Checkers is one of the more underrated fast food chains in the country since its inception in 1986. With the best fries amongst all the fast-food joints, and amongst the best burgers amongst the chains, Checkers definitely has the potential to be a heavy-hitter. But, because of rather poor marketing, poor restaurant placement (at least in the state of Florida), and because of the nasty competition, Checkers (Rallys) has never been able to become a threat to reach the top of the burger world. But, another fantastic example of why Checkers has trouble standing out in the crowd can be found in the World’s Largest Checkers. Despite the decent food, this place can never truly rise in popularity (much like the franchise) because of overwhelming competition and a lack of effort to pack a stronger punch.The franchise has been around for nearly 25 years, but the world’s largest Checkers has been around for at least 20. Very odd that they have not attempted to size-wise defeat the Sand Lake-International Drive Checkers after all these years. Either way, its right across from an even larger and much more popular McDonalds, that used to be the largest in the world—and now just settles for having the largest playplace. This Checkers isn’t very tall, but is quite long, despite having a rather small parking lot. In between a big gas station and an unpopular plaza, this Checkers has a lot of trouble standing out. You aren’t even aware it’s the largest in the world until you park the car right in front of the building.
Inside, there is a very small game room with a few games here and there. Years before they had Virtua Fighter 2, and fortunately for all of us, replaced it with Capcom vs. SNK. Video game criticism aside, the game room connects directing to the dining room. This is where Checkers fails most of the time---its total lack of a presentation. Aside from a few 50s pictures, there’s nothing else in the dining area, no pizzazz. Not even a jukebox, which is essential to any place resembling the 50s and/or 60s. No old-school music constantly playing like in Johnny Rockets. There’s just no effort to truly bring you to more than a restaurant but an experience. Not wanting to spoil my eventual review of the massive McDonalds, but that place has such a unique style, its definitely an out-of-the-ordinary visit every time you go there. In this Checkers, it’s a Checkers, just bigger, nothing more.
The menu is also the same, nothing added. But this isn’t an issue, for Checkers always offers a great variety of burgers. Their prices aren’t jacked up either despite its location in Tourist Country. I ordered the American Double Melt and also the Bacon Cheese Double Cheese.—part of their 2 burgers for $4 campaign. On paper, that sounds like a heck of a deal. Order some fries with that and you have yourself a meal. The burgers in this place take a little longer not because of the Le Tub Effect (slow cooking means aweeeesome results), but because the I-Don’t-Hire-Many-Employees Effect. After a short wait, I get my burgers and proceed to my table.
The patty melt was absolutely delicious, but like most Checkers items, are much too small. The meat patties are juicy, but not thick. The bread was good, but not enough. The Bacon Cheese Double Cheese was even better, but also quite small. This is where the World’s Largest Checkers also fails to build upon its status as the top---same sized burgers. If you are the biggest in the world, why not enhance the menu? Why not truly add some additional burgers? There are places around the country that became more popular after going crazy by making massive 4-5-6-7-patty burgers. Checkers can use this strategy for some added publicity. The food was definitely good, much better than your usual fast food fare, but the potential of this place is so great.
Bottom Line: I am a huge fan of Checkers, and I am also a fan of the World’s Largest Checkers. They have a great selection of burgers, and a great selection of good food overall. The Checkers in the Sand Lake-International Drive corner is full of good food, good service, and good prices. Yet, its lacking so badly in the presentation here, unless they change things, they can never measure up to the party house that is the McDonalds across the street. This place can truly be something special, something competitive. Add some old-school music, decorate the place a bit more, add more lights outside, extend the hours a bit more, and for goodness sakes, get a nice, classic jukebox. These are all little things that can really improve the overall experience. Otherwise, I’m eating your typical great Checkers food outside instead of inside.
Think about it, how many Central Floridians actually realize that the biggest Checkers in the entire world is in the easy-to-find International Drive in Disney Country?
World's Largest Checkers6908 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819-9303
(407) 248-9052
I've lived here since 2003 and I've never seen or heard of this place. Which is sad because I'm always in that area 😂 and I've been to that McDonald's at that lol
ReplyDeleteTook 50 years just to take my order. Another 50 years to get my order. I had my birthdays threw the drive thru. 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎 they dont care 01/12/2020
ReplyDeleteDrive by it every week and never had any idea it was the world's largest. Just looks like an ordinary Checkers from the main road.
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