Lathrop GPM Partner Ryan Palmer was recently featured by Franchise Times for his part in a panel session at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference, discussing the current state of restaurant lending and what operators can expect as they pursue development capital in 2026. In the piece, Palmer explains that while financing remains available, lenders are exercising greater scrutiny as market conditions evolve.
He describes today’s lending environment as “active but selective,” noting that capital continues to flow but is increasingly directed toward asset‑light businesses with strong financial fundamentals and higher multiples. Palmer also emphasized that inflation and macroeconomic pressures have raised the bar for first‑time franchisees, making initial entry into franchising more challenging.
Read the full Franchise Times piece here: Restaurant Experts Call Loan Climate ‘Active but Selective’