 
  |   | Checkers Franchise ProfileFood Franchises > Fast Food | 
To open a Checkers franchise, you should expect a low initial investment of approximately $276,858 and a high of around $2,009,400. The initial franchise fee is set at $30,000, with ongoing royalty fees of 4% of net sales and a marketing fee of 3%. It's essential to have liquid cash available between $40,000 and $90,000 and a net worth ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 to qualify for franchise ownership.
Checkers franchises have shown promising financial performance, with an average annual revenue per unit reaching about $1,057,503. The median annual revenue is approximately $962,043, while the highest reported revenue per unit is $2,727,610. The average gross profit margin stands at 39%, indicating a healthy potential for profitability. Franchisees can expect to break even within 12 months and achieve investment payback in about 9 months, making it an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Managing a Checkers franchise involves various operating expenses. The total operating expenses average around $662,108 annually, with significant costs including rent at approximately $71,473 and labor and benefits totaling about $322,060. While some expenses, like utilities and marketing expenditures, are not specified, it's crucial for franchisees to effectively manage their costs to maintain profitability and ensure smooth operations.
Checkers has maintained a steady presence in the franchise market, with a total of 304 units in 2019, comprising 170 franchised and 134 corporate locations. By 2021, the total units remained stable at 292, with a slight decline in franchised units to 161. This indicates a resilient brand that continues to attract franchisees. Understanding the growth patterns and market presence of Checkers can help potential investors gauge the brand's stability and future opportunities.
Checkers Franchise Financial Requirements
Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.
Net Worth Required:
Investment Payback:
Franchise Fee:
Royalty Fee:
Marketing Fee:
Breakeven Time:
Initial Investment:
Cash Required:
Average Revenue:
Median Revenue:
Highest Revenue:
Lowest Revenue:
Industry:
Category:
Leadership:
Corporate Address:
Funding Year:
Parent Company:
Checkers Franchise Unit Growth Summary
A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes.
Total Units
Franchised Units
Corporate Units
| Units | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 304 | 292 | 292 | 
| Net Change YoY | -12 | 0 | |
| Franchised Units | 170 | 162 | 161 | 
| Net Change YoY | -8 | -1 | |
| Corporate Units | 134 | 130 | 131 | 
| Net Change YoY | -4 | 1 | 
The Checkers franchise offers a wide range of initial investment costs, with a low end of $276,858 and a high of $2,009,400. This variance allows potential franchisees to evaluate their financial capabilities and choose a model that fits their budget. The initial franchise fee is set at $30,000, which is a standard entry point for many franchise opportunities.
Franchisees can expect an average annual revenue of approximately $1,057,503 per unit, with a median revenue of $962,043. This financial performance showcases the potential profitability of the Checkers brand, with the highest recorded annual revenue per unit reaching $2,727,610. Such figures indicate a solid return on investment for those who manage their operations effectively.
The average total operating expenses for a Checkers unit amount to $662,108 annually. Key components include labor and benefit costs of $322,060 and rent expenses of $71,473. Understanding these costs is crucial for franchisees to manage their budgets and ensure profitability while maintaining quality service and product offerings.
Checkers requires a royalty fee of 4% of net sales, along with a marketing fee of 3%. These fees are essential for maintaining brand standards and supporting national marketing efforts. Franchisees should factor these ongoing costs into their financial planning to ensure sustainable operations and brand alignment.
Franchisees can expect to reach breakeven within 12 months and achieve investment payback in about 9 months. These timelines are favorable, indicating that with effective management and marketing, new franchisees can quickly recoup their initial investments and start generating profit.
The Checkers franchise has shown consistent growth, with a total of 292 units in operation as of 2021, comprising 161 franchised units and 131 corporate units. This stability suggests a solid foundation for future expansion, making it an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the fast-food sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial investment for a Checkers franchise ranges from $276,858 to $2,009,400, which includes the franchise fee, equipment, and other startup costs.
 
    