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Franchise Finance

For more than 15 years, Wintrust Franchise Finance has been dedicated to serving the distinctive needs of franchise owners who face a number of unique challenges: concentrated competition, changing consumer tastes, rising costs, and continuous capital reinvestment. We know that a smooth process and certainty to close are paramount in the franchise space; that’s why, with an expert team with more than 100 years of combined industry experience and a national reach supporting more than 35 brands, we are proud to put dedicated guidance, integrated solutions, and decades of experience to work for you.

“These PPP loans are truly doing what they are designed to do, and that is to continue to pay our people. Our banker’s dedication and commitment to us has always been there but was so incredible during a time where we needed support the most.”

- Susan Singleton, Singleton Family McDonald’s Organization

Financing Solutions

Our financing solutions are customized to help achieve your business goals:

ACQUISITIONS: As a valued partner, we'll help you expand your business and integrate new locations. Our focus on timing, and certainty of close are paramount as you continue to grow your business.

REFINANCES AND RECAPITALIZATION: Businesses change. We understand that and can help structure alternative solutions as your needs vary.

DEVELOPMENT LINES OF CREDIT:

New unit development:We are always prepared to help you grow. If you are looking to develop new locations, we provide growth capital and leverage our industry expertise to help with those projects.
Remodels:Remodel projects move quickly, and, with our speed in execution, we make the process seamless to allow you to remain focused on operations.
Equipment:We offer access to capital to support the ongoing, necessary updates and refreshes for your equipment package.

CAPITAL MARKETS: Through Wintrust Loan Capital Markets, we can offer financing solutions through partnerships with premier lenders and investors.

REAL ESTATE: Buying new property can be overwhelming, but with our experienced team, we can guide you through the complexity of real estate transactions.

Representative Transactions

Representative transaction with Taco Bell for $75 million

Representative transaction with IHOP for $52 million

Representative transaction with Dunkin' for $28 million

Representative transaction with El Pollo Loco for $12 million

“Your constant communication relieved me and assured me, so I could focus on our business as consumers went into lockdown mode. These PPP funds gave me the confidence to invest in our people, advertising, and the things we need to move toward full operations.”

-Cook Family, People First Foods, Inc.

Meet the Team

Sandra McCraren

Senior Managing Director

Thomas Benkoske

Vice President

Evan Bossard

Executive Vice President

Paul Cantieri

Managing Director

James Cho

Portfolio Manager

Todd Cortell

Managing Direector

Clayton Daniels

Underwriter

Melissa Daniels

Closing Specialist