Welbilt, a provider of commercial foodservice equipment, launched the Welbilt Kitchen Leasing Program at the 2018 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago. This first-of-its-kind program is designed to provide all of the hot, cold and beverage equipment needed to run a professional kitchen. The program is currently available to customers in the U.S.

“We are excited to be the first company to offer commercial kitchen leasing solutions that will allow our customers to effectively ‘pay as you go’, rather than to pay entirely up front, for their professional kitchen,” said Hubertus Muehlhaeuser, president and CEO of Welbilt. “This is another important step to further tailor our services to our customers’ needs and underlines our commitment to revolutionize the foodservice industry with fresh concepts.”

Welbilt’s Kitchen Leasing Program will include the entire range of Welbilt brands and is offered in partnership with Marlin Finance, which will act as the lessor.

“Leasing an entire kitchen provides restaurant owners with a high level of flexibility, lower risk of full ownership, an uptime guarantee and better cash flow,” Muehlhaeuser said. “Our customers can buy the equipment at the expiration of the lease or get brand new models with new warranties and new advanced technology features. In addition, operators can exchange one brand for an entirely new brand with little to no cost. This flexibility allows restaurants to constantly evolve their menu concept, improve their kitchen design and to introduce innovations in cooking solutions.”

Welbilt will be partnering with dealers to help operators design the kitchen they wish to lease. Should an operator prefer to lease certain appliances, but not a full kitchen system, Welbilt also offers bundled equipment.