Checkers Drive-In vs Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Checkers Drive-In vs Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$153,925 - $249,925
Franchise Fee $30,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 4%5%
Advertising Fee 4.5%1%
Year Founded 19861991
Year Franchised 19891993
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 20 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • We're looking for individuals with: *Strong business experience *A commitment to quality food & customer service *Restaurant industry know-how


    Financing Options

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries 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
    Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours Classroom Training: 32-40 hours Additional Training: In training restaurant

    Full training program Hwy 55 will send trained representatives to work with you and your team at your restaurant for a total of 10 working days. We will assist with 5 on-site pre-opening days and 5 on-site post-opening days. We reserve the right to stay longer to ensure a successful opening. Costs of the training program are included in your franchise fee; however, all travel and lodging costs will be at the franchisee’s expense. On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours

    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site SelectionPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising

    We have established and will administer a Marketing/Advertising fund on behalf of the Hwy 55 brand to provide national or regional creative materials for the benefit of your Hwy 55 location. We currently require Hwy 55 Franchisees to contribute 1% of gross sales for each restaurant to the Marketing/Advertising fund. In addition to contributions described above, we recommend you spend annually throughout the term of the franchise agreement, 2% of gross sales of the restaurant for local advertising in your primary area of responsibility. This amount is not paid to us, but rather is spend by you at your discretion. As a member of your local business community, you know the best local advertising opportunities. Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app

    Operations -Absentee Ownership Allowed Number of Employees Required to Run: 20 - 50

    Expansion Plans

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries

    A retro-themed diner that features fresh, never-frozen hand-pattied burgers, house-made frozen custard, and other classic favorites in a unique open-kitchen setting, was founded in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1991. Hwy 55 reflects founder Kenney Moore's commitment to authentic hospitality and fresh food. Widely known in the state for its fresh food and service that exceeds expectations, the chain won BurgerBusiness.com's "Best Burger" in 2012. It also was recently named a top 500 franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine and a "Next 20" restaurant brand by Nation's Restaurant News. Hwy 55 currently has 121 locations in 10 states, Denmark and the United Arab Emirates. Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries has been serving up good times and great food since 1991. We've achieved a lot in the last over 25 years, growing to over 100 restaurants across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio and Florida, with 500 more locations scheduled to open. During that time, our mission has remained the same: to provide each guest with world-class service and fresh food in a family atmosphere. 
    Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries fits a niche between fast food and casual dining, offering the customer the best benefits of both segments. We provide the convenience of fast food, with rapid response times and an affordable menu, but with a twist: our freshly made food is a much tastier alternative to typical pre-cooked hamburgers and french fries.

     The Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries franchise program is designed for the growth of the individual and the company; it's not an investment, it's a family.
    The amount of the Area Development Fee will depend on the number of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries restaurants to be developed under the Area Development Agreement, and will be calculated as follows: $25,000 for the first Hwy 55 restaurant plus a deposit of $12,000 for each additional Hwy 55 restaurant to be opened under that agreement. For example, if you will develop three Hwy 55 restaurants, the Area Development Fee is calculated as $25,000 + (2 x $12,500 = $25,000) = $50,000.
    Veteran Incentives  10% off franchise fee