Checkers Drive-In Restaurants is furthering its strategic growth strategy with the signing of a multiunit store development agreement for five new restaurants in and around Hartford, Conn. The restaurants are the first for the state.
Checkers' development in Hartford is part of a strategic growth strategy to expand the brand's presence in existing markets, as well as in new cities across the country. The closest Checkers market includes 14 stores in the Long Island region of New York.
Tommy Barnard of Nutmeg Burger Corp. signed the agreement for the five stores, with the first scheduled to open in the spring of 2011.
Led by Barnard, Nutmeg Burger Corp. has appointed Terry Nasiadka as director of operations to aid in Checkers' expansion efforts across the region. Nasiadka is an experienced restaurant management professional with an extensive background in multi-concept and multi-unit development and new restaurant openings.
"I have deep roots in my hometown of Hartford, and I'm thrilled to expand Checkers' presence in the area," said Barnard in a news release. "I have a strong passion for the brand and look forward to the opening of these five restaurants."
This five-unit deal sells out Hartford County for future development, but the rest of Connecticut, including New Haven, is still open for expansion. Opportunities are also available to develop restaurants in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Detroit and Miami, among other cities.
With more than 800 locations across the United States, Checkers credits its success to the strength of its product, business model, innovative design and franchisee network.
Part of Checkers' recent success is also due to the company's expansion into non-traditional locations such as airports, universities and turnpike plazas. That growth, in combination with the advancement of end-cap and in-line designs, has provided new and existing franchisees with a greater range of development options.
