{"id":25781,"date":"2026-03-24T16:44:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T23:44:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tmcfinancing.com\/?p=25781"},"modified":"2026-03-24T16:44:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T23:44:54","slug":"gorges-beer-refinance-sba-504-tmc-financing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tmcfinancing.com\/es\/gorges-beer-refinance-sba-504-tmc-financing\/","title":{"rendered":"How Gorges Beer Co. Refinanced High-Cost Debt with the SBA 504 and TMC Financing"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Gorges<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cRefinancing with the SBA 504 program and TMC has given us breathing room,\u201d explains Travis Preece, owner of Gorges Beer Co.<\/a>, which has locations in Portland and Cascade Locks, OR. \u201cWhile our monthly payment is about the same, we now have cash in-hand to get through seasonal cycles and grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how Travis used the Programa de pr\u00e9stamos SBA 504<\/a> with TMC Financing to refinance existing debt for the Cascade Locks location and gain additional cash to smooth out cash flow as the busier spring and summer seasons approach.<\/p>\n

Building on past experience and success<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before launching Gorges, Travis gained several years of industry experience, including acquiring and growing Ankeny Tap & Table in the Southeast Portland neighborhood that\u2019s now also home to Gorges.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d been working in corporate strategy and B2B sales when I bought that restaurant,\u201d Travis explains about his pivot to the hospitality industry. \u201cThat was in 2015 and it went really well, growing from a small local hangout to a blossoming neighborhood spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

A business pivot to optimize opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2017, we\u2019d planned for a flagship brewery in Cascade Locks. We acquired land there in 2019 and started construction the next year. But before we got that location fully built-out, we had the opportunity to acquire an existing brewery in Portland, so it made sense to pivot our plan to make the best use that space,\u201d Travis explains about the evolution of Gorges Beer Co.<\/p>\n

Despite challenging timing \u2013 Gorges opened the Portland brewery on March 6, 2020, just weeks before the pandemic-related shutdowns \u2013 Travis and his team were able to grow Gorges into a beloved brewery and brand.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Gorges opened the Cascade Locks location in July 2021, optimizing its Columbia River surroundings \u2013 vistas of mountains, forests, the river and, of course, the gorge \u2013 with three outdoor spaces and room for weddings, corporate events, and other special gatherings, and welcomes everyday visitors and vacationers, too.<\/p>\n

While Gorges kept primary brewing operations at the Portland location, the brewery\u2019s offerings are available in Cascade Locks, along with select ciders, craft cocktails, and a limited menu to satisfy visitors of all ages and tastes.<\/p>\n

With operations underway, a refinance is necessary to ease cash flow<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite a track record of success, Travis ran into a common problem for hospitality-industry businesses when he opened in Cascade Locks: It can be hard to secure financing with beneficial terms, as many lenders view the industry as high-risk. That led Travis to take on high-cost debt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had challenges from Day 1 because of our industry,\u201d Travis admits. \u201cAlthough other lenders approved us for financing, the amount and terms weren\u2019t what we needed to launch as strongly as I\u2019d have liked.\u201d As a result, Gorges experienced typical problems associated with high-cost debt, including putting reinvestment and growth goals on hold.<\/p>\n

How SBA 504 loans help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Travis\u2019s goals for a refinance included obtaining more working capital and lengthening the loan term \u2013 and he achieved those and more with an SBA 504 loan through TMC. It\u2019s an outstanding option for small business owners who want to purchase or renovate commercial property and\/or major equipment for their businesses or refinance high-cost debt related to these uses because it offers:<\/p>\n