Seasoned Restaurant Development Leader Joins Executive Team to Accelerate Growth 

TAMPA, Fla. – Checkers & Rally’s, the iconic double drive-thru burger and fries brand known for its legendary taste, undeniable value, and game-changing innovation, has appointed Peter Busse as Chief Development Officer (CDO). With more than 20 years of restaurant development experience, Busse will lead the Checkers & Rally’s franchise development strategy, strengthen franchise growth, and support the brand’s turnaround and long-term expansion efforts.

Before joining Checkers & Rally’s, Busse led development for Torchy’s Tacos, where he oversaw the company’s real estate, design, construction, and facilities functions while improving market planning, strengthening restaurant development strategies, and supporting nationwide expansion. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with Yum! Brands, supporting franchise development across Africa before leading corporate construction for Taco Bell. Throughout his career, Busse has built high-performing teams, developed scalable restaurant growth strategies, and delivered development solutions that strengthen brands, improve restaurant economics, and support franchisee success.

“Peter brings the experience, strategic mindset, and leadership we need as we continue transforming Checkers & Rally’s,” said Chris Tebben, President and CEO of Checkers & Rally’s. “He has spent his career building restaurants, supporting franchisees, and creating development strategies that fuel sustainable growth. As we continue investing in our restaurants and expanding our footprint, Peter will help us execute our vision while creating long-term value for our franchisees and guests.”

In his new role, Busse will oversee restaurant development across the Checkers & Rally’s system, including new unit growth, acquisitions, remodels, real estate strategy, design, and construction. His leadership will play a critical role in expanding the brand’s footprint, modernizing existing restaurants, and supporting franchisees through efficient, scalable development initiatives as the company continues executing its company-wide growth turnaround strategy.

“Checkers & Rally’s has built such incredible momentum, and I’m looking forward to partnering closely with franchisees and our development team to strengthen our growth strategy, create restaurants that stand out in today’s marketplace, and support long-term, profitable growth,” said Busse. “Together, we’ll build on our foundation, create more opportunities for franchisees, and position Checkers & Rally’s for continued success.”

Busse’s appointment reinforces Checkers & Rally’s commitment to investing in the future of the brand through strategic development, restaurant modernization, and disciplined expansion. As the company continues executing its turnaround strategy, it remains focused on delivering bold guest experiences, supporting franchisees, and accelerating sustainable growth across existing and new markets.

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.