News

Taco Bell franchisee receives $6.8M in financing for growth

July 29, 2013

GE Capital's Franchise Finance business announced today that it has provided Guerrieri Management Inc. (GMI) with a $6.8 million credit facility. Based in Cape Coral, Fla., the company currently operates 12 Taco Bell restaurants in the Tampa-Clearwater area.

Gordon Guerrieri, company president, originally engaged franchise financial advisors MarshallMorgan LLC, who suggested GE Capital. MarshallMorgan later worked with GE Capital to find an ideal financial structure for the borrower's future growth and goals.

GMI used the bulk of the funds to refinance current debt, including debt related to one newly opened Taco Bell location. Additionally, GE provided GMI with a development line of credit, which will be used to develop or acquire several new sites.

"When I started looking to expand, I was impressed by GE Capital's understanding of the development process," Guerrieri said. "That, combined with their creativity and fast execution, gave me what I need to grow my business."

GMI is a new GE Capital customer.

"Gordon exemplifies our typical customer," said Casey Crimmins, a vice president of East Coast sales for GE Capital. "We love to work with experienced entrepreneurs who operate a small number of restaurants but have an appetite to grow."

GMI is a 14-year franchisee of Taco Bell and has been recognized every year as one of the top 20 franchises in the brand's system. The company is also a four-time "Franchisee of the Year" award winner in the Southeast region.

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