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Checkers & Rally’s seeks CEO as Frances Allen steps downCheckers & Rally’s seeks CEO as Frances Allen steps down

Executive will focus on board work and remain in role through September, the restaurant company says

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

April 4, 2024

1 Min Read
Checkers Rally s Frances Allen Steps down as CEO
Checkers & Rally's says is seeking a permanent successor as Frances Allen, CEO and president, steps down.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., the drive-thru restaurant chain, has begun a search for a successor to Frances Allen, who will be stepping down after serving as CEO and president for the past four years, the company said Thursday.

Frances Allen Headshot 3.jpgThe Tampa, Fla.-based Checkers & Rally’s drive-thru operator said Allen will focus on board work and remain with the company through September as a transition.

“Since Frances joined our team in 2020, she has played an instrumental role in helping us to execute on a number of key initiatives that have helped to build a solid foundation for the business and a clear path forward for the company’s next phase of growth,” said David Barr, Checkers independent board member, in a statement.

Checkers & Rally’s has launched an external search to identify a new permanent CEO, the company said. Allen will remain with the organization through the onboarding of her successor and is playing an active role in the hiring process. She will also remain a shareholder.

“It has been my honor to lead this organization these past four years, and I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished,” Allen said. “While I’m looking forward to the future, I’m grateful for my time at such an iconic brand, and for the opportunity to work with such an exceptional organization and franchisees.”

Related:How Checkers & Rally's plans to adjust as other brands adopt its double drive-thru model

Allen, who headed Boston Market, was named CEO of Checkers & Rally’s in February 2020. She succeeded Rick Silva, who left the company after 13 years.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants has 800 units.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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