TAMPA Fla. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. has hired two industry veterans in newly created franchise positions as the 830-unit quick-service company ramps up for a promised growth push.
Valerie McCartney was named director of franchise development for the western United States and Diane Phibbs was named director of franchise sales and support for the double drive-thru chain based here.
Just last week the company said it was offering two new building prototypes that move away from the chains' signature double drive-thru format to allow the brands to expand into areas where double drive-thrus don't make sense. The new formats include an end-cap store for strip malls and an in-line store for urban areas.
“Valerie and Diane bring a wealth of experience to support our organization as we look to aggressively expand the Checkers and Rally’s brands,” Michael Arrowsmith, senior vice president of development, said in a release. “Their evolved understanding of the franchising universe and proven track records of success will be an invaluable asset to our business.”
McCartney boasts almost 20 years of franchise experience with companies such as Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and El Pollo Loco. Most recently she was director of franchise sales and development for Johnny Rockets.
Upon adding McCartney’s position, Checkers divided up eastern and western development of the country by assigning Don Miller, former director of franchise development, responsibility for development in the eastern United States.
Phibbs, a 25-year veteran of the restaurant industry, most recently was director of franchise sales for Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, also based in Tampa. Prior to that, she had senior-level franchise roles at Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits and Arby’s.
Checkers operates or franchises 830 Checkers and Rally’s units in 29 states and the District of Columbia.
