PHOENIX — The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Sam Chand, owner of over 30 Checkers and Rally’s locations throughout Michigan and New York, as one of the 2023 Franchisees of the Year. 

Since 2014, Chand’s journey at Checkers & Rally’s has been marked by calculated growth. Starting as a delivery boy, he has ascended to ownership of 65 units in total. Currently, he manages 6 thriving locations in New York and has recently undertaken the acquisition of 25 additional outlets in Detroit over the past two years for Checkers, in addition to approximately 33 KFC and Taco Bell locations showcasing his diverse business acumen. Also the head of a private equity firm, Chand brings financial expertise and operational efficiency to the brand, seamlessly overseeing his double drive-thru locations.

Committed to community development, his locations actively contribute to local well-being, emphasizing his diligence toward supporting those around him. With a track record of overseeing combined sales of approximately $100 million, coupled with a distinctive proficiency in fostering meaningful relationships and navigating interpersonal dynamics, Chand demonstrates a remarkable aptitude for leveraging human connections to drive success in the professional arena. Chand was honored at the 64th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, for being an outstanding owner-operator franchise establishment.

“We take immense pride in recognizing Sam for this remarkable achievement. Sam exemplifies the dedicated franchisees we have within our system, and he strongly connects with his local community,” said Kris McDonald, Vice President of Development at Checkers and Rally’s. “Sam has been instrumental in strategically expanding the brand and we eagerly anticipate growing with him in the future.”

Additionally, Chand served on the 2023 Franchise Advisory Council, while his Detroit operating partner, Jason Amell, earned the “Operator of the Year, Five or More Restaurants” award in 2022. Chand’s vision for the future involves exploring growth opportunities and expanding his brand portfolio. Working closely with Amell, Chand seeks innovative approaches to operations and enhancing customer experiences.

“I am truly honored to be named Franchisee of the Year by such an established organization within the industry,” said Chand. “I dedicate all my achievements to my people, as I am only as good as those around me. I anticipate future growth with the brand and look forward to strengthening ties in the local communities we serve with our delicious food.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon. 

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize Sam with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt his work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”

To learn more about the brand, investment requirements, and open territories visit checkersfranchising.com to find out more about how to team up with America’s #1 double drive-thru brand.

About Checkers and 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 800 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 “Satisfaction Award,” “Top Food Franchise” in 2023 and “Most Profitable Franchise” in 2022.