Checkers Drive-In vs Carts of America Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Carts of America Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$3,299 - $6,999
Franchise Fee $30,000N/A
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 4.5%-
Year Founded 19861972
Year Franchised 19891972
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Carts of America Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Carts of America 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
    Carts of America 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
    Carts of America 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 Carts of America

    The Original All American was founded in 1972 on the premise that the customer is always king. We recognized that the need to supply people with their own low-cost, fairly easy to run profitable business was real. With this in mind we created a very durable hot dog cart, the ORIGINAL - The Original All American. It was meant to be a virtually indestructible workhorse. It is, 42 years later. It is virtually unchanged. It is the most copied hot dog cart ever built. We started it.

    Since 1972 we have added 5 more equally durable carts to our lineup and we continue to provide great customer service & follow-through. We even do your licensing paperwork for you and we provide a free detailed business plan. We are the oldest cart-manufacturing specialists in North America. We are as happy to serve you now as we were in 1972.

     
     
    We are one of the largest factory direct showrooms in the Midwest United States, Located in northern Indiana and Punta Gorda, FL. Carts of America sells a full line of hot dog carts and mobile food stands that you can view and purchase any time. Our carts are made from one of the highest qualities of stainless steel available in the food service industry and that is why we back them with a manufacturer's one year warranty that protects you from major issues in your first year of ownership. If you are just starting out in a new vendor cart business or are looking to expand your cart business with a more complex model, we have what you are looking for.  When you call you will talk to someone who actually works in the business and knows the ropes of starting, owning and operating your own business, they have helped many people start their own businesses and become successful food business operators. Many of their customers still call just to talk about the business. They are happy to help you in any way they can.