Rally’s Debuts First Ghost Kitchen Location in San Francisco

New Format Expands Guest Access While Building on Brand’s Non-Traditional Development Strategy

September 15, 2026 // Franchising.com // SAN FRANCISCO - Checkers & Rally’s, the iconic double drive-thru burger and fries brand known for its legendary taste, undeniable value, and game-changing innovation, has announced the opening of its first-ever ghost kitchen in San Francisco, located at Mid-Market Eats.

The new format launch will be led by veteran restaurant operator Parminder Chahal, who is continuing the brand’s development in California. Chahal operates 10 Rally locations and has been involved in the restaurant industry for over two decades. The restaurant will also be supported by his business partner, Asmuddin Syed, and together they will continue the brand’s expansion in Northern California.

“As we prepare to open our tenth Checkers & Rally’s location in California, I’m proud to expand our partnership with a brand that aligns with our values,” said Chahal. “This location is a strong fit for downtown San Francisco as it will be a dynamic way to reach guests distinctly.”

Checkers & Rally’s continues to evolve how it reaches today’s on-the-go consumer through flexible formats, including its ghost kitchen offering. By extending the brand beyond traditional restaurant locations, ghost kitchens provide guests with convenient access to Checkers & Rally’s favorites through delivery while allowing the brand to reach consumers in new markets and high-demand areas. The model reflects the brand’s broader focus on meeting guests where they are while creating additional opportunities for efficient, scalable growth.

“Opening the first ghost kitchen in San Francisco is a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and expanding into non-traditional spaces,” said Peter Busse, Chief Development Officer at Checkers & Rally’s. “We’re honored to work with Parminder to lead this initiative as we’re confident that he will deliver the brand’s passion of bold flavor and exceptional value.”

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, which is half the size of competing drive-thru concepts. Checkers & Rally’s current strategy is targeting select markets throughout the United States, particularly in South and Central Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 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 almost 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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