The Taco Maker vs Checkers Drive-In Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of The Taco Maker vs Checkers Drive-In including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$221,000 - $400,000 | $259,000 - $1,431,000 |
Franchise Fee |
$19,000 - $29,000 | $30,000 |
Royalty Fee |
5% | 4% |
Advertising Fee |
- | 4.5% |
Year Founded |
1978 | 1986 |
Year Franchised |
1978 | 1989 |
Term Of Agreement |
15 years | 20 years |
Term Of Agreement |
15 years | 20 years |
Renewal Fee |
$5K | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
Industry experience General business experience | Industry experience General business experience |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Start-up Costs |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Equipment |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Inventory |
No/Yes | No/Yes |
Receivables |
No/No | No/Yes |
Payroll |
No/No | No/Yes |
Training & Support |
Training |
- | On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours
Classroom Training: 32-40 hours
Additional Training: In training restaurant
|
Support |
Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives | Newsletter
Meetings/Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security/Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection |
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, National media | Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising |
Operations |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 35
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
- | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | No |
International Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
About The Taco Maker
After gaining valuable experience in successfully developing a large franchise system, Gil L. Craig founded
The Taco Maker Inc. in 1968. Based in Ogden, Utah, The Taco Maker franchise system has locations in the United States, Latin America, Western Europe, and the Far and Middle East. Franchise sites include traditional freestanding buildings and mall food courts as well as the Express program, which complements
The Taco Maker's co-branding relationship with companies including Blimpie and selected service station chains.
Now seeking motivated, outgoing individuals looking to franchise and become a part of a fast growing community.
We offer a winning combination of food brands that include The Taco Maker, Jake's Over the Top, and Mayan Juice - all available as part of the same outlet. We have locations in a variety of outlet types, with design formats to meet almost every need.
Our facilities are designed to reflect specific motifs with state-of-the-art materials and equipment. All of this sets us apart from the competition. The creation of fine foods starts with kitchen and production lines that are clean and organized in such a way as to encourage efficiency and minimize waste.
Franchise Opportunities are Available!
The diversity of our multiple-brand outlets makes them the most successful opportunities available. Single-concept outlets are available when restrictive elements exist because of covenants or prior exclusivity on competing products. We have the ability to go into spaces from 400 square feet to 3500 square feet in traditional freestanding units, convenience stores, shopping malls, food courts, airports, and in-line strip centers, all of which have all proven their success.
About Checkers Drive-In
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. Checkers develops, produces, owns, operates, and franchises quick service “double drive-thru” restaurants under the two brand names “Checkers" and “Rally’s Hamburgers". The restaurants are designed to provide fast and efficient automobile-oriented service and appeal to guests of all ages. The double drive-thru concept allows Checkers' and Rally’s Hamburgers to capitalize on the fact that approximately fifty percent of all quick-service food business is drive-thru. Guests can also enjoy a 1950’s flashback with walk-up ordering and outdoor dining in the outside picnic area at most locations.
The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Checkers
Restaurant (excluding real estate and related
costs) is: $780,000 to $1,431,000 for a new modular design single
drive-thru restaurant; $320,500 to $787,000 for a site built, conversion
or used modular drive-thru restaurant; $259,700 to $648,000 for an
endcap strip-center and gas/convenience restaurant; and $254,000 to
$514,000 for a Non-Traditional, Walmart or in-line restaurant in a
high-density market. This includes $10,000 to $50,000 that must be paid
to the franchisor or an affiliate, plus $10,000 for each additional
restaurant that you agree to develop under a development agreement.
Veteran Incentives Franchise fee waived
#11 in Gator's Top franchises.
In Franchise Business Reviews Top 200.
#76 on Franchise Rankings.com
#198 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#162 in Franchise 500 for 2021.