Checkers Drive-In vs Chester's Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Checkers Drive-In vs Chester's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$259,000 - $1,431,000 | $12,385 - $277,313 |
Franchise Fee |
$30,000 | $3,500 |
Royalty Fee |
4% | - |
Advertising Fee |
4.5% | - |
Year Founded |
1986 | 1952 |
Year Franchised |
1989 | 2004 |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | 10 years |
Term Of Agreement |
20 years | 10 years |
Renewal Fee |
- | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
Industry experience General business 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/No |
Receivables |
No/Yes | No/No |
Payroll |
No/Yes | No/No |
Training & Support |
Training |
On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours
Classroom Training: 32-40 hours
Additional Training: In training restaurant
| On-The-Job Training: 30 hours
Classroom Training: 3 hours
Ongoing training as required
|
Support |
Newsletter
Meetings/Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security/Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection | Newsletter
Meetings/Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security/Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Franchisee Intranet Platform |
Marketing |
Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising | Ad Templates
Social media |
Operations |
- |
International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 8
Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (50% of current franchisees are owner/operators)
|
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | No |
International Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Company Overviews
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.
About Chester's
Chester’s serves Great Tasting Fresh Fried Chicken that’s cooked to perfection, with a unique taste and style. Our secret is a family recipe and process that’s been successful for over 40 years. Chester’s brings you delicious fried chicken, tempting tenders, sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and more.
And that’s not all we’re known for! Our chicken is complimented by our signature Potato Wedges, Chester’s Original Sauce and delicious biscuits and sides.
We offer a great deal of flexibility in the placement of Chester’s including restaurant-in-store (convenience stores, truck stops, supermarkets), co-branded with other national brands, malls and food-courts, and in-line shopping center locations. And there is variety in our menu formats, including take-out only, take-out and dine-in. We can tailor the restaurant to meet your needs and to properly position Chester’s in your market.
#180 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#112 in Franchise 500 for 2021.