McDonald's Preferred Lending Program
As an established McDonald's preferred lender, we bring a depth of expertise and knowledge to help restaurant owners like you expand their business and grow their bottom line.
McDonald’s Preferred Lending Program
Why Finance Your McDonald’s Business with SouthState
SouthState Bank’s extensive knowledge of the quick-service restaurant sector, combined with a commitment to personalized service, enables us to deliver tailored financial solutions designed to help McDonald’s Owner/Operators grow and succeed. At SouthState Bank, it’s all about moving your franchise forward.
As a McDonald’s Preferred Lender, our dedicated lending platform is led by John Dutko, our seasoned financial McDonald’s expert, and supported by a closely knit banking team focused on getting your deals to the finish line. Together, we bring deep franchise banking expertise and understand the complexities of acquiring, developing, remodeling, and expanding McDonald’s restaurants. We are well positioned to help you navigate the financial priorities of your business with confidence.
Finance Your McDonald's Business with SouthState
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A McWonderful Experience
"Our experience with John and his team at SouthState was amazing. McDonald's decided to relocate our store after a devastating fire. So, we went to McDonald's for approved lenders. The list was long but after speaking with John we knew that this was the lender for us. The entire underwriting and closing process was smooth and the Team at SouthState was professional and accommodating to our unique situation. John also made it a point to visit our organization and tour our stores. " - Scott & Cindy Villaire, 14 restaurants, throughout Michigan
Meet Your McDonald's Preferred Lending Program Director
John Dutko
John is a seasoned financial services leader with deep expertise in franchise finance, relationship management, and strategic financial structuring. As Senior Vice President at SouthState Bank since May 2023, he plays a key role in expanding the bank’s national franchise lending platform, partnering closely with franchisees and the franchisor to deliver scalable, relationship-driven financing solutions.
John’s impact is most notably demonstrated through his leadership with McDonald’s, where he built and launched a nationwide franchise lending program at SouthState Bank from the ground up. Over the course of 2.5 years, he successfully scaled the platform to 21 clients and $140 million in outstanding loan volume, while helping SouthState Bank achieve McDonald’s Preferred Lender status in June 2025, which is a significant milestone reflecting the program’s strength, consistency, and execution.
Known for his speed, transparency, and disciplined understanding of McDonald’s brand standards and their unit-level economics, John brings a highly consultative approach to every relationship. He works side by side with franchisees to structure thoughtful financing solutions that align near-term objectives with long-term growth. Whether supporting a refinance, acquisition, or multi-unit expansion strategy, John delivers the insight and execution needed to help clients move forward with confidence.
John Dutko
John is a seasoned financial services leader with deep expertise in franchise finance, relationship management, and strategic financial structuring. As Senior Vice President at SouthState Bank since May 2023, he plays a key role in expanding the bank’s national franchise lending platform, partnering closely with franchisees and the franchisor to deliver scalable, relationship-driven financing solutions.
John’s impact is most notably demonstrated through his leadership with McDonald’s, where he built and launched a nationwide franchise lending program at SouthState Bank from the ground up. Over the course of 2.5 years, he successfully scaled the platform to 21 clients and $140 million in outstanding loan volume, while helping SouthState Bank achieve McDonald’s Preferred Lender status in June 2025, which is a significant milestone reflecting the program’s strength, consistency, and execution.
Known for his speed, transparency, and disciplined understanding of McDonald’s brand standards and their unit-level economics, John brings a highly consultative approach to every relationship. He works side by side with franchisees to structure thoughtful financing solutions that align near-term objectives with long-term growth. Whether supporting a refinance, acquisition, or multi-unit expansion strategy, John delivers the insight and execution needed to help clients move forward with confidence.
All loans are subject to credit approval.
