Running a small business can be an exciting journey — one where you often find yourself wearing many different hats. From front-of-house and management, to back-of-house operations and social media, it's safe to say no two days are ever the same. And sometimes, you may feel stretched to your limits. Whether you're dealing with an appliance on its last leg or facing an unexpected water leak DoorDash Capital offers a source of funding and support you need to weather those out-of-the-blue rainy days. Here's How Little George's Pizza & Pasta Local Guys leverages affordable funding to keep their business running smoothly.
Building a family-run business in a town with a tight-knit community
Meet Rohini Mehendiratta, owner of Little George's Pizza & Pasta Local Guys, a pasta and pizza restaurant located in the quaint town of Nanaimo, British Columbia. A local Nanaimoite with big dreams, Mehendiratta spent much of her youth helping family members in the food and hospitality industry — a foundation that made it no surprise when she set her sights on one big goal: to open her own business and become her own boss.
Named after her uncle, Little George's Pizza & Pasta Local Guys quickly set itself apart with its commitment to quality and locally sourced ingredients. While the menu originally focused on classic pizza and pasta dishes, it soon expanded to include items like chicken curry that reflect Mehendiratta's cultural roots.
Unlocking access to more customers with DoorDash
Delivery is essential to growing a restaurant in a small town — but managing your own drivers can be challenging, especially with the unpredictable flow of orders. With the help of DoorDash, Little George's Pizza & Pasta Local Guys was able to overcome these hurdles, doubling their original 10 km delivery radius and reaching customers in neighbouring towns.
When Mehendiratta signed up with DoorDash in 2017, she began directing customers to DoorDash for delivery, eliminating the need to hire and manage her own drivers. This not only reduced operational stress, but also freed up valuable time so she could focus on what she loves most: cooking for her community. With DoorDash's support, she also launched virtual brands and ghost kitchens to connect with even more customers beyond her local area.
DoorDash Capital: A lifeline in a pinch
When you're busy running a restaurant, equipment breakdowns can quickly become critical disruptions. Recently, Mehendiratta faced exactly that when both her prep cooler and chest freezer failed, threatening to halt operations entirely. Around the same time, she had received an email about DoorDash Capital. After reviewing it in detail, Mehendiratta realized she could access fast, flexible funding through a partner she already trusts, without resorting to a high-interest credit or loan.
Unlike traditional financing, DoorDash Capital bases eligibility on sales history, making the application process simple and straightforward. If approved, DoorDash partners typically receive funds within 1-2 business days. Pricing is also clear: no interest, just one flat fee paid over the term of the advance. Payments are automatically deducted as a fixed percentage of DoorDash sales — on slower days, you pay less; on busier days, a little more — or automatically debited from your designated bank account.
Thanks to the seamless application process, Mehendiratta quickly secured the funds she needed to cover repairs and get her kitchen back up and running. The fast and flexible financing option allowed her to address urgent expenses without adding unnecessary financial stress, keeping her focus where it belongs: on her customers, her family, and the food she loves to make.
"It was a game changer – we got the help we needed from our most trusted partner, DoorDash, when we needed it most. DoorDash Capital allowed us to continue sharing our delicious meals with the community around us."
Rohini Mehendiratta, owner of Little George's Pizza & Pasta Local Guys
About DoorDash Capital
DoorDash Capital provides fast, flexible funding solutions for restaurant partners on the DoorDash platform — supporting business owners when they need it most. Designed to help restaurants thrive, the program provides quick access to funds based on a merchant's DoorDash sales, eliminating the need for traditional, high-interest loans. With transparent pricing and payment through DoorDash sales, DoorDash Capital gives restaurant owners the freedom to invest in their growth and cover essential expenses, without added financial strain. Whether it's seizing a new opportunity or navigating an unexpected challenge, DoorDash Capital helps partners access the resources they need to support long-term success.
For more information, visit the DoorDash Capital page.
*DoorDash Capital is not currently available in Quebec.
