Checkers and Rally’s Fires Up Indianapolis with New Restaurant Opening Led by Industry Veteran

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Checkers and Rally’s, the renowned double drive-thru burger and fries brand, has recently unveiled its latest culinary hotspot in Indiana, gracing the vibrant streets of West 10th Street in Indianapolis. Spearheaded by local entrepreneurs Fred Kaufman and Don Tharp, this newest addition promises to deliver a tantalizing dining experience to the ever-growing community of Indianapolis.

Fred Kaufman, a seasoned trailblazer in the fast-food industry, embarked on his professional odyssey in August 1962 at a drive-in establishment nestled in the heart of Chicago. His journey took a fortuitous turn when a chance encounter with the owner blossomed into a transformative mentorship, laying the groundwork for Kaufman’s illustrious career. During his college years, Kaufman forged invaluable connections with the original franchisees of Burger King, igniting his passion for the culinary realm. Subsequently, in 1965, Kaufman ventured into the realm of Burger King in Gary, IN, before making his mark by acquiring seven locations, eventually expanding his empire to encompass 45 establishments in central Indiana by 2005. After parting ways with his Burger King ventures, Kaufman set his sights on Rally’s, inaugurating his maiden location in 2012 at 4905 Kentucky Ave. Presently, Kaufman remains deeply entrenched in the day-to-day operations of both Indianapolis stores, dedicating six days a week to ensure their seamless functioning.2

“I often jest that I possess a Ph.D. in hamburgers, a testament to my unwavering commitment to Checkers and Rally’s, particularly owing to its drive-thru concept and unbeatable value proposition,” remarked Kaufman. “My dedication transcends the present, as I envisage future expansions with the brand alongside my family, with plans underway to unveil additional stores in the years ahead.”

This latest addition to the Checkers and Rally’s family epitomizes the brand’s relentless pursuit of growth, boasting an updated prototype aesthetic and a streamlined operational model aimed at enhancing community engagement. Sporting the signature double drive-thru feature, the new restaurant is poised to deliver swift and efficient service, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience for patrons in Indianapolis.

Robert Bhagwandat, Senior Director of Franchise Development at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, extolled the brand’s commitment to navigating the dynamic market landscape in Indiana, attributing its success to exceptional franchisees like Fred Kaufman. “Fred’s extensive tenure in the restaurant industry and his unwavering passion for culinary excellence perfectly align with our brand ethos,” Bhagwandat remarked. “We eagerly anticipate accompanying Fred on his journey as he introduces the Checkers and Rally’s experience to Indianapolis and beyond.”

Formed through a merger in 1999, Checkers and Rally’s epitomizes the quintessential drive-thru experience, operating primarily through a robust franchise model that provides owners with unparalleled brand recognition, operational support, and marketing resources. With a flexible building format that requires less than half an acre of land, Checkers and Rally’s offers a distinct advantage over competing drive-thru concepts. Presently, the brand’s expansion strategy is focused on targeted markets across the United States, with particular emphasis on states such as Wisconsin, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, Las Vegas, Arizona, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., is renowned for its bold and delectable fare, famed fries, exceptional value proposition, and people-centric approach. With 800 restaurants and counting, Checkers & Rally’s is poised for exponential growth, boasting flexible building formats and a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for franchisees, employees, and communities alike. In recent years, the brand has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition in the Franchise Times Top 500, Entrepreneur Top 500, and the prestigious “Top Food Franchise” and “Most Profitable Franchise” awards.

For more information about Checkers and Rally’s, visit checkers.com. To explore franchise opportunities with Checkers and Rally’s, visit checkersfranchising.com.