Tag Archives: restaurant franchise

Checkers and Rally’s: Driving Food Franchise Growth

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Though young when compared with Wendy’s and McDonald’s, fast food franchises Checkers and Rally’s have proven that sometimes newer can be better. The two concepts are fueling their growth with frequent menu improvements, intensive franchisee recruitment and training, and a commitment to veterans.

 

Founded in the late 80s, Checkers and Rally’s sell your traditional fast food fare: burgers, fries, cola, milkshakes, hand pies and a bevvy of other American favorites– with a twist. The restaurant franchises often update their menu. New food items include a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and a Fry Lover’s Burger, which makes a literal combo out of a burger and fries. Pair either new sandwich with a Banana Milkshake and consider your appetite crushed.

 

While Checkers and Rally’s certainly have their customers’ hunger under control, it’s the franchise duo’s ability to encourage greatness in their franchisees that’s most admirable. The franchise is 800 strong and the established brands have been lauded by numerous franchise industry publications including Entrepreneur Magazine, QSR, and Franchise Times.

 

One of the secrets to Checkers and Rally’s collective success is how deeply involved the brands are in selecting franchisees, franchisee training, keeping product offerings current and maintaining Checkers and Rally’s visibility through concerted public relations, lead generation, marketing and social media efforts.

 

Once approved, new Checkers and Rally’s franchisees undergo a five week intensive training program in an established Checkers or Rally’s location. Pending a successfully completed training program, each franchisee is guided by a business team assigned to his or her location to aid in site selection, provide construction support, and train managers and other personnel. There’s not a single step that Checkers and Rally’s franchisees take alone. There’s a reason why the two concepts have been ranked in Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500”  as one of the Top 100 franchises in the U.S. and as one of the Top 100 fastest growing franchises in the U.S.

 

The restaurant franchises are also committed to aiding veterans of the armed forces and are active members of VetFran, providing discounts to honorably discharged veterans who qualify.

 

For more information on Checkers and Rally’s or to learn how to become a franchisee, visit http://www.franchisebuy.com/franchise/Checkers-Drive-In-Restaurants-Inc.

Why a Down Economy is the Perfect Time to Become an Entrepreneur

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Anyone who recently graduated from college or lost their job through layoff knows how difficult it can be to find a new job. Not only are you competing against other graduates and laid off workers for the few available positions left in this down turned economy, but you have to hope that if you are lucky enough to land a new position you won’t wind up out on the street again in a few months.

 

So naturally the question has to be asked: Why would anyone want to put themselves through all that? And most people will probably say they wouldn’t, but they don’t know what else to do. Well, if you have ever contemplated starting your own business, now is the perfect time.

 

Resources are Less Expensive in a Down Economy

 

It’s happening at grocery stores and retail outlets, car dealerships and real estate offices. It’s happening in businesses all across the country. Prices are coming down, deals are being struck, and discounts are being offered. That’s why now is the time, when resources are less expensive, to strike out and start a new business.

 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy reports that since the mid-1990s, small businesses have generated over 60 percent of new jobs. A small business is defined as one with 500 or less employees. Plus the 2009 Recovery Act eliminates fees to borrowers and allows the SBA to guarantee up to 90 percent of each loan. Naturally having a conservative financial plan can help keep overhead costs low.

 

Talented People are in Abundance in a Down Economy

 

The fact is that there are a lot of people out there looking for the right business opportunity and not all of them have a great idea for starting a new company. But they do have talent and are eager to get onboard with a winning idea. Donnie Deutsch of the television show “The Big Idea” indicated in an interview that now is the time to find people “on the cheap,” whether that means employees or vendors.

 

That means savvy entrepreneurs need to put their networking skills to work and make a connection with people who they can partner with and who can help make the company a success. In fact, 64 percent of entrepreneurs surveyed for the book “Upstarts: How Gen Y Entrepreneurs are Rocking the World of Business” indicated they started their company with a partner.

 

The Larger Companies Cut Back in a Down Economy

 

According to Julie Lenzer Kirk, award winning entrepreneur and author, “As the economy is struggling, so are all those businesses with overhead and large payrolls. They’re busy bailing the water to keep their ships afloat. Starting up now, when you can be flexible and nimble means that you can float right by those sinking ships. After all, customers still need stuff – they’re still spending money, just not enough. The new business can be created to give them what they need – whatever that is – while everyone else is busy bailing.”

 

Plus as larger, established organizations cut their budgets because of decreased revenues, they are in no position to start a new venture. That means now is the perfect time for entrepreneurs to get started before someone else steals their great idea.

 

New Entrepreneur’s Have Less to Lose in a Down Economy

 

It may be scary, but college graduates especially have less to lose right now mainly because most of them don’t have a lot of financial commitments (except perhaps their student loans). They may still be living at home, without a mortgage or family to support, their needs are few and their willingness to sacrifice their own comfort is high.

 

In his article, “How Can Your Small Business Grow in a Down Economy?” small business coach Dave Westfall suggests that entrepreneurs not limit themselves. He illustrates how to expand a company by exploring other options, such as a private personal trainer now offering group training or a real estate property manager offering services to mortgage companies that want to rent out foreclosed homes.

