Checkers Drive-In vs Mr. Empanada Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Mr. Empanada Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$190,500 - $293,500
Franchise Fee $30,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 4%3% or $500
Advertising Fee 4.5%2%
Year Founded 19862003
Year Franchised 19892003
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Mr. Empanada Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Mr. Empanada 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
    Mr. Empanada 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
    Mr. Empanada 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 Mr. Empanada

    Mr. Empanada Inc. is a family owned, rapidly growing, small business.
    Their company owned manufacturing facility produces all the empanadas and other pre-prepared food items to be sold to the franchisees, thus assuring quality and consistency throughout the system. Additionally, they own Mr. Empanada Franchise Corp., which is responsible for selling, training and coordinating new and potential franchise locations.
    Mr. Empanada Inc. takes pride in their restaurants and extreme care in the manufacture and preparation of their food items, demonstrating their total commitment to the brand and reputation. As a result Mr. Empanada has enjoyed excellent reviews in Tampa’s premier publications such as The Tampa Tribune and Weekly Planet.
    From a historical perspective of Mr. Empanada Fast food with a Latin flair, our convenient-to-eat, high quality empanadas, cuban sandwiches and salads, make for a simple operation which food customers love...especially children.