Business Insights

Meet Matt O’Hara – Brooklyn Dip & Burger

Updated on November 11, 2024
Category: Business Loans, Member Stories
4 Minutes to read

“NEWITY really helped my small business and made me feel important.”

Matt O'Hara

Founder of Brooklyn Dip & Burger

Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem

Brooklyn Dip & Burger is a hidden gem in Brooklyn, NY, cherished for its warm, friendly atmosphere. Known for welcoming guests like old friends, this high-end gastropub focuses on exceptional food and cocktails. Founded in 2019, the restaurant brings decades of experience in crafting delicious flavors. Matt O’Hara, the founder, comes from generations of meat purveyors who understand the art of quality.

A Mission for Quality and Flavor

Matt established Brooklyn Dip & Burger with a clear vision: to bring Brooklyn-style hot roast beef sandwiches to customers’ doors. His goal is to infuse high quality and bold flavors into each dish, including roast beef, burgers, and roast pork. Alongside these offerings, Brooklyn Dip & Burger also serves milkshakes, hot dogs, and specialty pizzas. In partnership with Frankie Meats, Matt’s team prepares all their 100% certified Black Angus beef fresh and on-site, welcoming sports fans and families alike.

Expanding the Business

In late 2022, Matt found an exciting opportunity to expand with a new location. However, he quickly encountered a common challenge for small businesses: obtaining the necessary funds to grow without sacrificing ownership. To move forward, Matt considered two options—either selling part of the business or securing affordable capital—yet he remained committed to maintaining control of his company. When his bank ultimately couldn’t provide assistance, the process became both difficult and time-consuming. Feeling unsupported and in need of a solution, Matt decided to reach out to NEWITY.

NEWITY’s Role in Supporting Small Business Growth

Reflecting on his experience in 2020, Matt recalled how NEWITY had stepped in to help him secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. His bank had initially overlooked him as a new small business owner, yet NEWITY guided him through the process, ensuring he received the assistance he needed. Fast forward to 2022, and NEWITY was there for him once more, this time assisting with an SBA 7(a) loan to fund his second location. For Matt, NEWITY’s PPP and SBA 7(a) loans proved to be lifelines, allowing him not only to expand his business but also to retain full ownership.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

With the SBA 7(a) loan, Matt feels confident in his business plan to take Brooklyn Dip & Burger to the next level. Combining his culinary expertise with a dedicated team, he’s excited to grow the business at their new location.

Start on your NEWITY journey today

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Meet Matt O’Hara – Brooklyn Dip & Burger

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