Free Money for Restaurants? The inKind Model Explained | EP216

Step into Episode 217 of On The Delo as Delo sits down with Corey and TJ from inKind to break down one of the most innovative financing and marketing models in the restaurant industry today. Built by operators for operators, inKind gives restaurants upfront capital at zero interest — and a 5-million-user marketing engine to back it up.From a D.C. restaurant incubator 11 years ago to over 8,000 restaurant partners nationwide, Corey and TJ unpack how inKind turned a $500 gift card idea into a non-dilutive funding platform that's helping Arizona restaurants survive 120-degree summers, pay off high-interest loans, and drive 90% net new diners through the door. Delo shares his own experience as both a hospitality veteran and active inKind affiliate — making this conversation raw, practical, and deeply credible for anyone who owns, operates, or eats at restaurants.Chapter Guide (Timestamps):(0:00 - 1:13) Freestyle Intro, Mic Check, and Episode 216 Kickoff(1:14 - 2:49) Delo's Intro: Risky Business Book Promo & Five-Star Ask(2:50 - 4:51) Meet Corey & TJ: Backgrounds, Arizona, and Why This Summer Matters(4:52 - 7:42) The Origin Story: 11 Years, a D.C. Incubator, and a $500 Gift Card Lightbulb(7:43 - 10:58) inKind Comes to Arizona: From 15 Partners to 300+ and Still Growing(10:59 - 13:21) The Capital Model: Non-Dilutive, Zero Interest, and What COGS Really Means(13:22 - 16:06) Risk, Underwriting, and Why Only Top-Quality Restaurants Make the Cut(16:07 - 18:45) The Marketing Engine: 5 Million Users, Push Notifications, and Demand Control(18:46 - 21:24) Retail Presence, Costco Gift Cards, and Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers Launch Stats(21:25 - 24:24) The User Experience: How to Pay Through inKind Step by Step(24:25 - 27:15) The Restaurant Avatar: Fine Dining to Fast Casual and Why Both Work(27:16 - 32:24) Success Stories, Loan Payoffs, and the Ravenous Pig Funded 28 Times(32:25 - 36:17) Sales Philosophy: Relationships, Listening, and "It's Never a No"(36:18 - 41:14) Rapid Fire + Final Thoughts: Where to Find inKind and What's Next👉 If this conversation about funding restaurants, driving new diners, and smarter sales got your wheels turning, hit Subscribe for more real talk on hospitality, business, and leadership.💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this with any restaurant owner or operator you know who could use a cash infusion without the interest payments.🍽️ Learn more about inKind at DELOS AFFILIATE LINK💰Learn more about inKind, and make sure to mention the ‘On the DeLo’ podcast - https://inkind.com🔗 Connect with DELO: https://linktr.ee/iamthedelo💡 Entrepreneur Community: https://www.builtdifferentcommunity.com 📚 Grab DELO’s Free eBook: https://toastability-production.s3.amazonaws.com/iiaxm3o0iqiawpe96g9o5efki5gh📲 DELO’s Preferred Business Service Partners: https://iamthedelo.com/connect📋 Restaurant Resources: https://www.runningrestaurants.com/subscribe DISCOUNT CODE: DeLo2025