Checkers Drive-In vs Iceberg Drive Inn Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Iceberg Drive Inn Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$132,500 - $556,000
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 4.5%-
Year Founded 19861960
Year Franchised 19892001
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Iceberg Drive Inn Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Iceberg Drive Inn 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
    Iceberg Drive Inn 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
    Iceberg Drive Inn 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 Iceberg Drive Inn

    The first Iceberg Drive Inn was opened by Lamar Sorensen on April 12, 1960.  A local ice cream machine salesman named Hap Vitale had the idea for a building with a distinctive roof that served great milkshakes, burgers and fries.  He convinced Lamar to open this concept and Iceberg Drive Inn was born.  It was located on the corner of 900 East and 3900 South in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The building was originally designed to be moved after a few years as he was only renting the land at the time.  Many report that it was the first drive thru in the Salt Lake City area.  Lamar insisted that Drive Inn be spelled with two "n’s” as he felt it appeared friendlier to invite people to an "inn” rather than simply a "drive in”.