Checkers & Rally's Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Blair, the Chief Financial Officer at Checkers & Rally's, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that investments in menu development and restaurant infrastructure align with long-term profitability goals. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary frameworks to support the expansion of the brand across North American markets. By optimizing cost structures and monitoring supply chain expenditures, Michael Blair directly impacts the ability of the company to provide high-value, flavor-packed meals to millions of fans. Furthermore, the Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate market trends and secure the necessary resources for sustained growth. Through rigorous financial oversight, Blair maintains the fiscal stability required to uphold the reputation of the brand as a leader in the quick-service restaurant sector.

Rick Hewatt, the President at Checkers & Rally's, directs the overarching strategic vision and corporate growth initiatives. Overseeing the alignment of marketing, operations, and finance, the President ensures that the brand remains focused on its core mission of providing better fast food. This leadership role involves guiding the company through market expansions and strengthening the competitive position of the brand against industry rivals. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, Rick Hewatt directly impacts the long-term success and market presence of the organization. Furthermore, the President works with the Board to define the future trajectory of the business, ensuring that the menu continues to feature crave-worthy items that resonate with consumers. Through decisive leadership and a commitment to quality, Hewatt drives the company toward achieving its ambitious growth targets while maintaining the unique identity of the brand.

Donnell Thompson, the President at Checkers & Rally's, directs the development of brand partnerships and external stakeholder relations. Overseeing the expansion of the brand footprint into new territories, the President ensures that the company maintains its reputation for exceptional value and bold taste. This leadership role involves identifying strategic opportunities for market penetration and enhancing the visibility of the brand in the quick-service sector. By cultivating relationships with key industry players and investors, Donnell Thompson directly impacts the ability of the company to scale operations effectively. Furthermore, the President collaborates with the executive team to refine the brand narrative and ensure that marketing efforts reach the target demographic of flavor-seeking customers. Through a focus on strategic growth and brand equity, Thompson secures the future of the company as a premier destination for fast, satisfying food.

Hatem Sweileh, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer at Checkers & Rally's, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern restaurant operations. Overseeing the integration of point-of-sale systems and customer-facing mobile platforms, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless service delivery across all locations. This leadership role involves driving digital transformation initiatives that enhance the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment for signature items like the Big Buford. By implementing advanced data analytics, Hatem Sweileh directly impacts the efficiency of kitchen workflows and inventory management. Furthermore, the Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer collaborates with operational teams to refine the technological backbone of the brand, ensuring that every guest receives fast, friendly service. Through continuous innovation in digital touchpoints, Sweileh secures the competitive edge of the company in an increasingly tech-driven quick-service landscape.

Nathan Crocker, the Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder at Checkers & Rally's, directs the development of proprietary software solutions to optimize restaurant performance. Overseeing the implementation of automated ordering systems and kitchen display technology, the Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder ensures that the brand maintains its reputation for rapid service. This leadership role involves managing the cybersecurity posture and data integrity of the entire enterprise network. By leveraging emerging technologies to streamline customer interactions, Nathan Crocker directly impacts the overall guest experience and operational throughput. Furthermore, the Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder works closely with the executive team to align technical roadmaps with the broader mission of delivering bold, crave-worthy food. Through the strategic deployment of scalable hardware and software, Crocker supports the ongoing modernization of the restaurant footprint across diverse regional markets.

Saleem Lakhani, the Chief Operations Officer at Checkers & Rally's, directs the daily execution of restaurant standards and service protocols. Overseeing the performance of thousands of team members, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that every location delivers the signature quality associated with Famous Seasoned Fries and Classic Wings. This leadership role involves managing regional operational efficiency and maintaining strict adherence to food safety and service speed benchmarks. By refining labor models and optimizing supply chain logistics, Saleem Lakhani directly impacts the profitability and consistency of the brand. Furthermore, the Chief Operations Officer collaborates with franchise partners to implement operational improvements that drive customer satisfaction. Through a focus on operational excellence and process standardization, Lakhani ensures that the company remains a dominant force in the quick-service industry while maintaining the high standards expected by loyal fans.