Checkers(R)/Rally's(R) Franchisee of the Year to Wave Green Flag at NASCAR(R)'s Brickyard 400(R) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Double Drive-Thru Company Rewards Franchisee with Exclusive Honor
TAMPA, Fla., July 31 -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., , the nation's largest double drive-thru chain and Official Burger of the Brickyard 400(R), today announced that Checkers(R)/Rally's(R) Franchisee of the Year, Larry Rockwell, will wave the green flag to begin the 2003 Brickyard 400, a NASCAR(R) Winston Cup Series event.
"It is a tremendous thrill to have the opportunity to wave the green flag to start one of the largest sporting events in the world, and I am honored that Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. has presented me with this one-of-a- kind experience," said Larry Rockwell, Checkers/Rally's Franchisee of the Year and owner/operator of four Checkers locations in Alabama.
He continued: "I chose to become a Checkers franchisee because of the chain's growth potential, the superior menu choices, and the franchising support the Company provides. It has been very rewarding to find that, in addition to the brands' strengths, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. goes the extra mile to recognize franchisees who do a great job."
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and its franchisee community teamed up earlier this year to form a category-exclusive sponsorship with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This sponsorship names Checkers/Rally's as the Official Burger of the Brickyard 400 and the Indianapolis 500(R).
"We are very excited to have our Franchisee of the Year represent Checkers/Rally's at this nationally televised race, and we congratulate Larry Rockwell on his outstanding performance," said Ron Levondosky, Vice President of Franchise at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. Mr. Levondosky continued: "Checkers/Rally's has a fantastic franchisee community that is very active in our initiatives, and together, we are bringing our brand to a national audience."
Mr. Rockwell joined Checkers in 1988 as an assistant manager at an Atlanta-area restaurant. Through hard work and excellent performance, he was quickly promoted to the positions of general manager, training manager and then an area supervisor. In 1996, when Checkers offered its top-performing employees the opportunity to own their own restaurant, Mr. Rockwell seized the opportunity and purchased his first store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Today, he owns four locations in Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama, and has a fifth location opening later this year in Tuscaloosa.
"Working with Checkers, I have been able to build sales and provide for my employees, my family and the Company -- that's a great feeling," said Mr. Rockwell. "And, due to the success of my first Checkers location, as well as the support of the Company, I have been able to expand my business to five locations in just a few years. I'm proud to represent Checkers at the Brickyard 400."
In addition to the green flag activity at the speedway, Checkers/Rally's Company-owned and franchised restaurants have brought the excitement of the Brickyard 400 to their double drive-thru locations. Its "Road to the Brickyard 400" 80-city national tour features appearances by the #15 NAPA Auto Parts and #1 Pennzoil cars and an official Brickyard 400 pace car, special food offers, and other festivities. In addition, participating Checkers/Rally's locations are offering customers the chance to win an official pace car replica and other prizes through its Brickyard 400 Sweepstakes. Officially licensed merchandise, including Brickyard hats, are also available for a special price at Checkers/Rally's restaurants.
On race day, Checkers/Rally's Franchisee of the Year will wave the green flag to begin the race, and Company representatives are scheduled to make a public address before the commencement of the Brickyard 400.
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (www.checkers.com) is the largest double drive-through restaurant chain in the United States. The Company develops, produces, owns, operates and franchises quick service "double drive- thru" restaurants.
Except for historical information, this announcement contains "forward- looking" and "Safe Harbor" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
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