Checkers & Rally ramping up store growth
Checkers & Rally is expanding coast to coast.
The drive-thru restaurant chain is accelerating its growth plans for 2022 as it continues to expand nationwide. In 2021, Checkers & Rally executed 90 new commitments towards new restaurants. The company has already approved 60 new franchisee locations scheduled to open this year and is eyeing continued expansion in California, Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, Connecticut and North and South Carolina.
Earlier this month, Checkers & Rally's unveiled its “restaurant of the future” design, with the first location expected to open later this year, in Lakeland, Fla. It also has announced plans to roll out automated voice ordering.
"As we enter a New Year full of new opportunities, our goal is to continue our rapid growth and expansion into new markets that are currently underdeveloped," said Kristen McDonald, VP of development at Checkers and Rally's, which has 850 locations. "Our smaller store footprint, modern new building design, emphasis on technology implementation and double drive-thru format will help the company remain poised to meet growing customer demand and scale successfully moving forward.”
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Previously, Checkers & Rally's announced a successful rollout in the East Coast, with a six-unit deal in Rhode Island, marking its entry into its 26th state. It also announced a five-unit deal in Maryland, a five-unit deal in South Carolina and a five-unit deal in Georgia.
In addition, Checkers & Rally announced a 15-store development agreement for Orange County and a six-store development agreement for Maricopa County. It also entered into additional franchise agreements in Texas, Arizona and California markets, with plans to focus on San Diego.
With a large focus on nationwide growth and strengthening its multi-unit franchise system, Checkers & Rally's signed 14 multi-unit development deals this past year. Its small real estate footprint, double drive-thru and advanced delivery-focused concept has done particularly well as consumer preference continues to shift towards off-premise options, fueling growth for both new and existing franchisees.
"We are very pleased with the momentum Checkers & Rally's maintained in 2021 as we successfully rolled out in multiple new markets and saw rapid growth on the East and West Coasts," said Frances Allen, CEO, Checkers & Rally's. "Given the unprecedented challenges within our industry, the company's success is a strong testament to our hardworking employees and franchisees, and I'm very proud of all that we have accomplished this year and have in the pipeline for 2022."