Checkers Drive-In vs Lindy - Gertie's Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$49,000 - And Up
Franchise Fee $30,000$9,500
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 4.5%2%
Year Founded 1986-
Year Franchised 1989-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Lindy - Gertie's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Lindy - Gertie's 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
    Lindy - Gertie's 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
    Lindy - Gertie's 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 Lindy - Gertie's

    In 1974, businessman Joseph Yesutis fulfilled a life-long dream by purchasing the Lindy's Chili Company and the Gertie's Ice Cream Company. This dream, however, did not include putting the two concepts together. Only after analyzing the unique qualities of each business did he conceive of his remarkable innovation.

    Lindy's Chili was drawing huge lunch and dinner crowds, but slowed in the evenings. On the other hand, Gertie's Ice Cream did great business in the evenings when customers crowded in.

    Additionally, there was seasonal factors that effected business. Cold Chicago winters bolstered chili sales, while ice cream sales declined. And, of course, in the summer, ice cream soared past chili sales.

    Combining the two companies into a single specialty food business initially drew many puzzled looks.
    Chili and ice cream? Some people questioned Joe's judgment. But it really made remarkable business sense. The two specialties in fact, kept business steady throughout the day and throughout the year.

    Even more remarkable, chili and ice cream proved to be a delicious combination!
    The new Lindy Gertie's customers discovered that a bowl of the hot and spicy chili followed by a cool, refreshing ice cream was indeed a unusually satisfying experience.

    The Lindy-Gertie's Franchise Opportunity Could Be Your Recipe For A Great Future! Since 1901, Gertie's Ice Cream and since 1924, Lindy's Chili have been serving the Chicagoland area. Be a part of that history. Contact us today.