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Checkers / Rally's

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1986
  • Franchising Since 1989
  • 378 US Franchises
  • $639,998 - $2,269,999 Investment Range
  • $1,099,430 Average Gross Revenue
  • 4% Royalty Fee
  • $20,000 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

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Brand Description

Checkers & Rally's has been revolutionizing the drive-thru dining experience since 1986, building a reputation for delivering 'Crazy Good Food' that keeps customers coming back. With their distinctive double drive-thru model and iconic retro-modern building design, they've created a unique presence in the quick-service restaurant industry.

The brand is renowned for their signature Famous Seasoned Fries, which have developed an almost cult-like following among food enthusiasts. Their menu goes well beyond traditional fast food, featuring bold, flavorful options like the epic Big Buford® and Baconzilla!® burgers, Fry-Seasoned Chicken Tenders, and Classic Wings®. Each item is crafted to deliver a distinctive taste experience that sets them apart from conventional fast-food chains.

What truly distinguishes Checkers & Rally's is their commitment to value and quality. Their efficient double drive-thru model and streamlined operations allow them to serve hot, fresh food quickly while maintaining competitive prices. The brand has successfully expanded across numerous states, with a strong presence particularly in the Southeast and Midwest regions.

Customer reviews consistently praise their fresh, hot food, exceptional service, and the unique seasoning that gives their menu items a distinctive homestyle taste. The brand's focus on operational excellence, combined with their commitment to serving crave-worthy food at reasonable prices, has helped them build a loyal customer base and establish themselves as a formidable player in the quick-service restaurant sector.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Checkers / Rally's?

$639,998
$2,269,999
Did you know that launching your own Checkers or Rally's double drive-thru burger franchise - famous for their seasoned fries and bold flavors - requires a total investment between $639,998 and $2,269,999, which covers everything from the $20,000-$30,000 franchise fee to equipment, construction, and working capital needed to bring this high-energy fast food concept to your community?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$20,000
Investment Range
$639,998 - $2,269,999
Investment Midpoint
$1,454,999
Minimum Cash Required
$639,998
Royalty Fees
4%
Brand Fund
4.5%
Brand Bragging Rights
Nearly 40 years operational experience
Signature Famous Seasoned Fries differentiation
Dual-brand concept market flexibility
Drive-thru focused operational model
Bold flavors and value positioning
Multi-state presence across regions
Financial Analysis
Checkers/Rally's requires an investment range of $640,000 to $2.27 million, positioning it as a premium fast-food franchise opportunity within the burgers and fries sub-sector. The investment falls below the sub-sector's average minimum of $985,322 but extends well above the average maximum of $2.09 million, indicating significant variability based on location, size, and market conditions.

The fast-food burger segment remains highly competitive yet resilient, driven by consistent consumer demand for convenient, affordable dining options. Economic pressures often benefit value-oriented concepts like Checkers/Rally's, which emphasizes bold flavors and competitive pricing. The brand's dual-concept approach (Checkers and Rally's) provides operational flexibility across different regional markets.

With 504 units and nearly four decades of operation since 1986, the system demonstrates substantial maturity and franchisor experience. This unit count reflects moderate market penetration compared to industry giants, potentially offering territory availability while raising questions about growth momentum. The reported gross revenue of $1.099 million trails the sub-sector average of $1.259 million, though this may reflect varying unit sizes and market conditions.

Ideal candidates should possess substantial liquid capital given the investment ceiling, along with multi-unit restaurant experience to navigate the competitive fast-food landscape. The brand's focus on drive-thru operations and signature seasoned fries creates operational complexity requiring experienced management. Prospective investors must carefully evaluate local market saturation and demographic alignment with the brand's value positioning before proceeding.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Checkers / Rally's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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FranFund

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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
Checkers/Rally's maintains a strategic presence across multiple states with a significant number of franchise locations, showing strong concentration in the Eastern United States. The franchise demonstrates particular strength in key markets including Maryland, Virginia, New York, Florida, and Georgia, with notable market penetration in each region. This regional clustering suggests effective supply chain management and brand recognition in these areas.

Customer satisfaction metrics reveal a moderate average rating of 3.63 across numerous customer reviews, indicating consistent but improvable service quality. Select locations, such as the Reisterstown, MD site, demonstrate the potential for exceptional performance in well-selected locations.

The brand's focus on drive-thru service and efficient operations positions it competitively in high-traffic areas, particularly in suburban and urban locations with strong vehicular access. Ideal locations typically feature high visibility from major thoroughfares, proximity to retail clusters, and demographics aligned with value-conscious consumers.

Significant expansion opportunities exist in many untapped markets, particularly in the Midwest and Western regions. Successful locations tend to thrive in areas with: - Dense population centers (substantial residential presence within primary trade area) - Average household incomes of $45,000-$75,000 - High daily traffic counts with strong vehicular flow - Proximity to retail corridors and employment centers
Total US Locations504
Open Franchises378
Corporate Locations126
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Checkers / Rally's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Checkers / Rally's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Checkers / Rally's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Checkers / Rally's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Checkers / Rally's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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