Shawn Danesh, a Rally’s franchisee who signed a 15-unit deal with the fast-casual concept back in 2021, will be opening a location at 14982 Prospect Ave in Tustin, according to information from the city’s Community Development and Planning department.
Danesh declined to comment on the developments. A representative of the brand’s corporate team also declined to comment, saying only that more information will be available in August.
The agreement marked the largest development deal for the company in California and is expected to increase its portfolio in the state by 20 percent over the next few years. At the time of the announcement, a Tustin restaurant was briefly mentioned, however, concrete details such as an address had not been revealed.
Nevertheless, in a statement, Danesh said, “The Rally’s footprint is rapidly growing in California and I’m excited to be a part of that. We hit the ground running and have already purchased a site in Anaheim near Disneyland, we’re in the process of having plans and drawings completed for a second location in Tustin, and our third location will be in La Habra.”
Likewise, Robert Bhagwandat, Senior Director of Franchise Development for Checkers & Rally’s said, “Shawn is a veteran in the fast-food industry and has franchised with some of the country’s most recognizable brands. But more importantly, after we visited his current restaurants, we saw the level of service he provides, and it is phenomenal. He will take our presence in Southern California to another level.”
The menu at Rally’s is a reliable slate of quick-service favorites including burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, fries, and various sides, with signature burger favorites such as the Big Buford, Baconzilla, and Double Fry’s Lover, as well as the Classic Mother Cruncher chicken sandwich.
Based in Tampa, Florida, Rally’s – and its parent company Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. – operates upwards of 850 restaurants across 28 states, and has garnered numerous accolades including #1 Most Craveable Fries by Restaurant Business in 2021; Best Franchise Deal and Best Drive-Thru in America by QSR Magazine; Top Food and Beverage Franchise by Franchise Business Review; and the Hot! Again award from Nation’s Restaurant News.
