Englewood Checkers Demolished to Make Way for Arby's

The former fast-food restaurant sat vacant for years after hurricane damage.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting the remains of a demolished fast-food restaurant, with warm pools of light creating a nostalgic and melancholy atmosphere.The demolition of Englewood's long-abandoned Checkers restaurant clears the way for new development and economic opportunity in the community.Englewood Today

The long-abandoned Checkers fast-food restaurant in Englewood, Florida has been demolished this week, clearing the way for a new Arby's location to be built on the site. The Checkers had fallen into disrepair after sustaining damage from multiple hurricanes and sitting vacant for several years.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of the Checkers site represents a shift in the local Englewood economy, as an iconic fast-food brand is replaced by another national chain. This change reflects broader trends of corporate consolidation in the restaurant industry, as well as the ongoing recovery and evolution of the region after major storm damage.

The details

The former Checkers restaurant, which had operated in Englewood for decades, was heavily damaged by hurricanes in recent years and had sat abandoned since. This week, the dilapidated building was finally demolished, clearing the way for a new Arby's location to be constructed on the property.

  • The Checkers restaurant was damaged by hurricanes in recent years.
  • The abandoned Checkers building was demolished this week.

The players

Checkers

A national fast-food restaurant chain that previously operated a location in Englewood, Florida.

Arby's

A national fast-food restaurant chain that plans to open a new location on the site of the former Checkers in Englewood.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Arby's is expected to begin construction on the new restaurant location in the coming months, with an anticipated opening date sometime in 2027.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the Checkers site in Englewood signals the continued evolution of the local economy, as national chains displace long-standing local businesses. This change reflects broader industry trends, as well as the ongoing recovery efforts in the region following major hurricane damage.