Checkers & Rally’s is circling Fairfax County, searching for a spot that one of its drive-thru restaurants can pull into.
No specific locations have been identified yet, but the fast-food chain is actively recruiting franchisees who could introduce it to the county, according to a public relations representative, citing Springfield specifically as one possible area of interest.
“Fairfax County presents an ideal market for Checkers & Rally’s expansion due to its strong economy, diverse population, and supportive business environment,” Checkers & Rally’s Senior Director of Franchise Development Robert Bhagwandat said in a statement. “We’re seeing increased interest from emerging franchise candidates, particularly younger entrepreneurs drawn to our model and ongoing innovation.”
Bhagwandat added that, in addition to seeking new candidates, the company could turn to existing franchise owners to set up new locations in Fairfax County, as it looks to expand both in Virginia — a Richmond location is also being contemplated — and nationwide.
Based in Tampa, Florida, Checkers & Rally’s emerged in 1999 as a merger of two similarly retro, racing-themed fast-food chains. Rally’s got a head start with its first location opening in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1985, but Checkers was established a year later, launching in Mobile, Alabama, according to Mashed.
Since the merger, the company has changed hands and the design of its restaurants a few times, most recently shifting from the private equity firm Oak Hill Capital Partners to a group of lenders led by Arbour Lane Capital Management, Garnett Station Partners and Guggenheim Investments to avoid a bankruptcy filing in 2023.
In the wake of the ownership change, company leaders shared plans to continue expanding, aiming for another 62 locations by the end of 2024, while also updating the look of many of the 830-plus existing restaurants.
Still known as simply Checkers or Rally’s, depending on the state, the company has more recently announced expansions in New Jersey and Massachusetts, among other locations. There are currently 15 Checkers restaurants in Virginia, though in the northern region, it can only be found in Manassas.
“As the brand continues to grow nationally, Northern Virginia stands out as a region where forward-thinking franchisees can thrive with the support and resources we offer,” Bhagwandat said.
Checkers and Rally’s refresh under its current ownership also includes the rollout of a new design prototype with just 570 square feet of space and one drive-thru lane, as opposed to the standard 1,008-square-foot, double drive-thru model. The smaller space allows “for increased efficiency and adaptability,” the PR representative said.
The restaurant serves burgers, chicken wings, hot dogs, chicken, fish sandwiches and fries, with drink options including soda, milkshakes and slushies.
Screenshot via Google Maps
