Checkers Drive-In vs Fatburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Fatburger Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$498,100 - $850,600
Franchise Fee $30,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 4.5%2%
Year Founded 19861952
Year Franchised 19891990
Term Of Agreement 20 years5 Year
Term Of Agreement 20 years5 Year
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Fatburger Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
    		• * Net Worth: $1,500,000.00 * Liquidity: $500,000.00 * For multi-unit deals, must meet all FCCR and capital requirements * Financial resources to support the business with debt/equity when necessary * Ability to develop additional restaurants (if required) * Excellent personal/professional and financial references * Clear credit and criminal background checks * Leadership standing in the community through participation with civic organizations * Understands the “business of running the business” * Sound business management skills * Mid-level entrepreneur spirit * Demonstrates leadership skills * Ability to manage and direct human resources under a proven system * Has an understanding of how to develop leadership skills on his/her team * Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a high level of integrity * Customer focused and responsive to customer needs * Possesses a strong decision-making ability * Effective communication skills * Ability to follow directions * Has a passion and enthusiasm for the business * Interested in working in a fast-paced and highly charged industry * Possesses a drive and desire to succeed

    Financing Options
     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Fatburger 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
    Fatburger Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours Classroom Training: 32-40 hours Additional Training: In training restaurant -Proper training is absolutely essential for maintaining a successful operation while maintaining the consistency and integrity of the Fatburger operation and brand. To that end, Fatburger sets rigorous standards for staff development. -Fatburger provides its franchisees with a detailed and comprehensive curriculum outlining how to operate their Fatburger business. Franchisees will receive thorough instructions in:
    • Restaurant Operations
    • Restaurant Management
    • Safety and Health
    • Local Store Marketing
    • Site Selection
    -Every franchisee receives a set of Fatburger manuals containing the entire training program. These can be kept on hand for reference to direct your daily operations. They provide quick and convenient information -- answering franchisees questions regarding all operating procedures. -Following the development of the new site, Fatburger assists franchisees in planning their grand opening. When franchisees open their doors, the Fatburger corporate operations team will be there to make sure the grand opening is a successful one.
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site SelectionWhen franchisees join the Fatburger family, they receive the support provided by an organization committed to their success. Fatburger franchisees will also benefit from the experience of a professional management team. Fatburger has developed an effective, systematic process to get our franchisees up and running quickly. That includes architecture and design support, operational support, purchasing support, equipment selection support, training and recruitment support, advertising and marketing support, and real estate support.
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-No business can be successful without creative advertising and an intelligent marketing plan. To continually attract a diverse customer base, Fatburger advertising must react faster, be more daring, more innovative, and more focused on the specific community in which each location is situated. Fatburger's past experience has shown this is the only proven method to stay ahead of the competition. -Fatburger's flair for creative advertising and marketing sets us apart from other restaurants. The distinctive history, the L.A. roots, the world famous cooked-to-order burger, and the look and sound of the restaurants, all provide great opportunities for innovative marketing.
    Operations --

    Expansion Plans
     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Fatburger 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 Fatburger

    The now famous Fatburger Restaurant had humble beginnings many years ago in the spotless kitchen of Ms. Lovie Yancey. Her guests enjoyed her hamburgers so much that she was encouraged to share her unique recipe with the world. Ms. Yancey took their advice and opened her first restaurant in Los Angeles, in 1952. She called this restaurant "Fatburger," while her loyal customers called it, "The Last Great Hamburger Stand." Now, over 60 years later, the red and yellow sign still holds the same promise. A promise to serve customers a great hamburger prepared fresh daily at every location. Customers will never find a frozen or prefabricated Fatburger in our restaurants.

    At Fatburger, we are proud to say that word of mouth has filled our restaurants for over 60 years. Demographically, our appeal is limitless. Our customers come from every walk of life, mirroring the diversity of every community in which we are located. Teenagers, families with young children, singles, senior citizens, and people from all income levels, and ethnic backgrounds love a great burger. They tell their friends and associates about the superb homemade taste, spotless surroundings, friendly atmosphere and courteous service that they experience at Fatburger Restaurants