More burgers for Houston
The Checkers & Rally's Restaurants chain aims to open 20 locations in the Houston market this year.
Checkers & Rally's Restaurants, a fast food burger chain based in Tampa, Fla., aims to open 20 locations in the Houston market this year, the company said. The Checkers branded restaurants, operated by various franchisees, will be a mix of stand-alone drive-thrus, plus shopping center and convenience store locations.
“Our niche is is the value proposition,” director of franchise development Bruce Kim said.
Checkers keeps the average ticket under $7, Kim said. It’s able to do that by operating about 85 percent drive-thru locations, which contain only 1,000 square feet. Other costsaving measures include a new modular design, which is easier to permit and build, Kim said. The “model 4.0” design uses structural steel and concrete, and comes pre-built in four pieces to be assembled on site.
Among the upcoming locations are 13500 S. Post Oak Road; 17694 Texas 6, Navasota; 11863 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Humble; 500 I-45 South in Fairfield; 4892 FM 1960, Humble; 9 Uvalde Road; 12749 Market St.; 121 Remington Valley Drive; 3420 Chimney Rock; 2210 Teague Road; 9645 U.S. 90, Dayton; 7305 W. Broadway, Pearland; 15710 Ella Blvd.; and NASA Parkway and Sarah Deel Drive, Webster.
Since 2015, Checkers has opened 12 locations in the local market. The company’s expansion last year was delayed by Hurricane Harvey and permitting and construction issues, Kim said. The chain, which has 875 stores in 34 states, could eventually have 90 locations in the region around Houston.
First Watch restaurant has opened at 1720 W. FM 646 in League City. The breakfast, lunch and brunch spot at is among six locations owned by Houston-based Mac Haik Enterprises. Others are in College Station, Katy, Champion Forest, Pearland and Cypress.
Luxury Garage Sale ,adesigner consignment boutique, will open a pop-up shop at Market Street-The Woodlands next to the Kate Spade store April 6-8. A 30-day pop-up shop is open at River Oaks Shopping Center through April 15. The store sells high-end clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories at up to 90 percent off retail prices.
Grand Liquor has leased 1,275 square feet at Shops at Woodforest, 2300 Woodforest Parkway North, Montgomery. Jesse Hernandez represented the landlord, Hunington Properties.
Crust and Pizza Co. has leased 2,600 square feet at Shops at Woodforest. Jonathan Aron represented the landlord, Hunington Properties.