Name: Peter Busse
New title: Chief development officer, Checkers & Rally’s
Previous title: Vice president of development, Torchy’s Tacos
Checkers & Rally’s hired Peter Busse to lead the company’s “franchise development strategy, strengthen franchise growth, and support the brand's turnaround and long-term expansion efforts,” according to an emailed press release.
Busse joined the chain after six years with Torchy’s Tacos, including four as the chain’s VP of development, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, Busse spent over a decade with Yum Brands in various development and construction capacities, including stints with Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
Checkers & Rally’s is undertaking a significant brand turnaround strategy, according to the press release. Busse will aid that process by overseeing the modernization of existing stores and backing franchisee development initiatives to expand the brands’ networks.
Both Checkers and Rally’s have been shrinking for years, according to the company’s franchise disclosure document. Between 2023 and the end of 2025, Checkers shed a net 63 units, including 26 last year. The chain began 2026 with 453 stores.
Rally’s, in the same time period, lost a net 28 restaurants and entered this year with 266 stores.
The chains, according to their FDD, are projecting 16 total franchised openings in 2026.
Last year, the company debuted a smaller restaurant prototype meant to reduce the development costs of its restaurants. The burger brands are trying to leverage value promotions to drive sales. In June, the chain highlighted its $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal after launching a slate of double sandwiches priced at $3 in May. Reduced buildout costs and sales growth could help the company attract new franchisees or secure development commitments from existing operators.
