Bridge Loan Helps Sebring-based Restaurant Serve Customers

Galati’s Restaurant, Inc., of Highlands County

David and Catherine Galati, owners of Galati’s Restaurant in Sebring, have one priority – to serve their customers. Galati’s Restaurant is an Italian American restaurant located in the heart of Sebring.

The destruction left behind by Hurricane Irma was widespread in Highlands County, with many businesses sustaining physical damage. Galati’s Restaurant was no exception.

Once the storm cleared, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioner’s Economic Development office quickly set to work canvassing the community to let businesses know about the available recovery resources. Meghan DiGiacomo, Business Development Manager, came across Galati’s Restaurant and advised them to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey.

David was directed to the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, based at South Florida State College in Avon Park. He met with business consultant Bill McKown to discuss the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan and to get help with the application process. When asked about his experience with the storm and the assistance received, David recalled:

What type of damage occurred?
Power surges damaged the air conditioning unit and the ice maker, requiring repair and replacement. We lost the entire inventory of refrigerated food items during the extended power outage. We also lost almost two weeks of sales during the down time until power was restored, repairs made and the restaurant was restocked.

How will the Bridge Loan help?
It will allow us to run the business and provide service for our customers.

How was the Florida SBDC at USF helpful during this process?
Everyone was a pleasure to work with.