What year was the Checkers Restaurant concept founded?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The Checkers Restaurant concept was founded in 1986 in Mobile, Alabama with a mission to provide guests with a bold and flavorful alternative to the standard burgers served by large hamburger quick service restaurant ("HQSR") chains. The Rally's Restaurant concept was founded in 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky. Rally's Restaurants are quick-service restaurants that are highly similar in format and menu offerings to Checkers Restaurants. We have always focused on and continue to provide a differentiated menu with a robust made-to-order offering, delivered to guests at an exceptional value.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 9–14)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Checkers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Checkers restaurant concept was founded in 1986. The original location was in Mobile, Alabama. The concept was created to give customers a different option from the typical burgers offered by large quick-service hamburger chains.
The FDD also mentions Rally's Restaurant concept, which was founded in 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky. Checkers notes that Rally's Restaurants are very similar in format and menu to Checkers Restaurants.
Checkers emphasizes that they have always focused on providing a unique menu with made-to-order items, offered to customers at a great value.