For a Checkers franchise, what is the range for the estimated expenditure on Restaurant Equipment & Technology?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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1. MODULAR DESIGN DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANT
| 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 | NPF Inc. | |
| Asset Transfer Fee | $0 - $10,000 | Lump Sum | At time of signing the Franchise Agreement | Us | |
| Restaurant Building Costs (See Note 2) | $354,653- $1,292,640 | Dependent upon bank financing | As agreed | Suppliers, Lending Institutions | |
| Restaurant Equipment & Technology (See Note 2) | $42,153 - $329,538 | As incurred | On ordering | Suppliers | |
| Soft Costs (see Note 3) | $17,200 - $225,625 | Dependent upon bank financing | Dependent upon bank financing | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions | |
| Signage including | $11,914 - | As | On ordering | Suppliers | |
| Menuboards | $97,690 | incurred | |||
| Inventory (See Note | $4,000 - $12,000 | As | When delivered | Suppliers | |
| 4) | incurred | ||||
| Additional Funds - 3 Months (See Note 5) | $50,000 - $120,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Employees, suppliers, utilities, etc. |
| Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (exclusive of real estate and related costs (see Note 2 and 6)) | $514,920 - $2,132,493 |
2. CONVERSION RESTAURANT
| 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 (See Note 2) | $322,062- $739,445 | Dependent upon bank financing | As agreed | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions | |
| Restaurant Equipment & Technology | $193,260- $329,538 | As incurred | On ordering | Suppliers | |
| Soft Costs (See Note 3) | $50,000- $89,710 | Dependent upon bank financing | Dependent upon bank financing | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions | |
| Signage including | $29,050- | As incurred | On ordering | Us or Other | |
| Menuboards | $134,081 | Supplier | |||
| Inventory (See Note | $4,000 - | As incurred | When delivered | Suppliers | |
| 4) | $12,000 |
| Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Additional Funds - 3 Months (See Note 5) | $50,000 - $120,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Employees, suppliers, utilities, etc. |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (exclusive of real estate and related costs (see Note 2 and 6)) | $683,372 - $1,479,774 |
3. SITE BUILT RESTAURANT
| 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 (See Note 2) | $785,150- $1,112,973 | Dependent upon bank financing | As agreed | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions | |
| Restaurant Equipment & Technology | $122,976- $329,538 | As incurred | On ordering | Suppliers | |
| Soft Costs (See Note 3) | $28,500- $150,000 | Dependent upon bank financing | Dependent upon bank financing | Contractors, Suppliers, Lending Institutions | |
| Signage including | $39,031- | As incurred | On ordering | Us or Other | |
| Menuboards | $97,690 | Supplier |
| Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory (See Note | $4,000 - | As incurred | When delivered | Suppliers |
| 4) | $12,000 | |||
| Additional Funds - 3 Months (See Note 5) | $50,000 - $120,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Employees, suppliers, utilities, etc. |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (exclusive of real estate and related costs (see Note 2 and 6)) | $1,064,657 - $1,877,201 |
4. ENDCAP RESTAURANT
| 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 |
| Type of expenditure | Amount | Method of payment | When Due | To whom payment is to be made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signage including | $9,607 - | As incurred | On ordering | Us or Other |
| Menuboards | $61,750 | Supplier | ||
| Inventory (See Note | $4,000 - | As incurred | When delivered | Suppliers |
| 4) | $12,000 | |||
| Additional Funds - 3 Months (See Note 5) | $50,000 - $120,000 | As incurred | As incurred | Employees, suppliers, utilities, etc. |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 30–39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment for Restaurant Equipment & Technology varies depending on the restaurant format. The investment ranges from $25,000 to $352,000. These costs are typically incurred when ordering from suppliers. Restaurant Equipment & Technology includes items such as a POS system, drive-thru timers (if applicable), and associated hardware.
Specifically, for a modular design drive-thru restaurant, the estimated cost for Restaurant Equipment & Technology is between $199,763 and $329,538. For a conversion restaurant, the estimated cost is between $193,260 and $329,538. For a site-built restaurant, the estimated cost is between $122,976 and $329,538. For an endcap restaurant, the estimated cost is between $75,500 and $352,000. For an in-line restaurant in a high-density market, or a gas/convenience, non-traditional, or Walmart restaurant, the estimated cost is between $42,153 and $329,538.
It is important to note that these figures are estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on the franchisee's specific circumstances. Factors such as the restaurant's location, size, and the specific equipment and technology chosen can all impact the final cost. Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these factors and consult with Checkers and suppliers to obtain a more accurate estimate for their specific situation.
Prospective franchisees should also be aware that these costs are in addition to other initial investment expenses, such as the initial franchise fee, restaurant building costs, soft costs, signage, and inventory. It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of all the costs involved before making a decision to invest in a Checkers franchise.