Checkers Drive-In vs Ward's Restaurants Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Ward's Restaurants Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$250,000 - $400,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 4.5%-
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
Ward's Restaurants Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Ward's 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
    Ward's 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
    Ward's 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 Ward's Restaurants

    Ward’s Food Systems, Inc is the exclusive franchising agent for Ward’s Restaurants. Ward’s Food Systems provide consulting and support services to Ward’s franchisees, They assist in planning, site selection, construction, training, and opening of the new restaurant. After opening, regular visits by our franchise consultants help insure a successful program.

    Is a Ward’s franchise right for you? It has been for many people from all walks of life. If you are serious about ownership in the restaurant industry, willing to devote your time and energy, and have an adequate net worth, the proven concept of a Ward’s restaurant could be for you. We welcome your inquiries into the possibilities of becoming a Ward’s franchise owner. Feel free to call us at your convenience for more detailed information and a personal appointment.