Accounting for McDonald's® Registered Applicants

Becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee is as much about numbers and structure as it is about leadership. That's why at Kelly+Partners Accountants, we specialize in preparing McDonald’s Registered Applicants for every financial checkpoint — ensuring your equity, structures and forecasts tell the right story to McDonald’s, lenders and selling owner-operators.

Registered Applicant to Store Owner

The Registered Applicant journey is highly structured — with multiple interviews, training assessments, and final approvals. Specialist accounting removes uncertainty: we identify gaps early, build lender-ready forecasts, advise on structure and protect personal wealth so you can focus on performance and fit.

We prepare you for every step of the McDonald’s journey—giving you the financial clarity and confidence to move through the applicant process and into ownership.

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Financial Readiness Review

We review your equity, debt, cash flow, and structures to show exactly what needs to be in place to be financially ready for ownership.

Financial Interview Preparation

We walk you through the ratios, terminology, and key questions you’ll face so you can speak to your numbers with clarity and confidence.

Personal Wealth & Structure Planning

We structure your finances for ownership—from asset protection and tax efficiency to managing cash flow through training.

First-Store Financial Roadmap

We outline a typical first-store P&L, income expectations, and capex and performance scenarios—so you know what to expect in your first year of ownership.

Finance & Banking Support

We prepare the financials lenders need, work with preferred banking partners, and guide you through approval and documentation—giving you confidence at every step.

Ongoing Support & Guidance

We support you throughout the applicant process with regular check-ins, help interpreting training financials, preparation for partnership meetings, and clarity on key McDonald’s benchmarks.

Ongoing Support & Guidance
50+

Years of Experience

Expert accounting, tax and advisory solutions for McDonald’s Owner-Operators - backed by 35+ years of experience helping you take control, reduce risk, and grow your financial universe with confidence.

1000+

Restaurants Managed

Kelly+Partners supports Owner-Operators overseeing over 1,000 restaurants worldwide - bringing international best practice, deep benchmarking, and proven financial strategies to every client. 

77+

Net Promoter Score

The average Net Promoter Score (NPS) for accounting firms in the United States is +41. At Kelly+Partners, our NPS is an industry-leading +77. 


 
 

Here's How We Help You Succeed

  Expert Guidance Through Every Checkpoint

From equity requirements to working capital and relocation planning, we ensure you meet McDonald’s strict financial standards.
 

 Working Capital Strategy

Each restaurant purchase typically requires a significant investment in working capital. We help you forecast and plan for these milestones.

 Relocation Readiness

We assist in budgeting and structuring funds to keep you compliant and prepared.


Financial Storytelling

From detailed forecasts to robust structures, we make sure your financials tell the right story to McDonald’s, lenders, and selling Owner-Operators.

End-to-End Support

Whether it’s your first store or your tenth, we provide ongoing accounting and advisory services to help you grow confidently within the McDonald’s system.
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What Our Clients Say

Ricky Wade
Ricky Wade-2
McDonald's Owner-Operator
Ricky Wade


After 43 years in the McDonald’s system and now operating 28 restaurants across Florida, Ricky Wade credits Kelly+Partners as trusted advisors for over two decades. The deep understanding of the McDonald’s business and long-term strategic planning has helped guide his growth and keep his business on course. 

James Marchant
James Marchant-1
McDonald's Owner-Operator
James Marchant


James Marchant started as a crew member in 1994 and now owns 12 McDonald’s restaurants. Kelly+Partners has guided him through back-office and financial challenges, supporting his growth and business decisions.

Roselina Rodriguez
Roselina Rodriguez-1
McDonald's Owner-Operator
Roselina Rodriguez

Roselina Rodriguez has operated six McDonald’s restaurants in South Florida since 2000, taking over from her father. She credits Kelly+Partners for hands-on, accessible support, strategic planning, and succession guidance across three generations—helping her family business grow and adapt over 25 years.

Yelany Rodriguez
Yelany Rodriguez-1
McDonald's Owner-Operator
Yelany Rodriguez

Yelany Rodriguez is a third-generation McDonald’s operator in South Florida, running six restaurants with her mother. Since 2011, Kelly+Partners has guided her through financial management, approvals, and strategic decisions, providing proactive advice that has strengthened her business and positioned her for long-term growth.
Mike Yontz
Mike Yontz-1
McDonald's Owner-Operator
Mike Yontz

Mike Yontz grew from a crew member to owning 11 McDonald’s restaurants. Kelly+Partners have been a trusted partner, guiding him through growth, financial decisions, and franchise complexities—helping him move forward with confidence.
Alan & Grace Rhine
Alan and Grace Rhine-1
McDonald's Owner-Operator
Alan & Grace Rhine

Grace and Alan Rhine have owned two McDonald’s restaurants since 2017. They credit Kelly+Partners for daily, hands-on support, expert guidance through McDonald’s-specific processes, and help with planning and succession—making their business operations smoother and more confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does McDonald’s look for in the financial interview?

Evidence of net worth and liquidity, a clear debt profile, ability to contribute capital and practical familiarity with P&L, cashflow and key ratios.

How long does the journey take?

Training is usually 12 months. Time to purchase depends on matching opportunities and financing; expect several additional months between completion of training and store purchase.

What does a first-store P&L look like?

We provide a one-page model showing typical revenue, COGS, labor, occupancy and head-office costs, plus owner-draw scenarios and sensitivity ranges.

Do I need to change my business structure?

Possibly. We review your existing structures and recommend tax-effective, asset-protecting options that align to McDonald’s requirements.

When should I hire an accountant?

Early — ideally before applying or immediately after becoming a Registered Applicant. Early advice reduces delays and prevents costly restructuring later.

Ready to get started?

Ready for an accountant who understands your McDonald’s business? We handle the switch professionally while ensuring your stores, royalties, and multi-unit plans stay fully optimized — so your growth never skips a beat.

Book a discovery meeting
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