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Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Announces Executive Management Changes

By: Checkers & Rally's Restaurants, Inc. |  5 Shares     326 Reads

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 6 // PRNewswire // -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., the nation's largest chain of double drive-thru restaurants, today announced the reorganization of its executive management team. These changes provide an organizational structure that allows the Company to better support its restaurants and its franchisees, while preparing the business for continued growth.

"Organizational changes were carefully made in key areas that will further strengthen the Company for the long term and provide the necessary foundation to grow in this highly competitive and changing business environment," said Enrique "Rick" Silva, President and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "Over the past year, we worked diligently to assemble a team of extraordinarily seasoned executives from some of the industry's largest brands. Our ability to recruit this quality of talent is a testament to the power and bright future of our brand."

Checkers newly aligned executive management team consists of proven leaders from some the industry's largest brands, including Burger King®, Wendy's®, TGI Fridays®, Denny's®, and Hard Rock Cafe®, among others. Among the key organizational changes were the appointments of:

-- Robert "Bob" D. Wright as Executive Vice President of Company and Franchise Operations, a new position created to consolidate and align restaurant operations system-wide. Wright, a nine-year veteran of the Wendy's system, has a proven track record of success in restaurant operations. During his tenure with Wendy's, Wright served in a multitude of leadership positions, including Vice President of Operations and Training Integration and President of Wendy's-owned fast casual concept, Cafe Express®. He has also held leadership positions with Domino's Pizza® and was a former Domino's franchisee.

-- Todd Lindsey as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Lindsey, who has more than 20 years' experience in the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries, most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Michaels Stores, Inc.'s Specialty Retail Group. Prior to that, he held the position of Vice President of Finance at both Gaylord Resorts and Hard Rock Cafe International. He has also held key positions with Darden Restaurants and TCBY Systems.

-- Michael Arrowsmith as Senior Vice President of Development, a position created to assist the Company's aggressive expansion plans. Arrowsmith brings more than 20 years of development leadership experience in the restaurant industry. Prior to joining Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, he served as Vice President of Franchise Development at Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffee. He has also served in executive development positions with Denny's, Shoney's® and National Franchise Sales.

-- Wendy Harkness as Vice President of Human Resources. Harkness, a licensed attorney who has more than twelve years of experience in human resources, leadership development and people programs, was previously Director of Employee Relations. Prior to joining Checkers, Ms. Harkness served in various human resource and legal capacities in the financial and customer relationship management industries, as well as in private legal practice.

Earlier announced executive appointments included: Silva, formerly of Burger King, who assumed the role of President and CEO in February 2007; and, Terri Snyder as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, who most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide (TGI Fridays).

Silva added, "It is exciting to bring together executives of this high caliber who possess outstanding experience across all levels of the food service industry, and who share in our organization's powerful values around integrity and a passion for serving people. This executive management team has the expertise, dedication and drive to continue to grow our two brands: Checkers® and Rally's®."

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is the nation's largest chain of double drive-thru restaurants and parent company of both Checkers and Rally's concepts. The Company was acquired by Wellspring Capital Management, LLC in June of 2006.

About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (http://www.checkers.com/) is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The Company develops, owns, operates and franchises quick-service Checkers® and Rally's® double drive-thru restaurants. In recent years, Checkers/Rally's has been awarded several of the industry's most coveted recognitions: Best Drive-Thru in America in the QSR Drive-Thru Study for Rally's; Nation's Restaurant News Hot! Again Award for Checkers' sizzling business performance; and the American Business Award(SM) for the Best Executive in America.

About Wellspring Capital Management

Wellspring Capital Management, LLC is a New York-based private equity firm that manages more than $2 billion in equity capital. The firm is focused on acquiring companies where it can realize substantial value by contributing management expertise, innovative operating and financing strategies and capital. For additional information, please visit http://www.wellspringcapital.com/.

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