Sheepshead Bites: After Three Year Delay, Checkers Opens in Coney Island

After three years of waiting, Checkers has finally opened on Coney Island. Franchisee Ahmadullah Tokhi, who also owns a Popeyes, said the location was an easy choice.

“Coney Island gets over 200,000 people every weekend in the summer. It’s a really nice place and it’s one of the most famous amusement parks in the country,” he said.

Inspections and the leasing company kept Tokhi's restaurant from opening, but when opening night finally came, Checkers drew an impressive crowd.

A customer said he had noticed that the restaurant opened on his walk home from school and came back that night.

“I’ve been waiting for a long time for this,” he said. “I’d always walk by and look over to see if it’s open yet.”

Tokhi is excited to give Coney Island visitors more food options.