Checkers to Open on Eight Mile in Ferndale on Tuesday

Bars and full-service restaurants aren't the only businesses opening up in Ferndale lately – there's also something new for those who need a fast meal on the run.

A new Checkers drive-thru restaurant with a small dine-in area will open Tuesday at 900 W. Eight Mile Rd.

"We really liked the building," owner Nicole Wilski said of the location, which is in the former home of Irene's Southern Cooking. "We like Eight Mile. It just has a lot of residential behind it and commercial during the day so we thought it would be a really good location."

Wilski said the new store already has about 43 people hired in preparation for the opening and is continuing to seek employees.

"We're always looking for good people," she said. People interested in applying can stop in for an application, she said.

The new Ferndale location is part of a plan by Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. – the largest double drive-thru chain in the United States with more than 800 stores – to expand its presence in Michigan. There are currently 52 locations in the state.

“We continue to look into new ways to further develop markets where we have a presence and where our guests are familiar with our brand,” said Checkers/Rally’s Chief Development Officer Jennifer Durham. “Nicole is a trailblazer franchisee and I’m confident she will continue to aggressively grow our brand in Michigan to satisfy our fanatic followers.”

Wilski said the Eight Mile location is the fifth store she owns; the other locations are in Clinton Township, Highland Park, Warren and Southfield.

“I have a strong passion for the Checkers brand, and look forward to providing jobs in the community and favorable menu options at reasonable prices for our guests,” she said.

In addition to burgers, shakes and fries, new menu items include several new chicken sandwiches, five flavors of fried chicken wings and a new Cold Creations line of ice cream treats.

"We have really flavorful food," Wilski said. "We're also very value driven so I think that's really good for people."

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit www.checkers.com.