The three McDonald’s locations in Richmond Hill now have a new local owner.
Gary Stanberry of Richmond Hill took ownership of the stores at Love’s Travel Center on Highway 144, on Highway 17 near I-95 and on Hwy. 144 at Publix on Wednesday. He purchased the stores from his former partner, Gary Dodd of Hinesville. 
“I am a 30-year member of the McDonald’s family, starting as a crew person in 1981 ...,” Stanberry said.  “I worked for McDonald’s corporation in various mid- and upper-management positions until 2002 when I joined Gary Dodd as director of operations, where I ran his McDonald’s company until November 2010.”
It was in 2010 that Stanberry decided to step out on his own and purchase his first stores — the McDonald’s in Pembroke and a store on White Bluff Road in Savannah.
Though Stanberry is just acquiring the locations in Richmond Hill, he’s no stranger to the stores here.
“(My wife, Jill, and I) have been a part of the community for pretty much the last 15 years,” he said. “It was our hope all along that we’d have the opportunity to purchase these restaurants.”
Stanberry noted that he and his wife played a big part in getting the popular McTeacher’s Night school fundraisers going at the store by Publix, as well as Pembroke.
“We look forward to continuing that, and really we’re just looking to be good stewards of the brand and good stewards of the community.”
Stanberry said the only change customers might notice is when the Highway 17 store goes to 24 hours, most likely in February. Otherwise, he said, the existing management and employees will all remain in place.
Dodd was unable to be reached for comment by presstime.