 

It’s all about exploring options and finding those niche markets that others have overlooked or walked away from. And while it’s important that entrepreneurs select an opportunity that matches their interests and take the time to investigate it thoroughly, it is possible to become an entrepreneur in a down economy.

Little Caesars Announces its New Deep Dish Style Pizza, Just in Time

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With the pizza business as competitive as ever, Little Caesars introduces its new Deep! Deep! Dish Pizza, as an answer to their three biggest rivals in the pizza industry arena: Dominos, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut. Little Caesars’ new menu item is fast-becoming the brand’s biggest product launch in its 54-year history, and has customers lining up to try their new line of deep dish options.

Deep Dish Little Caesars Pizza

The new product is a necessity for Detroit-based Little Caesars to remain a contender in the restaurant franchise industry. Holding true to their roots, Little Caesars bakes their new deep dish pizzas “Detroit-Style,” which refers to the caramelized-cheese crust that is signature to each pie. Each pizza is $8 a box, and is available as one of Little Caesars’ Hot-N-Ready offerings, which can be picked up at any time without calling ahead, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. each day.

With its famous $5 Hot-N-Ready Pizza deal, Little Caesars took the industry’s price to a new level, positioning it perfectly underneath the price points of its biggest competitors. The $8 price of its new deep-dish pizza aligns it directly with the promotional $7.99 price for Domino’s medium pan pizza.


Not only is Little Caesars holding its own in the pizza market, it’s also become one of the largest and most valued brands in the entire restaurant franchise industry. The pizza franchise concept offers a tremendous value with their high-quality pizza made with fresh ingredients. Little Caesars makes dough fresh in each store, uses fresh, never-frozen cheese and sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes. Pair this with a price that can’t be beat, and it becomes understandable why Little Caesars has grown to be an international staple in the food industry and will continue to be a brand synonymous with quality for years to come.

Sushi Freak Franchise Banks on Customization

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From rice, fish and occasionally vegetables, the Japanese created sushi: a food that’s become so ubiquitous in American culture it can be found just about anywhere– including gas stations.

 

While gas station sushi might not be the best choice, a new franchise concept, Sushi Freak, is offering its customers as much choice as possible.

 

The permutations are endless at a Sushi Freak franchise. You’re only limited by your imagination. Even if you aren’t a fan of “the raw stuff”, Sushi Freak’s list of available sushi filling ingredients — 51– include many cooked and seafood alternatives.


restaurant franchise

Customers follow a basic four step ordering process to create their own 8-piece sushi rolls: select your wrapper (soy or seaweed), pick your protein, choose your fillings and top it off with the sauce, raw fish or other topping of your choice. In addition, Sushi Freak offers vegetarian, gluten-free soy sauce and rice-free options, too.

 

This dedication to customization stems from Sushi Freak co-founders Michael Broder and Jenifer Duarte, whose previous food and beverage experience “got them rolling.”

 

Before Sushi Freak opened its first location in San Diego, Calif., the dynamic, sushi-loving duo worked for The Pacific Rim Asian Bistro in Albuquerque, New Mexico that boasted a 160 piece sushi menu. Guests of the bistro would often request for certain exclusions or additions to their sushi orders. After the one-millionth, “Can I substitute…” request Michael and Jenifer saw the need for a customizable sushi restaurant franchise.

 

Why It Works

 

A mixture of tighter budgets and greater food knowledge (thanks to the Food Network and television shows Top Chef, Chopped and The Taste) has produced a more discerning consumer: one that knows what they like to eat and how they want it made.

 

The beauty of Sushi Freak is that it allows customers to order exactly what they want without sacrificing the traditional sushi experience. Jenifer and Michael made sure to consult one of the best master sushi chefs they knew (the kind that isn’t allowed to touch rice until after a one-year apprenticeship) to refine the sushi making process at Sushi Freak.

 

The Nitty Gritty

 

While a definitive initial investment can’t be given for legal reasons, the estimated initial investment for a Sushi Freak franchise is $179,900 – $297,000.

 

Franchise term is 20 years with an option to renew for another 20 years.

 

Typical Sushi Freak restaurant franchise is 1200-1500 square feet.

 

100,000 minimum cash required.

 

An ideal Sushi Freak franchisee has a strong background in business management with a passion for serving people and very intrinsically motivated.

 

Sushi Freak is seeking franchisees in all 50 states and international locations.

 

One owner or designated manager must be involved in the Sushi Freak franchise on a full-time basis and be held responsible for the daily operations and management of said Sushi Freak location.

 

Owning and operating a Sushi freak includes: use of Sushi Freak’s brand name, trademarks, recipes, operational systems, methods and décor. Support is provided in:

 

  • Facility planning
  • Fixture, equipment and leasehold improvements
  • Lease negotiation
  • Site selection
  • Corporate training for owner/operator and general managers
  • Kitchen workflow design
  • Ongoing support from training/operations team
  • Ongoing updates for increasing profitability
  • Products
  • System efficiency
  • Favorable national contracts with suppliers of goods and services