Last Updated on July 24, 2012 by DeanR
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Checkers and Rally’s is a franchise for drive-in fast food. Jim Mattei founded Checkers in 1986 in Mobile, Alabama. Rally’s was started in 1985 by CKE Restaurants which also started Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s.
Chackers and Rally’s merged in 1999. Then it was made private by Taxi Holdings Corp in 2006. It has now become the biggest double drive-thru chain in the United States. They mainly target customers who are usually on-the-go and in a hurry.
In the recent years, their marketing and advertising team has gathered a lot of attention. They were headed by Kris Miotke and Nick Riegel. A couple of the slogans they used were “High performance Human Fuel”, and “You gotta eat!”. In 2007, they made it “little place. BIG TASTE.” Also in 2007, the Rap Cat commercial became a viral video in youtube. They even served their food in a paper bag that looks like a basketball jersey that you can cut-out holes and put it on a cat. They asked their customers to take a video of their cats with the jersey on and upload it on their Rap Cat website. In 2008, they awarded 3 “Venfor of the Year” awards to Schwartz Consulting Partners, Inc., Coca-Cola, and HME for their help and support.
What’s on the menu at Checkers Drive?
Checkers and Rally’s menu are quite similar but Checkers added a few things. Checkerburger is a hot-off-the-grill burger that is juicy, an all-beef patty served and within a toasted bun with the following condiments mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and vegetables such as onions, lettuce, tomatoes and mustard. They also have Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Deep Sea Double which has two fish fillets, fresh American cheese, tartar sauce, and lettuce. Unlike in other fast food chains, you’ll also find a Chili Dog with Cheese under one roof. Another specialty is their Classic Wings. You can choose from different levels of spice. They have Medium Buffalo (FRANK’S RedHot® Buffalo Wing Sauce), savory Honey BBQ, sweet ’n spicy Asian Kick, insanely hot Angry Buffalo; or rich and buttery Garlic Parmesan.
Costs and Requirements Associated with Running a Checkers Drive in Franchise?
You need to have a net worth of $400,000 and a total liquid assets of at least $150,000. Total investment would be at around $476,700-$617,200. Franchise fee is $30,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 4%. This is for a renewable 20 year term agreement.
What’s included in the franchise package?
They have formed a leadership team for franchisees that will be able to support you in every aspect that you will need. Included in this is business support, finding a site and construction of the building, volume pricing on equipment and goods, and operational support. Before they sign you as a franchisee, they will invite you to spend a day with them just to get a feel of how things are going to be. You will also have an extensive 4 week training to make sure that you are ready in every way to make things work. They also offer one-on-one trainings depending on the tenure of the franchisee. You will be getting marketing assistance. 5% of your gross sales will go to marketing. Only .375 goes to national marketing. They believe that local marketing is more effective and they will assist you with finding local ties to successfully advertise your unit.
Contact details
You may reach them at:
Phone: 888.913.9135
Fax: 813.283.7208
Email: franchising@checkers.com
Address: 4300 West Cypress Street Suite 600 Tampa, FL 33607