News Summary
Former NFL stars Donnell Thompson and Ron Wooten are bringing a new chain of Checkers & Rally’s restaurants to Alabama, promising to create 300-350 jobs in cities like Birmingham and Jasper. Their initiative aims not only to revitalize the local dining scene but also to give back to the community through partnerships with schools and literacy programs. With plans for widespread expansion, this venture highlights their dedication to both quality food and local development.
Exciting Times for Alabama: Retired NFL Stars Open Checkers & Rally’s Chain
Alabama is about to get a tasty makeover! Former NFL players Donnell Thompson and Ron Wooten are setting their sights on opening a chain of Checkers & Rally’s restaurants across the state. This initiative will not only spice up the dining scene but also create a flurry of job opportunities, with locals gearing up to join the ranks of their favorite fast-food restaurant.
Creating Jobs for the Community
Thompson has a vision that extends far beyond serving delicious food. His estimates reveal that these new restaurants will create between 300 to 350 jobs. Each location will employ around 35 to 45 staff members, giving many Alabamians a chance at employment. General managers could earn as much as $50,000 annually, while entry-level positions might start at $8 to $10 per hour, making it a solid opportunity for students and first-time job seekers.
Where Will They Be Opening?
Excitingly, several Alabama cities are in line for the new Checkers & Rally’s restaurants. Places like Birmingham, Jasper, Bessemer, and Midfield are on the list. Midfield has recently celebrated its re-grand opening, so it’s the perfect time to build on local enthusiasm! This franchise venture isn’t just about food for Thompson; he sees enormous potential for success in these areas, leading to growth and new beginnings.
A Journey from NFL to Fast Food
Thompson’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when he worked at a metro Atlanta McDonald’s during his NFL off-seasons. Inspired by the experience, he ventured into the franchise world after his retirement in 1998. Starting with a McDonald’s in Atlanta, he expanded into other franchises, including Choice Hotels, Zaxby’s, and Denny’s. His recent partnership with Checkers & Rally’s is driven by a firm belief in the company’s strong growth over the past few years and their commitment to quality food.
Plans for Expansion
Thompson and Wooten don’t plan to stop at just a few locations. They aim to open between seven to ten Checkers & Rally’s restaurants within the Birmingham area alone, with aspirations to expand throughout the Southeastern U.S.. Their ambitious plans signal a significant investment in Alabama communities, and local residents can look forward to delicious meals coming to their towns.
Giving Back to the Community
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this initiative is the dedication to giving back. Thompson and Wooten are keen on investing in local school systems by partnering with the Midfield School System. They plan to support athletic teams and other student programs through exciting fundraising initiatives. Upcoming community events, such as a hamburger eating contest, promise to be entertaining while also raising funds for school programs, benefiting both football players, cheerleaders, and bands.
Encouraging Literacy Among Youth
Additionally, Thompson is passionate about encouraging literacy among children. They are implementing a fantastic initiative that offers free ice cream to kids who read a book, aiming to promote reading and offer incentives to at-risk youth. This creative approach not only serves delicious food but also nurtures the minds of Alabama’s children.
A Bright Future Ahead
Thompson is wholeheartedly committed to using a portion of the proceeds from these restaurants to support local organizations that positively impact the community. With big dreams and even bigger hearts, Thompson and Wooten are set to make waves in Alabama – not just with mouth-watering food, but by genuinely uplifting the local community. This is just the start of a flavorful journey sure to leave a lasting impact!Â
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Additional Resources
- Black Press USA: Former NFL Players Open Checkers & Rally’s Across Birmingham Area
- Post News Group: Odessa Woolfolk Honored at Reception with 2024 Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award
- Birmingham Times: How Birmingham Editor Emory O. Jackson Paved Way for Black Press
- Wikipedia: Fast Food
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
