63% of franchisees in this set own between 3 and 5 Checkers and Rally’s. Many of these franchisees have transitioned from corporate roles or initial small-scale ownership to managing larger portfolios. This growth often involved strategic diversification across various brands.
The multi-unit owners in this list also own 27 other brands, including Coffee Shops like Tim Horton’s, non-food brands like My Eyelab and Take 5, and a wide range of QSRs like Capriotti’s, Papa John’s, Kale Me Crazy and Baskin Robbins.
Understanding the interconnected businesses of these multi-unit owners is crucial for anyone wanting to develop relationships and sell to this niche. If a supplier partners with these franchisees, they have the chance to establish a foothold not only with Checkers and Rally’s but also with the other franchise brands the owner operates. For franchisors aiming to grow with existing multi-unit operators, these franchisees are highly likely to explore adding another franchise brand.
Some franchisees of note:
- Single-unit franchisee or multi-unit owner? One franchisee is a known rapper who is also actively helping the corporate office of another major wing chain promote a campaign. Along with his sister and business partner, he runs 13 other units of this brand and one unit of Checkers and Rallys. Targeting this owner as a single-unit owner would not be a smart move—having holistic insight into his entire business helps inform targeting strategy.
- This couple are multi-unit, multi-brand operators who own 14 Checkers/Rally’s, 4 Jersey Mike’s in Michigan, and 3 QDOBA locations in Montana. In 1991, they sold their house to finance their first Checkers/Rally’s franchise. They officially became franchisees of Checkers/Rally’s in 1992. In recognition of their multi-brand leadership, they were awarded the MVP Award in 2015.
- This father-daughter duo oversee the operation of seven Rally’s restaurant locations in the greater New Jersey area. A former Burger King executive, he started with Checkers & Rally’s as an operating partner in 1993. His daughter previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at another franchisee company and she is currently the roles of President and CEO at another major franchisee company.
- This franchisee, who first became a Pizza Hut franchisee in 2010, opened his first Checkers and Rally’s in 2017. With a wealth of experience in the franchise industry, he has served in various roles, including Area Coach, Market Coach, Region Coach, and Head Coach for over 250 corporate locations, eventually advancing to Director of Operations for 500 corporate-owned restaurants. His partner, who joined YUM Brands in 2006, has also held significant positions such as Head Coach, Territory Coach, and Director of Operations, overseeing more than 900 corporate locations. Together, this franchisee group has expanded its portfolio to include Checkers and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Checkers and Rally’s franchisees showcase the diverse and dynamic nature of multi-unit and multi-brand ownership within the system. From a well-known rapper expanding his influence across multiple units to industry veterans who have built expansive portfolios over decades, each story underscores the importance of understanding the full scope of their operations. Whether through strategic brand expansion, long-term commitments to Checkers and Rally’s, or leveraging corporate experience to fuel entrepreneurial success, these franchisees highlight the critical need for a comprehensive approach when targeting and engaging with multi-unit operators.