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SilverChef expands to bring flexible financing to more hospitality operators

Thursday, February 26, 2026 — 17:27:02 (UTC)

Feb 26, 2026 7:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

After a Breakout Year, SilverChef USA Ramps up Nationwide Expansion to Bring Flexible Financing to More Hospitality Operators

Under the leadership of SilverChef USA’s President of Operations, Jon Jacobs, the company saw a 328% YOY growth in deployed financing, signaling strong market demand for its Rent-Try-Buy model. original

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SilverChef USA, part of the Australian-founded hospitality equipment financier SilverChef Group, is entering its next phase of growth after a breakout year under President of U.S. Operations Jon Jacobs, with plans to expand its team and nationwide footprint to widen hospitality operators’ access to flexible equipment financing through its Rent-Try-Buy model.

Jacobs joined SilverChef in January 2025 and brings more than 25 years of foodservice equipment industry experience. Over the past year under Jon’s direction, SilverChef USA saw 328% year-over-year growth in deployed financing, expanding from a two-state pilot to operating in 48 states.

As it continues to scale nationwide, SilverChef USA is also deepening its industry partnerships. The company was accepted as a Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association (FEDA) Dealer Partner member in December 2025, strengthening its ability to connect operators with trusted equipment partners.

“Our team understands the realities hospitality operators face because many of us have lived them,” says Jon Jacobs, President of U.S. Operations at SilverChef. “Too many capable hospitality operators are held back not by vision or demand, but by rigid financing structures that don’t reflect how businesses actually operate. We’re enabling operators to grow smarter by accessing the equipment they need without compromising cash flow, which ultimately supports healthier, more resilient businesses. That flexibility and freedom can be a decisive advantage in today’s market.”

Operators face higher costs and tighter margins

The U.S. hospitality sector runs on entrepreneurial ambition, but operators are building in a high-cost environment with less margin for error. Estimates show total restaurant input costs have risen by 30 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels, increasing the pressure on every decision around upfront investments.

One of the biggest early capital hurdles for operators is equipment, which typically reaches a minimum of $115,000 depending on the menu and kitchen needs; however, the challenge goes beyond the initial purchase. Keeping kitchens running is costing more as replacement prices climb. Replacement costs have risen by 24% for refrigeration units and 21% for cooking and food warming equipment in recent years.

For many hospitality operators in the U.S., decisions around purchasing equipment typically come down to two paths: buy upfront or pursue traditional financing, both of which can be difficult for early-stage businesses. When neither option fits, operators get stuck in the middle. They need equipment to open, replace, or grow, but the capital hit or lender requirements can become a bottleneck.

How Rent-Try-Buy works for operators and dealers

Founded in 1986 by equipment dealer Allan English, SilverChef Group’s Rent-Try-Buy model enables both hospitality operators and equipment dealers to grow their business.

For operators, Rent-Try-Buy provides a unique path to access equipment, protect cash flow, change or upgrade as needs evolve, and buy on their own terms. The program is structured as a 12-month rental agreement and is a proven option for every stage of a business’ journey, from established franchisors, restaurants, cafes and bars, through to start-ups without a trading history. For dealers, it gives customers an affordable finance option with unparalleled flexibility, ultimately growing the sales pipeline.

The Rent-Try-Buy model was founded on deep hospitality roots, spanning kitchens, dealerships, and the realities of running a restaurant. Jacobs was a restaurant owner before progressing into equipment dealership roles, while SilverChef Group CEO Jeremy Mangan went from chef to equipment dealership sales before leading the company.

Built in hospitality, scaled globally

Today, SilverChef Group supports nearly 100,000 customers globally, with a team of 389 people and over 2,600 equipment dealer partners across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. To date, SilverChef Group has deployed $1.8 billion USD ($2.6 billion AUD) in the hospitality industry through its equipment finance model.

Following the rapid growth over the last year, SilverChef USA will further expand its sales team, with a target of having 26 representatives across the nation to reach hospitality operators and equipment dealers coast-to-coast, backed by expanding global teams.

“Next Capital acquired SilverChef in 2019 because we identified the market gap and demand for flexible finance for hospitality operators. Rent-Try-Buy not only solves customer pain points, it also benefits equipment dealerships and together can uplift the total value of the hospitality category,” says Patrick Elliott, Founding Partner of Next Capital. “The momentum in the U.S. reinforces that demand, and we support SilverChef USA’s next phase of expansion so more operators and equipment dealers can benefit from Rent-Try-Buy.”

About SilverChef USA SilverChef USA is part of SilverChef Group, an Australian-founded hospitality equipment financier. At SilverChef, our purpose is to provide flexible equipment finance to help hospitality entrepreneurs grow their businesses smarter.

Established in 1986, SilverChef’s Rent-Try-Buy® model is a flexible, 12-month rental agreement that allows you to get the hospitality equipment you need, with the flexibility to change, upgrade or own the equipment at any time. All while keeping your cash flow healthy, with low weekly payments that are up to 100% tax deductible.

With almost 100,000 customers globally, 2,600+ equipment-dealer partners, and more than 389 employees, SilverChef Group is making business dreams a reality across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S.A., and Canada. For more information, visit silverchef.com

Contacts For media inquiries, please contact: silverchef@categorycomms.com

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Source: Company press release.

Categories: Announcement