What killed Checker's in Chicago? (Atlanta: living, airport, eat)

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by andrew61

I must respectfully disagree. This is just a personal preference, of course, but I thought Checkers was part of the neighborhood's character (as the area was when I moved here). Sure, it was tacky, but that was part of the charm, IMHO. The Harris Bank building looks sterile to me and leaves me cold. Besides, how many banks does one neighborhood need, anyway?

We always used to call the Checkers at Halsted and Addison "The Gay Checkers."

We would go there sometimes mostly because there were a couple of guys that worked the drive-thru that were drag queens. It was quite amusing. They would not work the drive-thru in full drag most of the time, but a more subdued "half drag."

I would also prefer if that Checkers (when did it open like 92 or 93?) was still there opposed to the bank.

[dumpstermcnuggets]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

I never thought about that, but I pretty much KNOW where the Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell and Arby's are because they are mostly few and far between. Not like back home or in the suburbs where they seem to literally be down any street. McDonalds though, I see those all over the place in the city.

I'm talking neighborhoods obviously, not as much downtown.

You could add KFC to that list, but well said. LOL, although I've never cared for KFC much. Arby's to me, seems to be the most noticeably absent of those mentioned chains within the city of Chicago(with the exception of the Loop), so it always is a bit of a joy for me if I'm visiting NW side friends and near the Harlem/Irving location. Ditto w/Culver's in Franklin Park, as I sometimes do driving trips w/friends out to that one. It was a nice surprise to hear of a new Culver's in Lyons, so good for me if I am in the Berwyn/North Riverside area.

Checkers was earlier mentioned in this thread, that's another fast food chain I miss. I remember the location on Western by Waveland Bowl too well, as it was conveniently located across the street from where I bowled in high school. Also impressive that the ad painted on the side of Crabby Kim's has remained all the years after it closed! I'm sure one day, I'll finally make it to the 55th/Dan Ryan location...

[grapico]

checkers? probably worst fast food hamburger there is...

good fries though.
Personally I'm glad Chicago doesn't have much big name fast food...that is a GOOD thing... The local establishments are far superior anyway. The ones there in Chicagoland are some of the best diner/greasy/junk food in the u.s.

[noid_1985]

Originally Posted by chigaros

there are also no checkers on the southside. but there IS at least one rallys in the southern suburbs.

the PROBLEM with checkers is that they would only employ low-income, under-privileged people. they had a constant problem with managers and associates on ripping off the restaurant by stealing from the safes, and not charging/under charging food to eachother, friends, and family members.

lol well who else are they going to employ?? You think anyone who making a reasonable amount of money is going to work for Checkers?

[Chuckity]

What the heck were those nugget things? Apple fritters or something?

There used to be one at the corner of Sibley & Torrence is Cal City - right across from Purple Steer.

[h8nla]

They actually just opened a new checkers in the markham-dixmoor area. Just north of the mall that the blues brothers drove thru in the movie. Exit 147th st east off of i-57, and make a left at dixie highway. It just opened a couple of months ago; i was shocked...

[edsg25]

i got into the discussion late. we are talking about nixon's dog, aren't we?

[deechee]

Originally Posted by Jesse69

I love Checker's [Rally's], but what killed them in the Northside / Middle of Chicago when they got good food? - I think I heard the franchiser messed up? I'm really missing them and it's such a far drive to the 1 South Side Chicago place they got?

See Locator

Omg I grew up near a Checker's! Mom and Dad used to treat me all the time! Loved it.

[Venom]

Any place with Chicago Gyros> Any chain

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by grapico

Personally I'm glad Chicago doesn't have much big name fast food...

Except for Subway and Quizno's, which seem to be ubiquitous on the North Side... especially in the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area.