Checkers Drive-In vs Runza Restaurants Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Runza Restaurants Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$1,250,000 - $2,720,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 4.5%1%+up to 4% locally
Year Founded 19861949
Year Franchised 19891970
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee -$5000


Business Experience Requirements

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Runza Restaurants Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Runza Restaurants Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Runza Restaurants Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours Classroom Training: 32-40 hours Additional Training: In training restaurant -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    Operations --

    Expansion Plans

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Runza Restaurants Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion 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
    ""     "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 Runza Restaurants

    Owning a Runza Restaurant isn't just about serving sandwiches - it's about serving communities. We opened our first restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1949, and we're still a family-owned business serving communities in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Iowa. Keeping it close to home ensures each Runza Restaurant gets hands-on support from headquarters, and each Runza meal is made with the same commitment to quality, chain-wide. We're always on the lookout for great people to become part of our family and grow Runza 's presence in the areas we serve. If you're interested, we encourage you to learn more about our process and how we support franchises. Then, peruse other Frequently Asked Questions and read some Franchisee success stories.
    We are actively seeking Franchisee candidates in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Missouri and Wyoming only.