Twenty miles north of Syracuse, NY in the village of Central Square, you’ll find “R” Diner—a gathering spot that draws a loyal following, thanks to great food served by the restaurant and the warm welcome guests receive. The family business is helmed by owner Robin Hilts.
Robin purchased “R” Diner through a lease-to-own agreement and closed on it in 2016. She acquired the building along with the business and needed to make several updates including a costly roof replacement.
As a new business, Robin didn’t think she’d qualify for a traditional bank loan but was determined to find the funding she needed. Through a connection at KeyBank, Robin learned about options available through Pursuit. She decided to take the leap and applied online through Pursuit’s website. Shortly after applying she was approved for a SmartLoan™ for $30,000—enough for the new roof, upgrades to the point-of-sale system and some décor updates.
Robin noted that the process was quick and easy and encourages other small business owners to apply for a loan via the Pursuit online platform. “Just try it,” she says. “That’s what I did and now I have peace of mind. The payments are amazing, too—really affordable. If I need funding again, I’d definitely use Pursuit.”
