Checkers Drive-In vs Smashburger Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Investment $259,000 - $1,431,000$743,130 - $1,404,535
Franchise Fee $30,000$40,000
Royalty Fee 4%5 - 6%
Advertising Fee 4.5%2%
Year Founded 19862007
Year Franchised 19892008
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee -none


Business Experience Requirements

 
Checkers Drive-In Franchise
Smashburger Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Smashburger (Smashburger Franchising LLC) is seeking multi-unit development partners domestically and internationally. To be considered, individuals or partnerships must meet the following minimum criteria: *Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive, and passion and a proven record of success in the restaurant industry *Five years multi-unit restaurant management experience as an owner and/or operator *Experience operating a minimum business of 10 or more units *Minimum financial net worth of $2 million and liquidity of $500,000 *Typical development agreement commitment of 5-20 units *Operating, real estate and trade area experience in development territory *Dedicated support team for Smashburger *Ability to obtain a liquor license (where applicable)

    Financing Options

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Smashburger 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
    Smashburger 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 SelectionReal Estate and Site Selection Lease Approval Pre-opening Management Training Vendors and Equipment Store Opening Support Information Technology Marketing and Public Relations Operations Support Purchasing and Distribution
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising-
    Operations --

    Expansion Plans

     
    Checkers Drive-In Franchise
    Smashburger 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 Smashburger

    Spread the Burger Love and Become a Smashburger Franchisee Today Smashburger franchisees are proven multi-unit operators, leaders in the industry whose energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit fuel an eagerness to feed hungry burger lovers. To be every city's favorite burger place, Smashburger chooses only the best people to be Smashburger franchisees. Our franchise partners are committed to setting a new standard of guest experience. From the taste of the food, to the speed and accuracy of the order, the power of our people to make decisions, the friendly face at the counter and the cleanliness of the restaurant, our Smashburger franchise partners proudly strive to deliver a great guest experience in every restaurant, every time. Together the Smashburger corporate team and the Smashburger franchisees will quickly make Smashburger every city's favorite burger place. The Smashburger corporate team is dedicated to ensuring the success of the Smashburger franchisees so Smashburger can become every city's favorite burger place. The Smashburger corporate team has a variety of backgrounds, including operations, real estate, marketing, public relations, human resources, purchasing and information technology. The Smashburger team specializes in helping Smashburger franchisees during pre-opening, grand opening and provides on-going support. Smashburger succeeds if our franchisees succeed, and we are committed to your success!
    The Smashburger team will provide you with the systems, resources and support you need to operate your business successfully.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Smashburger Restaurant is estimated to be $743,130 to $1,404,535. This includes $41,500 to $71,500 that must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates. If we grant you area development rights, the total investment necessary to acquire these rights is estimated to be $20,000 to $480,000 (based on a standard 2 to 25 restaurant development deal, determined by multiplying $20,000 by the total number of restaurants you agree to develop, less one), all of which must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates.