Checkers and Rally’s Open New Location in Tolleson, Arizona

Innovative Double Drive-Thru Burger Brand Continues Arizona Expansion

March 13, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // TOLLESON, AZ – Checkers and Rally’s, the iconic double drive-thru burger and fries brand known for its legendary taste, undeniable value, and game-changing innovation, continues its strategic Arizona expansion with the opening of a new restaurant at 205 N. 99th Ave. in Tolleson on March 10. The location marks the brand’s 11th restaurant in the Grand Canyon State. Keith Gallagher will be spearheading the restaurant, expanding his portfolio to three locations and further strengthening Checkers & Rally’s footprint in the market.

Gallagher brings decades of leadership experience spanning distinguished military service and corporate finance. He served 28 years in the United States Air Force and retired in 2012 as a Lieutenant Colonel after spending more than two decades as a master navigator aboard the KC-135, where he led in-flight refueling missions across global theaters. After concluding his military career, Gallagher transitioned into the private sector and applied his financial expertise and strategic discipline to build and grow successful franchise operations.

“We’re proud to open our third Checkers & Rally’s in Arizona with a brand that aligns closely with how we like to operate,” said Gallagher. “The model is efficient, the food quality is consistent, and the bold flavors keep guests coming back. With the double drive-thru format designed for speed and convenience, we’re confident this location will resonate with the Tolleson community.”

Checkers & Rally’s designs its restaurants to meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumer. The brand’s signature double drive-thru layout streamlined kitchen configuration, and patio-focused footprint drive speed, efficiency, and strong unit-level performance. The company leverages technology and AI-driven tools to enhance the guest experience, optimize menu offerings, and support franchisees with a model built for operational simplicity and scalability. This approach continues to position Checkers & Rally’s as a compelling franchise opportunity with significant room for growth.

“Keith exemplifies the type of dedicated, growth-minded partner we value,” said Robert Bhagwandat, Senior Director of Franchise Development at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. “His leadership, operational discipline, and commitment to our brand will drive success in Tolleson. As we expand nationwide, we will continue partnering with entrepreneurs who share our passion for delivering bold flavor and exceptional value to communities across the country.”

About Checkers & Rally’s
Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its bold, craveable food, famous fries, exceptional value, and people-first attitude, operates and franchises both Checkers® and Rally’s® restaurants. With over 700 restaurants and room to grow, Checkers & Rally’s is a proven brand with flexible building formats that is aggressively expanding across the country. Checkers & Rally’s is dedicated to being a place where franchisees and employees who work hard can create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. In recent years, the brand has earned several of the industry’s most prestigious awards, including Franchise Times Top 500, Entrepreneur Top 500, Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises, Franchise Rock Star, and “Most Profitable Franchises” in 2024. The brand also earned recognition for its best-in-class training and education programs, winning four prestigious Brand Hall Group awards in 2024, and was named one of QSR’s Best Brands to Work For in 2025.

To learn more about Checkers & Rally’s franchise opportunities, visit checkersfranchising.com. For more information about Checkers & Rally’s, visit checkers.com.

SOURCE Checkers & Rally’s

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