What soft costs are included in the estimated initial investment for a Checkers restaurant?

According to Checkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment includes soft costs. These soft costs cover expenses like due diligence, surveys, fees for architects and engineers, permits, and impact fees. The specific amount for soft costs varies depending on the region and location of the restaurant.

For a Checkers restaurant constructed as an endcap in a strip-center, retail gas station, or convenience store with a single drive-thru, the FDD indicates that franchisees may not incur many of these soft costs. This is because the premises for the restaurant will likely already be established, reducing the need for extensive due diligence, surveys, and other pre-construction expenses.

Several tables in Item 7 of the Checkers FDD include a line item for soft costs. For a modular design drive-thru restaurant, the estimated soft costs range from $8,000 to $30,000. For a conversion restaurant, soft costs are estimated between $0 and $42,250. For a site-built restaurant, these costs range from $28,500 to $150,000. For an endcap restaurant, the estimated soft costs are $50,000 to $89,710. For an in-line restaurant in a high-density market, the soft costs are estimated to be between $27,500 and $33,000. For a gas/convenience, non-traditional, or Walmart restaurant, the soft costs are estimated to be between $17,200 and $225,625.

Prospective franchisees should carefully consider these soft costs and how they might vary based on their chosen location and restaurant type. It is important to conduct thorough due diligence and consult with professionals to accurately estimate these expenses and ensure they are factored into the overall initial investment.