Checkers Drive-In vs Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Checkers Drive-In vs Moe's Southwest Grill including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$457,400 - $911,500
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 4.5%2%
Year Founded 19862000
Year Franchised 19892001
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years20 years
Renewal Fee -Then-current franchise fee


Business Experience Requirements

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Excellent attention to detail

  • Financing Options

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/Yes
    Payroll No/YesNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours Classroom Training: 32-40 hours Additional Training: In training restaurant On-The-Job Training 125 hours Classroom Training: 22.6 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site SelectionPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations - 65% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 15

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (80% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Moe's Southwest Grill Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    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
    ""     "Top     "Entrepreneur
    #11 in Gator's Top franchises.
    In Franchise Business Reviews Top 200.

    "franchiserankingscom"
    #76 on Franchise Rankings.com
    #198 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #162 in Franchise 500 for 2021.






    About Moe's Southwest Grill

    In December of 2000 in Atlanta, Ga. a handful of local entrepreneurs created Moe's Southwest Grill in the spirit of not-taking-yourself-too-seriously with menu names like the Homewrecker burrito, Closetalker salad and the Billy Barou nachos as well as a store design that includes abstract artwork with tongue-in-cheek sayings. Maybe it's the personal experience that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it's the huge selection of customizable Southwest favorites. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe and signature "Welcome to Moe's" greeting our customers hear each time they walk through the door. Regardless of the reason behind the popularity of the brand, it works - and now, after being purchased by FOCUS Brands, Inc., in August 2007, Moe's has more than 370 locations across the country with plans to grow domestically and internationally. As a testament to the wild popularity of the brand, Moe's was named the #1 fast-casual chain based on change in system-wide sales by QSR magazine and the #2 fast-casual chain under 300 units in 2006. When you join the Moe's franchisee family, you'll be working with passionate, experienced professionals who have extensive brand-building, development and operational experience in all functions of the foodservice industry. We're dedicated to the success of your franchise, and are committed to providing you with world-class support and service based on respect and trust.
    Join Moe's-- owning your own restaurant doesn't have to just be a dream.
    Veteran Incentives  $10,000 off franchise fee

    "Entrepreneur
    #362 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #191 in Franchise 500 for 2021
    .