Checkers & Rally's Celebrates Veterans Day and Thanks America's Vets For Their Service
As many restaurants shutter nationwide, the iconic drive-thru franchise represents a rare opportunity for America's veterans to seize market share with a $0 initial franchise fee.
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For William and Sedrick Turner, a father-and-son duo, 2020 has been a year of opportunity thanks in part to a $30,000 initial franchise fee incentive from Checkers & Rally's, offered exclusively to America's military veterans.
The Turners, who opened Checkers franchises in Tupelo in 2019 and Pontotoc in early 2020 have opened their third restaurant in Ripley, Mississippi, just days before Veterans' Day.
As a 30-plus year veteran of the United States Air Force, William Turner was able to take advantage of Checkers' incentive for veterans, cutting his initial franchise fee to $0. While many franchisors offer discounts for military franchisees, Checkers & Rally's completely waives the entire $30,000 fee.
"[The franchise fee discount] was an attractive point for us. A lot of people overlook our veterans. They put their life on the line. People don't understand that," Turner told the Southern Sentinel in an article about his new Checkers opening. "I think Checkers is one of the first and the only ones that are doing it today. And I think that's a good strategy. I think they need to continue their strategy because many veterans are getting out of the service and can't find a job. They need opportunities like everybody else, and that is appreciated."
For over 30 years, Checkers & Rally's has grown to be an industry leader in the ever-changing quick-service segment, growing to nearly 900 restaurants nationwide. The brand has 14 locations throughout Mississippi, and the Turner family hopes to add another 10 restaurants to that list.
According to Ursula S. Lane, director of franchise recruitment at Checkers & Rally's, the Turners' ambition, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit are exactly why the company welcomes veterans as franchisees.
"At Checkers & Rally's, we waive the full $30,000 initial franchisee fee for qualified veterans of the U.S. military as a vote of confidence in the men and women who have served our country," Lane said. "Their demonstrated commitment to public service and community is without question. We value their service to our country and look for opportunities to contribute to their success."
The younger Turner, Sedrick, is a veteran of the fast-food business with more than 30 years of experience owning franchises.
"I've been franchising since I graduated from Tennessee State University 30 years ago. I started by owning a Subway franchise in Memphis, Tennessee and have been in the franchising industry ever since," he said.
"The Checkers team offered my father William and me the opportunity to avoid paying the franchise fee to open our first location since my father is a veteran. Checkers offers equal opportunities and support, and you can tell they really care about franchisees," Sedrick continued.
Since the pandemic hit, Checkers has proven to be both resilient and well-equipped to handle the new normal of dining in America. Checkers' unique modular drive-thru design maximizes order output with its closed kitchens and integrated delivery platform, and has enjoyed increased sales while other chains struggle with empty dining rooms.
Rather than retreat from a turbulent business climate, the Turners are looking to advance and seize market share from competitors with a double-digit increase in franchise locations.
"I'm really looking forward to growing with the brand," said Turner. "My goal is to open 10 units in the next two years. Ideally I'd like to have a cluster of locations in the Mississippi DMA, but if an opportunity presents itself in a different area, I'm open to it."
But despite the whirlwind of opportunity, this franchise group has remained focused on serving and giving back to the community. The Turners are currently exploring getting involved with the Boys & Girls Club of America and partnering with local high schools.
"The number-one value I hope to provide is giving back to the community. It's not just about driving sales; I want to be able to give back to the community by getting involved with charity events, organizations and with the local schools," said Turner.
ABOUT CHECKERS & RALLY'S RESTAURANTS, INC.
Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers & Rally's Restaurants, Inc., an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its craveable food, exceptional value, and people-first attitude, operates and franchises both Checkers® and Rally's® restaurants. With nearly 900 restaurants and room to grow, Checkers & Rally's is a proven brand with flexible building formats that is aggressively expanding across the country. Checkers & Rally's is dedicated to being a place where franchisees and employees who work hard can create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. In recent years, the brand has earned several of the industry's most prestigious awards including: "#1 Most Craveable Fries" by Restaurant Business; Best Franchise Deal and "Best Drive-Thru in America" by QSR Magazine; Top Food and Beverage Franchise by Franchise Business Review; the "Hot! Again" award from Nation's Restaurant News and has consistently been ranked on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. For more information about franchise opportunities with Checkers & Rally's, please visit http://www.checkersfranchising.com.
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SOURCE Checkers & Rally’s
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