The Taco Maker vs Checkers Drive-In Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
The Taco Maker Franchise
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Investment $221,000 - $400,000$259,000 - $1,431,000
Franchise Fee $19,000 - $29,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%4%
Advertising Fee -4.5%
Year Founded 19781986
Year Franchised 19781989
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Term Of Agreement 15 years20 years
Renewal Fee $5K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
The Taco Maker Franchise
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience

  • Financing Options

     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/NoNo/Yes
    Payroll No/NoNo/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Training -On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours Classroom Training: 32-40 hours Additional Training: In training restaurant
    Support Newsletter, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesNewsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection
    Marketing Co-op advertising, National mediaCo-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 30% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 35

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    The Taco Maker Franchise
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About The Taco Maker

    After gaining valuable experience in successfully developing a large franchise system, Gil L. Craig founded
    The Taco Maker Inc. in 1968. Based in Ogden, Utah, The Taco Maker franchise system has locations in the United States, Latin America, Western Europe, and the Far and Middle East. Franchise sites include traditional freestanding buildings and mall food courts as well as the Express program, which complements
    The Taco Maker's co-branding relationship with companies including Blimpie and selected service station chains. Now seeking motivated, outgoing individuals looking to franchise and become a part of a fast growing community. We offer a winning combination of food brands that include The Taco Maker, Jake's Over the Top, and Mayan Juice - all available as part of the same outlet. We have locations in a variety of outlet types, with design formats to meet almost every need. Our facilities are designed to reflect specific motifs with state-of-the-art materials and equipment. All of this sets us apart from the competition. The creation of fine foods starts with kitchen and production lines that are clean and organized in such a way as to encourage efficiency and minimize waste. Franchise Opportunities are Available! The diversity of our multiple-brand outlets makes them the most successful opportunities available. Single-concept outlets are available when restrictive elements exist because of covenants or prior exclusivity on competing products. We have the ability to go into spaces from 400 square feet to 3500 square feet in traditional freestanding units, convenience stores, shopping malls, food courts, airports, and in-line strip centers, all of which have all proven their success.

    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.