Checkers Drive-In vs The Counter Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
The Counter Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$711,133 - $1,939,750
Franchise Fee $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%6%
Advertising Fee 4.5%2%
Year Founded 19862003
Year Franchised 19892005
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

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

    Financing Options

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

    Training & Support

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    The Counter Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 160-220 hours Classroom Training: 32-40 hours Additional Training: In training restaurant On-The-Job Training: 964 hours Classroom Training: 164 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site SelectionNewsletter Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertisingCo-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations - Absentee Ownership Allowed

    Expansion Plans

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    The Counter 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 The Counter

    Our premium build-your-own burger experience offers over 312,000+ combinations, a modern industrial design and unique beers and wines. gourmet hamburger franchise franchising Featured in GQ magazine as "One of the 20 Hamburgers to eat before you die" and "Best Burger" on OPRAH, we are awarding area development agreements throughout the USA to multi-unit operators that qualify. We have more than 75+ stores currently in development throughout the U.S. We're looking for franchisees that would only consider a Custom Built Life by investing in a spirited brand that reflects a part of who you are and what you believe in. Join our effort to own the premium gourmet burger segment and let's have a good time doing it.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of The Counter franchise ranges from $724,133 to $1,939,750 for a traditional restaurant franchise and between $711,133 to $1,924,750 for a non-traditional restaurant. This includes $38,000 to $47,500 for a traditional and $25,000 to $32,500 for a
    non-traditional restaurant that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate.
    Veteran Incentives 20% off franchise fee