Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I become a franchisee?
A: The process to become a franchisee begins when you complete and submit our brief Apply Online questionnaire found on this web site. Someone from our Franchising Department will contact you shortly after we receive your information.
Q: What kind of training do I receive?
A: Checkers/Rally’s offers a four week training program, which covers all aspects of our business from restaurant operations to back office systems to local marketing options. The program is mandatory for a franchisee who intends to be the operating partner and it is mandatory for the restaurant’s General Manager. At least two individuals must attend the training.
While there is no charge for the first two individuals to attend the training, you will have living and travel expenses as you work in our training restaurants either in Tampa, FL, or Indianapolis, IN.
Q: I have a site that I would like to develop and operate as a Checkers/Rally’s location. How do I make that happen?
A: Proposed sites can be sent directly to us through this web site at Submit a Site. The acceptance of a proposed site is made only after the completion of the Site Review Package by the franchisee or designated representative and submission to the Development Committee. Submitted sites must meet our minimum site criteria guidelines, which can be found on the Submit a Site page.
Q: Does Checkers/Rally’s offer financing to franchisees?
A: No. However, we have relationships with several lending institutions that have financed Checkers/Rally's Franchisees in the past. We would be pleased to provide you with the contact information for these lending institutions.
Q: Who will find a site for me to develop?
A: You will. Generally, we recommend that a franchisee contact a commercial real estate broker. Commercial real estate brokers often will know the availability of potential sites and can provide local knowledge about important topics such as zoning and new shopping centers. We will provide a copy of our recommended site criteria that you can then share with the broker. You can also find our minimum site criteria guidelines on this web site on the Submit a Site page.
Q: Are there any existing restaurants for sale?
A: From time to time we do hear of existing restaurants that are for sale. We gladly share this information with the franchise community pending the seller’s approval.
Q: Where do I purchase my menu items and other supplies?
A: Our corporate Purchasing Department has developed the distribution system for franchisees that will supply you with our products once a week at the minimum. They also negotiate product costs with several vendors to ensure that an adequate supply of product is available at the distributor.
It is important to note that Checkers/Rally’s is a franchisor, not a vendor. Our role is to provide our product specifications to vendors and negotiate the best possible price for our franchisees.
Q: What are the franchise royalties and fees?
A: The current royalty fee is four percent (4%) of sales. This is paid bi-monthly. In addition, each restaurant pays into a local advertising cooperative a fee of up to five percent (5%) of sales. We also charge each restaurant .375% of sales for point-of-purchase material and other advertising related items that are used in Checkers/Rally’s restaurants. Company restaurants pay the same advertising fees as franchise restaurants.
Q: What is the term of the license agreement?
A: The term of the Checkers/Rally's Franchise Agreement is 20 years.
