What ethical responsibilities are the auditors required to meet in relation to their audit of Checkersrallys?

According to Checkersrallys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the auditors who review the company's financial statements must adhere to specific ethical responsibilities. Grant Thornton LLP, the independent certified public accountants, conducted an audit of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries' consolidated financial statements as of December 30, 2024. Ernst & Young LLP also audited the consolidated financial statements of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 1, 2024, and January 2, 2023.

Both Grant Thornton LLP and Ernst & Young LLP state that they conducted their audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAS). As part of these standards, the auditors are required to be independent of Checkersrallys and to meet other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements pertaining to their audits. The auditors must exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

These ethical requirements and standards are in place to ensure the integrity and reliability of the audit process. By adhering to these principles, the auditors aim to provide a fair and accurate representation of Checkersrallys's financial position, which is essential for prospective franchisees and other stakeholders who rely on this information for making informed decisions. The auditors' opinion indicates whether the financial statements present fairly the company's financial position and results of operations in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.