Longtime Fast-Food Franchisee, Kamal Raza, to expand in New York With 3 units of the Legendary Quick Service Drive-Thru Chain
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (Checkers), the largest double drive-thru chain in the United States, is excited to announce three new locations planned to open in the New York metropolitan area.
Spearheaded by local entrepreneur and seasoned restaurateur, Kamal Raza, joins several other existing multi-unit restaurant operators recently approved as part of the brand’s ongoing expansion plans to grow in new and existing markets.
With three Taco Bell and two Pizza Hut locations under his ownership, as well as previously held corporate positions at Burger King, Raza brings a wealth of operational and managerial expertise to his newest Checkers restaurants. The first of his three locations will open at 1701 Sunrise Highway Bayshore, NY, 11706, in the Bayshore Mall in Long Island, in a spot previously occupied by McDonald’s.
Raza believes that the Checkers brand has a distinct advantage in providing craveable food at an incredible value and hopes to fill the current gap at the Bayshore Mall by captivating hungry, value conscience shoppers with the underpenetrated brand. His additional locations, currently in evaluation in Brooklyn and Queens, are set to open in 2014.
“Despite having been involved with many other brands, I’m very excited to join Checkers because of the strength of concept and ability to grow within their system. Compared to competitors, Checkers was extremely supportive and provided me with an opportunity to develop in my market,” Raza said. “With my past experience, along with the mindset of respecting employees and guests, while putting in a great effort to do a great job, I will succeed and further develop Checkers in New York.”
For Checkers, Raza is the latest example of the brand’s growth in the New York area and its increasing momentum nationally.
“This development is part of a greater expansion strategy to build brand presence and introduce the bold flavors of Checkers to new and existing neighborhoods in the New York area,” Jennifer Durham, Vice President of Franchise Development of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. said. “Opening three new restaurants will continue the healthy progress toward planned New York expansion. We’re honored to welcome Kamal and his extensive experience in the fast food segment to our brand, and are excited to support him throughout his development.”
Checkers continues to add craveable menu selections and introduce daring flavors to its fans. Options such as Loaded Potato Skins, Cold Creations and the original Big Buford® aim to bring the freshest ingredients and boldest flavors to hungry guests. The company continues to innovate, and remains true to its commitment to provide crazy good food at an exception value.
“We’re always crafting new ways to improve our mouth-watering menu and develop our restaurants in select local markets,” Durham said. “Through our newest signings in New York and with 42 locations open in the NYC market, Checkers is well-positioned to expand with new and existing franchisees in even the most competitive markets.”
Checkers continues to grow nationally with opportunities for ownership available in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C, among other cities.
For Checkers and Rally’s franchise information, please visit http://www.checkersfranchising.com.
Checkers/Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The company develops, owns, operates and franchises both Checkers and Rally’s restaurants. Based in Tampa, Fla., it has almost 800 restaurants open across the U.S. In recent years, the brand has been awarded several of the industry’s most prestigious awards including: “Best Drive-Thru in America” by QSR Magazine and the “Hot! Again Award” from Nation’s Restaurant News. For more information about Checkers, please visit http://www.checkers.com.
