---
title: "Checkers & Rally’s Opens in Kenner, Louisiana"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/0d5c8b03-ad87-4b16-8b37-3d2ed0dd4e94
source: "QSR Magazine"
original_url: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/checkers-rallys-opens-in-kenner-louisiana/
author: "Ben Coley"
category: "Burger"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Burger"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-05-27T15:07:19.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T13:17:29.293Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Checkers & Rally’s Opens in Kenner, Louisiana

**TL;DR:** Checkers & Rally's has reopened a restaurant in Kenner, Louisiana, under franchisee Rakesh Kalotra. The restaurant is one of 13 units Kalotra operates with the brand in the New Orleans market.

*By Ben Coley, originally published in QSR Magazine on 2026-05-27. [Read the original](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/checkers-rallys-opens-in-kenner-louisiana/).*

## Story

Checkers & Rally’s, the iconic double drive-thru burger and fries brand known for its legendary taste, undeniable value, and game-changing innovation, has announced the reopening of a restaurant in Kenner, located at 3102 Loyola Drive. After being closed for more than a year due to building repairs and operational transitions, Checkers & Rally’s is set to reintroduce its Kenner restaurant under franchisee Rakesh Kalotra as he further strengthens the brand’s footprint in the New Orleans market.

Kalotra is a seasoned multi-unit franchisee with more than three decades of experience in the restaurant industry. His journey with the Checkers & Rally’s brand began in college, when he joined the team as a part-time employee, a role that sparked his long-term passion for quick-service dining. Last year, he acquired five restaurants in the New Orleans metro area, with the Kenner restaurant bringing his portfolio to 13 units with the brand.

Kalotra is known for his hands-on leadership and operational expertise, and he will continue to accelerate his footprint while staying true to his mission of serving great food with exceptional customer service.

“We’re thrilled to bring Checkers & Rally’s back to the Kenner community,” said Kalotra. “There has been so much anticipation around this reopening, and we’re proud to reintroduce the restaurant centered around great food, convenience, and service. This reopening reflects our continued confidence in the brand as we reestablish into the market.”

Checkers & Rally’s designs its restaurants to meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumer. The brand’s signature double drive-thru layout streamlined kitchen configuration, and patio-focused footprint drive speed, efficiency, and strong unit-level performance. The company leverages technology to enhance the guest experience, optimize menu offerings, and support franchisees with a model built for operational simplicity and scalability. This approach continues to position Checkers & Rally’s as a compelling franchise opportunity with significant room for growth.

“Rakesh’s operational experience, leadership and dedication to guest service make him a strong fit to bring Checkers & Rally’s back to the Kenner community,” said Robert Bhagwandat, Senior Director of Franchise Development at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. “We’re proud to work with entrepreneurs who share our passion for delivering bold flavor and exceptional value. We look forward to supporting Rakesh as he develops the brand presence in Louisiana.”

Merged in 1999 to form one concept, Checkers & Rally’s primarily operate through a proven franchise model, in which owners benefit from brand recognition, operational support, and marketing resources. Potential franchise prospects can develop on less than half of an acre, which is half the size of competing drive-thru concepts. Checkers & Rally’s current strategy is targeting select markets throughout the United States, particularly in South and Central Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southern California, Las Vegas, Florida, and South Carolina.

## Entities

- QSR (sector)
- franchise expansion (topic)
- QSR Magazine (publication)
- restaurant industry (topic)
- Ben Coley (person)
- Checkers (company)
- Robert Bhagwandat (person)
- unit reopening (topic)
- quick service dining (topic)
- Kenner, Louisiana (location)

---
Originally reported by Ben Coley, QSR Magazine (https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/checkers-rallys-opens-in-kenner-louisiana/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/0d5c8b03-ad87-4b16-8b37-3d2ed0dd4e94).