Checkers & Rally’s has strengthened its presence in Arizona with the opening of a new restaurant in Tolleson, marking the brand’s 11th location in the state as it continues to scale through franchise-led growth.
The new outlet, located at 205 N. 99th Avenue, opened on March 10 and is operated by franchisee Keith Gallagher, who now expands his portfolio to three units in Arizona.
Gallagher, a former U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel with nearly three decades of service, has transitioned into franchise operations, leveraging his background in leadership and corporate finance to grow within the system.
“We’re proud to open our third Checkers & Rally’s in Arizona, the model is efficient, the food quality is consistent, and the bold flavours make guests coming back,” Gallagher said, highlighting the brand’s operational simplicity and customer appeal.
The Tolleson restaurant features the chain’s signature double drive-thru format and a patio-focused design, aimed at maximising speed, convenience, and throughput while reducing operational complexity. The format aligns with the brand’s broader strategy to cater to off-premise demand and drive unit-level efficiency.
According to Robert Bhagwandat, Senior Director of Franchise Development, the expansion reflects the company’s focus on partnering with experienced, multi-unit operators to accelerate national growth.
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Checkers & Rally’s operates more than 700 locations across the U.S. and continues to position itself as a high-growth, asset-light franchise opportunity. The brand’s model emphasises smaller footprints, streamlined kitchens, and increasing use of technology and AI-driven tools to enhance operations and guest experience.
The Tolleson opening underscores the company’s ongoing expansion across the Sun Belt, with Arizona emerging as a key market for multi-unit franchise development.
