Checkers Drive-In Restaurants has added several new members to its business development team in order to execute its aggressive nationwide expansion strategy. The new development team members include:
- Basil Kazepis, director of real estate, will be directly responsible for the site selection and development of new Checkers restaurants across the United States. He has more than 20 years of development experience, most recently as development manager for Dunkin' Brands for the New York metro market.
- Greg Michael, director of franchising and new business development, will manage increasing the brand's presence in the Southeast region. He has more than three decades of franchise experience, including VP of franchising and development for Hooters of America LLC and franchising manager for the state of Florida for Dunkin' Donuts.
- Christine Elam, promoted to senior manager of franchise administration, having been with Checkers for more than eight years. She now will handle the administration for all aspects of franchise development.
- Shakon Turner, promoted to senior manager of recruitment where she will be responsible for the recruitment of existing and new franchisees. She was previously a member of the marketing department, where she worked closely with franchisees to implement the company's annual marketing and media strategy.
"We have a very strong franchise development team in place to aid Checkers' nationwide expansion," said Lynette McKee, CFE, chief development officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., in a news release. "Their knowledge of the industry, combined with their vast experience working with franchisees, make them each perfect candidates to implement our brand's aggressive growth strategy."
McKee joined Checkers Drive-In Restaurants last fall, bringing her expertise as the former VP of franchising for Dunkin' Brands to accelerate the growth of the company's most rapid franchising expansion since 2000.
