Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. has brought on franchising industry veteran Lynette McKee to accelerate the growth of the company's most rapid franchising expansion since 2000.
As senior vice president and chief development officer, McKee brings more than 20 years of foodservice and franchising experience to Checkers, most recently as vice president of franchising with Dunkin' Brands Inc.
Checkers president and CEO Enrique "Rick" Silva said in a news release that McKee's experience and successful track record match perfectly with the company's rapid growth rate and accelerating interest in franchising opportunities with the brand. Iniativies include expanding into non-traditional units, stick-built stores and end-cap units in addition to the brands' traditional double-drive-thru.
"Lynette McKee's appointment comes at a time when interest in franchising opportunities with our Checkers and Rally's brands is taking off," he said.
In addition to serving as vice president of franchising with Dunkin' Brands, McKee was appointed by the Dunkin' Brands' council to lead a cross functional senior team responsible for defining its strategic national growth plans. Prior to joining Dunkin' Brands, McKee served in a variety of senior franchising management positions with Burger King, Metromedia Restaurant Group and Denny's.
McKee serves on the board of directors for the National Restaurant Association and the Women's Foodservice Forum. She is also a member of the board of governors for the Certified Franchise Executive/International Franchise Association and the Nova Southeastern University/Wayne Huizenga School of Business Franchising MBA program.
A guest lecturer at Johnson and Wales as well as Cornell University, McKee was named a Women of Influence in the foodservice industry by the Griffin Report and a 2009 nominee for the Bonnie LeVine Award for outstanding female in franchising. She is a 1979 graduate of George Peabody of Vanderbilt University and a Certified Franchise Executive.
So far this year, 30 new Checkers and Rally's Restaurants have been opened in eight states by both new and existing franchisees. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. has more than 840 restaurants located in 29 states and the District of Columbia.
