Bright future
Even though the company’s turnaround isn’t complete, Sirois is confident that it is now operating at the highest standards and is starting to see the fruits of its labors.
Although Checkers/Rally’s revenue fell from $194 million in 2004 to $187 million in 2005, mostly due to restaurant closings as a result of Hurricane Katrina, the company still posted same-store sales growth 19 of the last 20 quarters. And in 2005, Rally’s was named “Best Drive-Thru in America” by QSR Magazine, whose annual survey ranks the top 25 quick-service restaurants in the country.
But Sirois knows that doesn’t mean the company can relax. He and his executives are constantly analyzing the GO program and technology, a process he compares to a TV show he once saw in which a man was trying to spin plates on sticks.
“By the time he started to spin the seventh, the first one would start wobbling like it’s going to fall,” says Sirois. “And that’s kind of how our program is. As we go through the GO program and work on various parts of the business, as we get two and three years into it, we’ve got to go back to the first wobbly plate.”
Sirois hopes the company’s dedication to accuracy, speed, great service and communication will help Checkers/Rally’s continue to expand through increased franchise operations. It has entered into development agreements for an additional 129 franchised units by 2009.
“Our turnaround and our success has come from us embracing who we are as a double-drive-thru restaurant,” he says. “Our consumers are coming back more often and spending more money with us, and our business is growing as a result.
“The better we do at our execution, the more we get awards like ‘Best Drive-Thru in America,’ that makes us much more attractive to potential franchise candidates and helps us accomplish these goals we have to add franchisees and new franchise restaurants.”
HOW TO REACH: Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc., www.checkers.com
