Checkers and Rally's CEO steps down

Frances Allen will step down as CEO of Tampa-based fast-food chain Checkers and Rally's after four years in the role.

The company, with quirky ad and marketing campaigns and many restaurants drive-thru only, says Allen is "stepping down in order to focus on board work." 

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Checkers & Rally’s has launched an external search for a new CEO while Allen will remain with the company through September, according to a statement. She will also reman a shareholder. The company adds that Allen will play an active role in hiring the next CEO, and "remain with the organization through the onboarding of her successor."

"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,”  Checkers and Rally's Independent Board Member David Barr says in the statement. “We are thankful for her many contributions and leadership and look forward to her continued support during this transition period.” 

Checkers and Rally's is in an aggressive state of change as it seeks $1 billion in annual revenue. Sales at the company, after a drop in 2021 from the previous year, rose 4.2% in 2022, to $890 million. Sales figures for 2023 were not immediately unavailable.

In November, the burger chain hired two former Bloomin' Brands executives, making Michael Blair chief financial officer and Scott Johnson its chief marketing officer.

But it was the change in the shapes of the stores that the company hoped would attract more customers and e-commerce. The modular design of the drive-thru chain is being updated at many of the 830-plus locations, as the national burger giant seeks to "bring the brand into the future."

For Allen, the mission in February 2020 was pretty much the same: Grow revenues and modernize. Then COVID-19 struck the next month. Allen was stuck at her Colorado home for a time, but said restaurant survival would be a bit easier for the chain than other eateries because the Checkers and Rally's stores don't have dining rooms.

"In QSR, it's all about daily routine, and people's daily routines are really curtailed right now," she told the Business Observer in March 2020. "But we do benefit enormously from being drive-thru-only and having closed kitchens."

She succeeded Rick Silva, who served as CEO and president for 13 years at Checkers and Rally's. 

Allen came from Boston Market, where she served as CEO. Allen also held executive leadership roles at Jack-in-the-Box, Denny's, Dunkin' Donuts, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, PepsiCo and Frito-Lay.

"It has been my honor to lead this organization these past four years, and I’m extremely proud of what we have accomplished,” Allen says in the statement. “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.