#NNPA BlackPress

Former NFL Players Open Checkers & Rally’s across Birmingham area

BIRMINGHAM TIMES — Donnell Thompson and Ron Wooten, retired NFL players, are opening a chain of Checkers & Rally’s across Alabama and doing more than giving residents a place to eat. They’re also creating jobs. Thompson believes the company will hire 35 to 45 people per store.

Published

5 years ago

September 14, 2019

Oakland Post

Donnell Thompson (In Photo) and Ron Wooten, retired NFL players, are opening a chain of Checkers and Rally's across Alabama. (Photo by: Ameera Steward | The Birmingham Times)

By Ameera Steward

Donnell Thompson and Ron Wooten, retired NFL players, are opening a chain of Checkers & Rally’s across Alabama and doing more than giving residents a place to eat. They’re also creating jobs.

Thompson believes the company will hire 35 to 45 people per store.

“So we’ll probably put on 300 to 350 jobs [and with] general managers some of them are very good jobs…some of them will be as high as $50,000 a year, some of our students will make $8 to $10 an hour, we think that these are jobs that are needed in this area,” he said.

The Alabama cities include Birmingham, Jasper, Bessemer and Midfield, which recently had its re-grand opening, and Thompson is excited about the future.

“It was a great opportunity, we had a franchisee that was here in this market that basically didn’t see what I see in it,” he said. “I see the opportunity in our guest…where our stores are located, I think they’re great locations and…everybody doesn’t see the same thing….you have to see it before you see it…there’s a little bit of the Holy Spirit in there as well so I’ve been very fortunate to see it.”

Using the Game

During his 11 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (1981-1991) Thompson said “I didn’t see very many people that I knew that was having a lot of success after the game.”

“The game somewhat, from my perspective, used them versus them using the game and I was determined not to let the game use me, but I use the game,” Thompson said, setting him on a franchise journey.

He learned the business working in a metro Atlanta McDonalds during his football off season and was fortunate to save enough money during his playing days to purchase his first franchise. After retiring around in 1998, he purchased a McDonalds in Atlanta and “I been in the franchising business ever since,” said Thompson, who has since had franchise deals with Choice Hotels, Zaxby’s, as well as Denny’s.

Six months ago he signed a franchise agreement with Checker’s which has grown their brand at a very fast rate, said Thompson. “Their average volume has increased quite a bit over the last five to 10 years and their management team is outstanding at what they do. They keep it simple. They sell a real good hamburger, they sell great French fries, they sell great deserts, and great colas and they do that extremely well.”

Thompson said he and Wooten, who played for the New England Patriots from 1981-1988, plan to open as many as seven to 10 Checkers & Rally’s within the Birmingham area and grow the brand throughout the Southeast.

Changing the Environment

In addition to growing the restaurants, Thompson said he also plans to invest in schools across the area.

Checkers & Rally’s plans to partner with the Midfield School System and its athletic teams and host different activities. For instance, Thompson said they will hold a hamburger eating contest to raise money for the athletic program.

“If the football players need money to do something then we’ll be a part of that process, if the cheerleaders need money … we’ll be a part of that process, if the band needs money to be raised we’ll be a part of that process,” he said.

Thompson said he met Devon Frazier at the Midfield City Council meeting who is behind the popular book reading program, I See Me, Inc, for at-risk children.

One way he plans to help, he said, is by allowing any child who reads a book to go to Checkers & Rally’s for a free ice cream cone.

“Anything that’s going to promote growth in the area…if we can be a factor in our business and people buying food from us, and we [take] some of those proceeds and give back to organizations that can change the environment of our people, then that’s what we’ll do,” said Thompson.

Birmingham Openings

Oct. 15 — 636 Lomb Ave. SW

Nov. 5 — 1420 31st Street SW

Nov. 26 — 4030 1st Ave North

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Founders Of Black-owned Natural Skincare Line Are Fed Up With Harsh Chemical-based Products

Don't Miss

What Local Parents Teach Their Children About Racial Bias

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org