Checkers & Rally's near Arnold, MO

Checkers and Rally's are two regional names for the same American fast food chain, both owned and operated by Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The two brands share an identical menu, restaurant format, and ownership — the only difference is the name on the sign. Rally's was founded in 1985 in Louisville, Kentucky, by Jim Patterson, originally built around a double drive-thru model with no indoor seating. Checkers was founded a year later, in 1986, in Mobile, Alabama, by Jim Mattei. The two companies operated independently across different regions of the country until merging in 1999 through a stock swap, with Checkers becoming the parent company. Following the merger, each brand retained its name in its established market. Rally's remains the name used across the Midwest and parts of the West Coast, including California, while Checkers is used throughout the Southeast and Northeast. In markets where both names have historically had a presence, there is some overlap. The chain currently operates locations in 28 states and the District of Columbia. The menu focuses on burgers, hot dogs, seasoned fries, chicken tenders, wings, milkshakes, and soft drinks. Most locations are drive-thru and walk-up only, with no indoor dining, though some legacy Rally's locations in the Midwest retain a dining room. Ordering is available at the drive-thru window, walk-up counter, online, or through the Checkers and Rally's mobile app.