Checkers to open five CT burger joints
07/07/10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, the largest double drive-thru chain in the United States, announced today the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with Tommy Barnard of Nutmeg Burger Corp. for five new restaurants in and around Hartford.
The first restaurant is scheduled to open in the spring of 2011. Checkers will be joining Sonic Drive-in, as a newcomer to Connecticut's fast food scene. Sonic recently broke ground on its first Connecticut location in Wallingford and plans to open other restaurants here as well.
Checkers' development in Hartford is part of a strategic growth strategy to expand the brand's presence in existing markets, as well as in new cities across the country, the company said.
"We are confident that residents in and around Hartford will crave our incredibly flavored burgers and uniquely seasoned fries and look forward to serving the local community," said Lynette McKee, the chief development officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants.
This five-unit deal sells out Hartford County for future development, but the rest of Connecticut, including New Haven, is still open for expansion, the company said.
Nutmeg Burger Corp. has appointed Terry Nasiadka as director of operations to aid in Checkers' expansion efforts across the region. Nasiadka is an experienced restaurant management professional with an extensive background in multi-concept and multi-unit development and new restaurant openings.
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news13879.html
First Sonic, now Checkers - Connecticut is finally getting its share of drive-in fast-food burger joints.
The Courant's Janice Podsada reports that five Checkers Drive-In restaurants will open in Greater Hartford in the next five years. Several locations are being considered, including the Berlin Turnpike, Manchester, Enfield, Southington and Bristol.
Checkers' menu features big burgers, chicken and fish sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken wings, seasoned French fries and milkshakes. Currently, the chain is advertising a special on burgers made with three varieties of flavored bacon. Checkers has more than 800 U.S. locations.
For those on Sonic Drive-In watch, the Sonic of CT organization reported on its Facebook page last night that its second planned location in Manchester has been approved. The first is scheduled to open on Route 5 in Wallingford later this summer.
http://weblogs.ctnow.com/entertainment/ ... -five.html