FORM 8-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 12, 2004 CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) DELAWARE 0-19649 58-1654960 (State or other (Commission (IRS Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.) 4300 WEST CYPRESS STREET, SUITE 600, TAMPA FLORIDA 33607 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (813) 283-7000 Former name or former address (if changed since last report) NOT APPLICABLE Item 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. On August 12, 2004, the Registrant issued a news release entitled "Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inks another Sponsorship - Rally's now Official Burger of the Indianapolis Colts(R)", a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. By:_________________________________ Name: Keith E. Sirois Title: Director, CEO and President Dated: August 12, 2004 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release, dated August 12, 2004 Exhibit 99.1 CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. 4300 West Cypress Street, Suite 600, Tampa, Florida 33607 * (813) 283-7000 * (813) 283-7001 CONTACT: Kim Francis MARC Public Relations 412-562-1186 kfrancis@marcusa.com Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inks another Sponsorship - Rally's now Official Burger of the Indianapolis Colts(R) TAMPA, FL - August 12, 2004 - Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHKR), the nation's largest double drive-thru chain, today announced a multi-year Official Burger sponsorship of the Indianapolis Colts(R) NFL(R) team. "Checkers Drive-In Restaurants is proud to announce our partnership with the Indianapolis Colts and Rally's," said Keith E. Sirois, President and Chief Executive Officer, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "We have strategically partnered with the Colts because of our substantial and continued re-investment in developing the Indianapolis market." The Company has already re-imaged 13 Rally's locations throughout Indianapolis and recently opened a new location. By the end of the year, approximately 20 re-imaging projects should be complete with additional new stores either opened or under construction. The investment in the market will exceed $4 million, and is expected to create nearly 350 new jobs in the area. "The Indianapolis market is a showcase of our brand's greatest strengths, and represents business initiatives that are taking place in our Company and Franchised markets throughout the country," added Sirois. "From new stores and remodels to exciting sports and community activation programs, Checkers/Rally's is an energized brand with great business results and real momentum for the future." The Official Burger sponsorship is a multi-year agreement. As the Official Burger of the Colts, Rally's will be featured on a variety of radio and television broadcasts, be visible on signage and special video features throughout the RCA Dome, and advertise in the "Scout," which is distributed free to fans as they enter the stadium. "Our sports marketing initiatives help us deliver excitement and great brand awareness to all of our key stakeholders, from customers and employees, to franchisees and investors," said Richard S. Turer, Vice President of Marketing at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "While supporting our stores locally in Indianapolis, our sponsorship of the Indianapolis Colts, the Indy 500(R) and NASCAR's(R) Brickyard 400(R) helps to deliver our successful brand image to our customers in markets throughout the Midwest and beyond." A special Colts Combo, which includes a Bacon Swiss Double Cheeseburger, large fries, and a large Coke(R) in a Colts collectible cup, will be available starting next week at participating Rally's locations. To support the sponsorship, Rally's will air a customized Colts version of its award-winning "You Gotta Eat(SM)" campaign throughout the season. "We are very pleased that Rally's is joining our team," said Bob Terpening, Executive Vice President of the Indianapolis Colts. "This is a great opportunity for the Colts to be fully engaged with our fans throughout the community at Rally's restaurants, and the sponsorship will give our fans new ways to get excited about the team." Rally's will be the title sponsor of the Colts first regular season home opener game against the Green Bay Packers(R) on September 26, 2004, and will give away a Rally's/Colts collectible cup to the first 60,000 fans to enter the stadium. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. continues to have much success with NFL team sponsorships and sports marketing in general. Its current affiliations include the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins(R), the Louisville Cardinals(R), the Tampa Bay Devil Rays(R), the Indianapolis 500(R) and the Brickyard 400(R). Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (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. 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. These forward-looking and Safe Harbor statements reflect management's expectations based upon currently available information and data; however, actual results are subject to future events and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to materially differ from those projected in these statements. Further information regarding factors that could affect the company's financial and other results is included in the company's Forms 10Q and 10K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.