What is the range for the initial franchise fee 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 (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 |
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 30–39)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the initial franchise fee for a gas/convenience, non-traditional, or Walmart restaurant ranges from $20,000 to $30,000. This fee is paid in a lump sum at the time of signing the Franchise Agreement and is payable to Checkers.
This initial franchise fee is just one component of the total estimated initial investment for this type of Checkers restaurant. Other significant costs include the initial advertising deposit of $15,000, restaurant building costs ranging from $322,062 to $739,445, and restaurant equipment and technology costs between $193,260 and $329,538. Additionally, franchisees should budget for soft costs, signage, inventory, and additional funds for the first three months of operation.
Prospective Checkers franchisees should carefully consider all these costs and ensure they have sufficient capital before committing to opening a gas/convenience, non-traditional, or Walmart restaurant. It is also important to note that these are estimates and actual costs may vary depending on location, market conditions, and other factors. Reviewing Note 1 in Item 5 of the FDD will provide further details regarding the initial franchise fee.