After starting life as two separate companies, Checkers and Rally’s combined their drive thru expertise to establish one super brand.  The chain offers a menu consisting of traditional American fast-food but they emphasize the importance of more food, flavor and taste; as well as all round better value.

Their food philosophy is building a better burger and each of their burgers is created fresh and made-to-order. The brand’s slogan is “Little Place, BIG TASTE” and this is something all of their locations strive to achieve. Their home grown hospitality is legendary and you’re guaranteed that your visit will be an enjoyable one.

History

As aforementioned, Checkers and Rally’s started out as two separate brands. Rally’s was the first to be formed and it’s first location was opened in Louisville, Kentucky in 1985. Checkers followed closely and was founded by Jim Mattei in Mobile, Alabama in 1986. The two companies served distinctly different areas, with Rally’s catering for the mid-west and Checkers for the south-east of the US.

Both brands had similar concepts, an emphasis on drive-thru, tasty, well-made products and all at affordable prices. Over these initial years both companies grew at steady paces, proving a popular family choice. Throughout the early 1990’s Rally’s expanded even further, absorbing competitor brands in the area. In fact, in 1996 the chain was doing so well that they were purchased by CKE Restaurants.

After both successfully dominating the drive thru fast-food industries in their own regions, in 1999, Checkers purchased the Rally’s brand from CKE. Over the subsequent years all of the Rally’s locations underwent a redesign process to match the Checkers classic diner look. Nowadays, the only noticeable difference between the two is their names.

It was in 2014 that the double brand was purchased by Sentinal Capital Partners with the chains’ headquarters being based in Tampa, Florida. Although the brands still operate under their respective names, you can expect to find the same great quality products and high standards at each and every one of their 800 locations across 28 states. 

Review

While the majority of their locations are almost completely drive thru some do have a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options. Their eye catching locations are unmissable with bright red pillars, black and white checkerboard and neon flashing signs adorning the exterior. The staff are happy and ready to help you with any assistance you may require.

Their menu consists of all the items you’d expect at a traditional fast-food restaurant: hamburgers, chicken burgers, fried chicken, chicken wings, fish burgers, hot dogs, fries, desserts and soft drinks. Yet these simple descriptions pale in comparison to the variety that each category holds. Their burger range alone offers fourteen types of burger; plus, five types of chicken burgers.

Burgers is where Rally’s and Checkers excel. Their dedication to a better burger is truly proven once you’ve tried any of their delicious, generous, juicy, made-to-order delights. One particularly popular choice is their Baconzilla. They’re also famous for their fries, these are spectacularly seasoned and not like any you’ll find at any other fast-food establishment.

Their prices are reasonable; a combo meal will cost between $3 to $7, depending on whether you’re in the mood for a small, medium or large. They also have a value menu, where each item costs around $1 to $2.  Through their dedication to a better burger and top quality service, Rally’s and Checkers have perfected the recipe for delicious, affordable fast-food and will continue to dominate the domain of the drive thru.