Checkers Drive-In vs Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Franchise Comparison

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.

         

#11 in Gator's Top franchises.

In Franchise Business Reviews Top 200.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers was founded in 1969. It is a casual dining restaurant chain that serves up wholesome, fun, feel-good experiences in a family-friendly environment. Red Robin restaurants are famous for serving more than 22 high-quality gourmet burgers in a variety of recipes with Bottomless Steak Fries, as well as salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and signature Mad Mixology Beverages. There are more than 360 Red Robin restaurants located across the United States and Canada, which include both corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise or license agreements.

The initial franchise fee is $35,000. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a RED ROBIN® RESTAURANT ranges from $2,220,000 to $4,115,000 for a freestanding prototype building, or $1,865,000 to $3,635,000 for a standard-size, in-line space prototype or for a mid-size, in-line space prototype.

These ranges include the initial franchise fee of $35,000 that you must pay to the franchisor but does not include the cost of buying, building or renting the restaurant location and the cost to obtain a liquor license.