How many consecutive days can a Checkers franchisee abandon operating the restaurant before the franchise agreement can be terminated?

According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee can have their franchise agreement terminated if they abandon or fail to actively operate the franchised restaurant for three consecutive days. However, this does not apply if the failure to operate is due to events constituting force majeure, which refers to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.

This clause protects Checkers' brand integrity and ensures consistent service. Abandoning the restaurant disrupts operations and can negatively impact the brand's reputation. The exception for force majeure events acknowledges that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes prevent a franchisee from operating the restaurant.

For a prospective Checkers franchisee, this means that consistently operating the restaurant is crucial to maintaining the franchise agreement. While short-term closures due to unavoidable events are understandable, extended periods of inactivity can lead to termination. Franchisees should maintain open communication with Checkers regarding any potential disruptions to operations to avoid misunderstandings and potential breaches of contract.