Gators(R) Maintain Narrow Lead Over Seminoles(R) in the Checkers(R) Challenge Nearly $30,000 Raised for UF and FSU Athletic Scholarship Funds TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The long-time rivalry continues with the Gators(R) maintaining a narrow lead over the Seminoles(R) in the Checkers(R) Challenge. Proceeds donated to date total $15,585 for University of Florida and $13,410 for Florida State University athletic scholarship funds. As the Official Burger sponsor of the Gators and Seminoles, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., the nation's largest double drive-thru chain, has been challenging fans to purchase Gator Combos or Seminole Combos through a customized electric football television commercial, store signage and other marketing initiatives to help build competitive spirit. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020528/CHECKERSLOGO Logo: http://prn.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040819/FLTH015LOGO Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041001/FLF012 ) "We're in the second quarter with the Gators in the lead, but there's plenty of time left. We challenge 'Noles fans to make a game out of the rest of the season," said Richard S. Turer, Vice President of Marketing at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "The Checkers Challenge has been a huge success with fans proudly ordering their favorite university's combo. Both fans and alumni have the chance to show their schools' pride while raising money for their athletic scholarship funds." Checkers attributes some of the Challenge's success to its customized television spot, which is a humorous take-off of the old-time electric football games*, and the historic state-wide rivalry of the Gators and Seminoles. Checkers expects to continue this popular promotion through the Bowl Games, so fans still have time to get in on the Challenge. Gator and Seminole Combos include a half-pound Double Champ(R) with cheese, large fries and a large Coke(R) in the fan's choice of Gator or Seminole collectible cup. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (http://www.checkers.com/ ) is the largest double drive-thru restaurant chain in the United States. The Company develops, produces, owns, operates and franchises quick service "double drive- thru" restaurants. * Game rights provided by Miggle(TM) Toys, Inc. and Tudor Games. Except for historical information, this announcement contains "forward- looking" and "Safe Harbor" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. CONTACT: Lisa Tristano MARC Public Relations 412-562-1189 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041001/FLF012 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020528/CHECKERSLOGO http://prn.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040819/FLTH015LOGO DATASOURCE: Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. CONTACT: Lisa Tristano, MARC Public Relations, +1-412-562-1189, or , for Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. Web site: http://www.checkers.com/

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