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Experience Pays Off for This Expanding Restaurateur

Feb 2008

Ronald A. DeFilippo knows a thing or three about owning and operating successful restaurants.

And with the help of a recent 504 loan, he is off to another great start in Ormond Beach.

His latest restaurant is LuLu's Oceanside Grill, which opened last August. DeFilippo used an FFCFC 504 loan to finance the purchase of land and the construction of the 5,045 square-foot restaurant as well as the financing of professional fees. The restaurant offers a variety of casual American cuisine and seats 270 guests, including 64 seats in an open air courtyard.

“Mr. DeFilippo chose the 504 loan program because he was able to save a considerable amount of working capital which he used to cover his startup costs, including the hiring of 40 employees,” said Kristen Tackett, FFCFC vice president and business development officer.

Another factor in his choice of the 504 program was its low down payment of 10%. “Given his experience, Mr. DeFilippo qualified for the lowest down payment possible and avoided an additional 5% down payment had the restaurant been a startup,” said Tackett.

DeFilippo owns two other restaurants: The famed Swamp Restaurant in Gainesville and Stella's Skyline Cafe in New Smyrna Beach.

The Swamp Restaurant, which was established in 1994, is considered the number one college establishment in the country. It is named for its proximity to the legendary Florida field.

Stella's originally opened in 2003 in Ormond By the Sea as Stella's at the Beach. In 2006, the restaurant was relocated to New Smyrna Beach and renamed Stella's Skyline Cafe. It is considered one of the area's favorite culinary destinations.

As for LuLu's, the reviews have been good so far. “Wow! What a beautiful restaurant” … “I will certainly tell all my friends to drop by and see for themselves what a great place this is!” … “Bravo Lulu's, I love it!!!”

Visit LuLu's Oceanside Grill at http://lulusoceanside.com. Visit The Swamp Restaurant at http://swamprestaurant.com. Visit Stella's Skyline Cafe at http://stellasskyline.com.

For more information on the FFCFC 504 loan program, visit www.ffcfc.com or call 888.320.5504.