Stephanie Grant

Real estate and growth strategy director with 10+ years in QSR development across Checkers & Rally's, KFC, and Whataburger. Leads real estate strategy for a 700+ unit portfolio and 150+ franchisees, after asset-managing 200+ corporate locations with $1.5M in lease savings and a company-wide Visual Lease implementation. 3x Best of the Best award winner (2017 – 2019).

Director II, Growth Strategy & Real Estate at Checkers & Rally's (2025-07 – Present)

Scope: 700+ units, 150+ franchisees, national real estate strategy

• Implemented Sitewise sales forecasting, driving a 40% increase in Development Committee site approvals and stronger openings, with new restaurant AUVs up from $1.2M to $1.6M.
• Gained company buy-in for a non-traditional strategy delivering 3 stadium locations, 4 Walmart opportunities, and 1 airport opportunity this year, all leases signed with the airport in progress.
• Recalibrated the white space model, increasing real estate opportunities 20% and adding 25 new restaurant commitments through 2026 and 2027 Development Agreements.

Senior Real Estate Manager at Whataburger (2024-09 – 2025-07)

Scope: Florida market entry

• Led the brand's first Florida expansion in over 12 years, delivering 10 signed leases and 2 store openings through site selection and LOI negotiations.

Career Break (2023-09 – 2024-09)

Stay-at-home parent following the birth of her second child.

Senior Real Estate Manager at KFC (2022-03 – 2023-09)

Scope: national Build & Flip program

• Spearheaded the Build & Flip program, where corporate built out markets and flipped restaurants to franchisees at build cost, securing 18 approvals from leadership.

Real Estate Manager at Checkers & Rally's (2021-04 – 2022-03)

Scope: 20+ franchise groups, Southeast, Northeast & Midwest

• Managed franchise development across 20+ franchise groups, securing an average of 30 new deals per year.

Corporate Real Estate Asset Manager at Checkers & Rally's (2018-08 – 2021-04)

Scope: 200+ corporate locations

• Led portfolio strategy for 200+ corporate locations, negotiating renewals and terminations for $1.5M in savings and $1M+ in TI allowances, and implemented Visual Lease company-wide.

Real Estate Paralegal at Checkers & Rally's (2015 – 2018)

Reviewed 200 leases in first assignment

Title and Paralegal roles at Icard Merrill (2012 – 2015)

Title and Paralegal roles at Baillie & Hershman (2012 – 2015)

B.A. – Quinnipiac University