Do you have any personal assets that you can pledge for this loan? Equity in a home? Stocks, bonds, etc.?
Frankly, I think your best bet is to go to a small community bank and ask if they do SBA loans. If they do, make an appointment to speak with someone who does small business loans. Ask if there's anyone at the branch with the loan approval authority for up to $100,000. My guess is that anything over $25,000 will need to go to some sort of underwriting team or committee, but you never know.
Anyway, go to the bank and just ask them, "We'd like to buy a restaurant and we'll need a business loan. What do you need from us?"
There are those who will say you should do all your preparation first, but it sounds like you're pretty new to this. I'd just go to the bank and let them be your guide. Any good banker worth his salt will find a way to get that loan done, assuming it's doable.
But like I said, loans are hard to come by these days, especially for a restaurant.
They will probably want to see a business plan, your resumes, your financial statement, and a 2-3 years' worth of tax returns. They'll also likely get a credit report.
How are your personal finances?
