Checkers, the burger drive-through franchise business known for its signature items and distinctive design, is planning to open up 60 new franchise business locations in New Jersey, which is a significant expansion over the 13 stores it currently has operating there.
The newest store is at the intersection of Marlton Pike and Route 130 in Pennsauken Township, and another location is in the works for the City of Vineland.
Brand Director of Franchise Development Bruce Kim said that while residents of the Garden State have discerning palates and a wide variety of food is available, consumer feedback told the company there's room for a brand like Checkers, which offers great food at a value price point.
The company behind the locations is known as Checkers & Rally's. They have more than 800 locations across the US, with the eateries in the eastern and southern parts of the country carrying the black-and-white designation and the locations in the west and Midwest labeled as Rally's.
Each location employs up to 25 workers on average, and the signature design invokes the feel of an old-time diner and drive-in eatery where servers skated to cars to deliver food. All of the current locations are drive-through only, but many of them have tables on the side. The new Pennsauken location is under 1,000 square feet, which is standard in the chain.
Kim added that the average purchase from one of the eateries is under $7, meeting the needs of people who want delicious food at a good price. He also said the brand offers good value to those who are looking for a food franchise opportunity and that it could cost as low as $200,000 to open a store. The more typical investment for a franchise opportunity with the brand ranges from $400,000 to $700,000.
