Checkers & Rally's Strengthens Gulf Coast Presence Through 10-Unit Acquisition by Experienced Franchisee

Seasoned Multi-Unit Franchisee Brings Proven Restaurant Operations to Mobile and Biloxi Markets

July 15, 2026 // Franchising.com // MOBILE, Ala.– Checkers and Rally’s, the iconic double drive-thru burger and fries brand known for its legendary taste, undeniable value, and game-changing innovation, has announced a 10-restaurant acquisition across the Gulf Coast. The expansion brings experienced multi-unit operator Spencer Marks to the Checkers & Rally's franchise system through the acquisition of six restaurants in Mobile, Alabama, and four restaurants in Biloxi, Mississippi, with plans for future new development.

Marks brings nearly two decades of restaurant ownership and operations experience to the brand. Since entering franchising in 2011, he has built an expansive multi-unit, multi-brand portfolio by identifying growth opportunities, strengthening performance, and developing high-performing teams. His leadership and operational expertise position him to build on the momentum of the Mobile and Biloxi markets while delivering an exceptional guest experience.

The acquisition reflects Marks' long-standing admiration for the Checkers & Rally's brand and its operating model. After exploring new growth opportunities, he recognized the potential of the Gulf Coast restaurants and chose to invest in the market to strengthen the business while supporting the brand's continued expansion.

"I'm energized by the revitalization of the Checkers & Rally's brand and the direction of its operational plans for innovation, reimaging, and expansion in the marketplace," said Marks. "Throughout my career, I've focused on identifying opportunities where strong leadership and operational excellence can make a meaningful impact. I see tremendous potential across these restaurants, and I'm excited to build great teams, enhance performance, and simultaneously grow our footprint."

"Spencer brings the operational expertise, business acumen, and growth mindset we look for in our franchise partners," said Robert Bhagwandat, Senior Director of Franchise Development at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. "His track record of revitalizing restaurant markets and building high-performing teams makes him an outstanding addition to the Checkers & Rally's system. We're excited to welcome Spencer to the brand and look forward to supporting his continued success throughout the Gulf Coast."

Marks' acquisition underscores Checkers & Rally's commitment to partnering with experienced franchisees who bring proven operational expertise and a long-term growth mindset. Leveraging his background in restaurant operations, real estate development, and business law, Marks plans to build on the strong foundation already established across the Mobile and Biloxi markets while continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences and create meaningful opportunities for employees and the communities they serve.

Merged in 1999 to form one concept, Checkers & Rally's primarily operates through a proven franchise model, in which owners benefit from brand recognition, operational support, and marketing resources. Potential franchise prospects can develop on less than half an acre—roughly half the size required by competing drive-thru concepts. Checkers & Rally's current strategy targets select markets throughout the United States, particularly in South and Central Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southern California, Las Vegas, Florida, and South Carolina.

About Checkers & Rally’s

Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its bold, craveable food, famous fries, exceptional value, and people-first attitude, operates and franchises both Checkers® and Rally's® restaurants. With over 700 restaurants and room to grow, Checkers & Rally's is a proven brand with flexible building formats that is aggressively expanding across the country. Checkers & Rally's is dedicated to being a place where franchisees and employees who work hard can create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. In recent years, the brand has earned several of the industry's most prestigious awards, including Franchise Times Top 500, Entrepreneur Top 500, Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises, Franchise Rock Star, and “Most Profitable Franchises” in 2024. The brand also earned recognition for its best-in-class training and education programs, winning four prestigious Brand Hall Group awards in 2024, and was named one of QSR’s Best Brands to Work For in 2025.

To learn more about Checkers & Rally’s franchise opportunities, visit checkersfranchising.com. For more information about Checkers & Rally’s, visit checkers.com.

SOURCE Checkers & Rally’s

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