010650 Checkers Completes Franchise Convention

Tampa, FL - Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc's remarkable financial turnaround was the talk of the Company's 2001 National Franchise Convention. Nearly 500 energized Checkers Drive-In and Rally's Hamburgers franchise operators, company multi-store operators and vendor partners from across the country were in attendance.

“Our comeback has been one of the restaurant industry's most interesting stories, but how we achieved it is really a tale of bringing a discipline back to our house,” said Checkers President and CEO Daniel J. Dorsch. Dorsch continued: “Discipline, trust, spirit and communication. Franchisees, company operators, vendors and staff are all running the village together now and it gives me gratification to be part of this story.”

Checkers' four-day convention, held June 11-14 at the Wyndham Harbor Island Hotel, was themed “Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now” and reflected the Company's return to sustained profitability and expected bright future.

Highlights of the convention included a very candid and motivational update on the company's 2000 performance and year 2001 goals by Daniel J. Dorsch; introduction of a new franchisee training program; introduction of an expanded franchise department; and presentation of outstanding franchisee performance awards.

“This convention has been a way for us to share successes and direction with our Checkers and Rally's franchise store operators, who are the backbone of our Company and are at the forefront of our financial growth,” said Dorsch.

Attendees were also treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Checkers' successful “You Gotta Eat!” advertising campaign, which still has franchise operators buzzing:

“We saw an instant response to the ad campaign in increased sales. It was almost like someone turned on a switch,” said Joe Dyer, who with Hal Dixon owns StarrChex LLC, operator of a number of Checkers restaurants in Georgia and Louisiana.

Echoing that sentiment was Willie Beard, who with Tim Mariani owns Checkers franchises in Florida: “Since the campaign began, we can't keep customers out of the driveway. It's probably the most successful promotion that's ever happened at Checkers.”

“The new campaign definitely moved our client base and definitely moved our sales. It energized our whole team from top to bottom,” said Steve Fox, who operates Rally's restaurants in Missouri, Arkansas and Virginia.

“The `You Gotta Eat(SM)!' campaign has brought a new spirit and fire to Checkers. It really has been a break-out strategy. It is now driving greatness throughout the company,” said Mark Mitchell, whose Titan Holdings, LLC operates a number of Checkers franchises in Florida and Alabama.

To underscore the enthusiasm for the new leadership, the franchisees, company store operators and corporate officers surprised Daniel J. Dorsch with the presentation of a special “Passion and Dedication Award”.

“To be recognized in such manner by our franchisees, company store operators and officers was a very humbling experience. It reinforced to me that our team is passionate about making Checkers and Rally's the best brand in the business,” said Dorsch.

The convention's closing awards banquet featured a talk on “The Game of Life” by college basketball analyst and motivational speaker Dick Vitale, who related to the audience past personal experience with Dorsch's winning record in business and in life. He said all in the Checkers/Rally's family should be proud to be part of that success.

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