Strike When It's Hot: Checkers to Grow in Brooklyn

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants announced the signing of a multiunit store development agreement with Kalex Partners LLC for four new restaurants in Brooklyn, New York. The first restaurant is scheduled to open at 491 Nostrand Avenue in late September. Kalex plans to open three more Checkers restaurants over the next five years. Checkers' development in Brooklyn is part of a strategic growth strategy to expand the brand's presence in existing markets, as well as in new regions across the country.

"Checkers is excited to expand its footprint in Brooklyn with Kalex Partners LLC," says Checkers' chief development officer Lynette McKee, CFE. "Our current Brooklyn restaurants have experienced great success and we are confident local residents will continue to crave our incredibly flavored burgers and uniquely seasoned fries, and we look forward to continuing to serve the local community."

Sean McDevitt and Richard Bowditch are the founders of Kalex Partners LLC. As a senior investment banking professional, McDevitt most recently cofounded Maren Group, a boutique mergers & acquisitions advisory firm. He graduated from West Point Academy and served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Rangers.

As a veteran, McDevitt qualified for Checkers' VetFran discount, which offers 20 percent off the total franchise fee. Through VetFran, Checkers is committed to providing qualified U.S. Veterans with financial incentives to help make the transition from military to civilian life.

"Both Richard and I are longtime Brooklyn residents and we are thrilled to be investing in our hometown," McDevitt says. "We are excited to expand Checkers' presence in Brooklyn and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live and work here."

Richard Bowditch has built a successful photography business over the past 27 years. He began his career as a magazine photographer, shooting for publications such as Gourmet, Forbes, and W. Today, Bowditch works on assignment for leading advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

Joining McDevitt and Bowditch at Kalex will be Mohammed Elsaadiny. Elsaadiny brings a wealth of industry operating experience to the Kalex team, and he will serve as its operating partner. He was most recently a director of operations for Papa John's International and helped to manage the company's Manhattan development.