What is the estimated range for restaurant building costs for a Checkers gas/convenience, non-traditional, or Walmart restaurant?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee (See Note 1) | $20,000 - $30,000 | Lump sum | At time of signing the Franchise Agreement. | Us |
| Initial Advertising Deposit | $15,000 | Lump sum | When you begin construction at the Premises | National Production Fund |
| Asset Transfer Fee | $0 - $10,000 | Lump Sum | At time of signing the Franchise Agreement | Us |
| Restaurant Building Costs (See Note 2) | $85,000 - $700,000 | Dependent upon bank financing | Dependent upon bank financing | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions |
| Restaurant Equipment & Technology (See Note 2) | $199,763 - $329,538 | As incurred | On ordering | Suppliers |
| Soft Costs (See Note 3) | $0 - $42,250 | Dependent upon bank financing | Dependent upon bank financing | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 30–39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated cost for restaurant building costs for a gas/convenience, non-traditional, or Walmart Checkers restaurant ranges from $85,000 to $700,000. This estimate is for constructing a restaurant at a non-traditional site, Walmart, or a retail gas station or convenience store with a single drive-thru. The estimated size of the restaurant is 1,200 to 3,500 square feet.
The FDD specifies that this estimate includes site development costs using conventional construction methods. However, the actual costs may vary considerably based on factors such as the condition of the premises when it is delivered to you, site-specific requirements, and material and labor costs. These costs can also vary depending on your region and specific location.
The building costs are dependent upon bank financing and are paid to contractors, suppliers, and lending institutions as agreed. Note 2 in the FDD refers to the description of the modular design drive-thru restaurant. The total estimated initial investment does not include real estate and related costs.