National fast food brand plans expansion for South Carolina market

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A national fast-food restaurant brand known for its double drive-thru burgers and fries is targeting Greenville as a key market in its franchise growth plan.

With more than 800 locations nationwide and several in development, Checkers & Rally’s plans to expand in several states including South Carolina, according to a Checkers & Rally’s news release.

“Greenville is an ideal market for Checkers & Rally’s expansion, and we’re eager to give the community the opportunity to partner with a beloved legacy in the fast-food industry,” Kris McDonald, vice president of development at Checkers & Rally’s, said in a news release. “We’ve established ourselves as a frontrunner in the affordable food sector, known for providing excellent value and delicious food options. As Checkers & Rally’s grows nationwide, we look forward to exploring new markets and work alongside new and current operators.”

Checkers & Rally’s sets itself apart from other hamburger quick service restaurants due to its commitment to innovation, both in the culinary aspect as well as the introduction to technology and AI improvements that make it possible to run cost effectively, the company said in the release.

Checkers & Rally’s is widely recognized for its streamlined operations, featuring a model that substitutes dining rooms with patio seating, reducing the need for additional labor during operating hours.

Checkers & Rally’s, originally two restaurant brands that merged in 1999 to form one company, primarily operates through a franchise model, in which owners benefit from the brand recognition, operational support and marketing resources, the release stated. Potential franchise prospects can build on a 1,008-square-foot space, which is half the size of competing drive-thru concepts, the release said.

In addition to Greenville, Checkers & Rally’s strategy includes expanding in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Las Vegas, Arizona, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.