Checkers Drive-In vs Burger Hut Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Burger Hut Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$376,092 - And Up
Franchise Fee $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee 4%4.5%
Advertising Fee 4.5%-
Year Founded 19861978
Year Franchised 19892007
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Burger Hut Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Burger Hut 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
    Burger Hut 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
    Burger Hut 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 Burger Hut

    In 1978, we had a plan to work in a friendly environment where our guests would be welcomed and always feel comfortable; one that offered quality food at value prices. We wanted to serve food quickly, but not serve fast food. We wanted to serve popular and common food (after all, what's more common than a burger in the USA?) but prepare it in an uncommon way -- with special attention to quality and selection. We wanted our guests to have plenty of fresh choices when it came to condiments. We wanted a place we could be proud of and where we would make lots of new friends!​

    The original Burger Hut in Chico, California was located just across the railroad tracks from California State University, Chico. Over the years we have consistently provided quick value-packed meals to college students, while helping many work their way through school as employees. As our popularity grew, so did our business, and we opened several other Burger Hut locations nearby.​

    Today, Burger Hut continues to serve the highest quality food. A family owned and operated restaurant tradition, Burger Hut Burgers takes pride in being a part of the community. Our philosophy remains simple -- provide quality fresh food at reasonable prices and let the guests decide what goes on their burgers.

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