Restaurants News & Trends

Lexington restaurant reopens more than a year after devastating fire

Rally’s new location on Richmond Road is finally open again after a kitchen fire destroyed the Lexington location in September 2023. The burger restaurant is open seven days a week.
Rally’s new location on Richmond Road is finally open again after a kitchen fire destroyed the Lexington location in September 2023. The burger restaurant is open seven days a week.

A popular Lexington fast-food destination is finally open after being closed for more than a year.

Rally’s fast-food burger location at 2975 Richmond Road, near Kroger, reopened March 26. It had been closed after a devastating fire in September 2023.

The iconic double drive-thru chain restaurant is known for burgers, hot dogs, spicy fries and shakes. The Richmond Road restaurant is located in a prime, visible spot near the Man o’War intersection.

The rebuilt location, which was boarded up until August 2024 after the fire that damaged the kitchen and back of the building, is owned and operated by The Falcons Group in Atlanta, which has owned the franchise since 2021. There were no injuries from the fire.

Rally’s new location on Richmond Road is finally open again after a kitchen fire destroyed the Lexington location in September 2023. The burger restaurant is open seven days a week.
Rally’s new location on Richmond Road is finally open again after a kitchen fire destroyed the Lexington location in September 2023. The burger restaurant is open seven days a week. Rob Bolson
A kitchen fire in September 2023 left behind extensive damage at the Rally’s on Richmond Road in Lexington, Ky.
A kitchen fire in September 2023 left behind extensive damage at the Rally’s on Richmond Road in Lexington, Ky. Chris Leach A kitchen fire left behind extensive damage at the Rally's on Richmond Road in Lexington, Ky.
Rally’s at 2975 Richmond Road in Lexington started rebuilding in Aug. 2024 after it was destroyed by a fire.
Rally’s at 2975 Richmond Road in Lexington started rebuilding in Aug. 2024 after it was destroyed by a fire. mmueller@herald-leader.com

“We are thrilled to bring our bold flavors and exceptional value to Lexington, welcoming back loyal guests and introducing Checkers and Rally’s to new faces,” The Falcons Group CEO Shamsu Charania said in a press release. “Our mission extends beyond serving great food — we’re dedicated to creating job opportunities, supporting career growth, and becoming a meaningful part of the Lexington community. We look forward to providing a place where guests can gather, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories.”

Rally’s, Checkers burger restaurant history

According to a press release, Rally’s and Checkers merged in 1999 to form one burger concept. They operate each restaurant on less than half of an acre, which is half the size of competing drive-thru concepts.

A highlight of the menu is what they call its Famous Seasoned Fries, which can also be purchased in grocery stores.

Rally’s was founded in Louisville but after the merger the private companies are headquartered in Tampa and have more than 700 locations, mainly in the midwest, south and eastern United States.

Rally’s

Where: 2975 Richmond Road

Hours: 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Thur.; 10 a.m.-3 a.m. Fri.-Sat.

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This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 1:32 PM.

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Brian Simms
Lexington Herald-Leader
Brian Simms has been with the Herald-Leader for 20-plus years, most recently reporting and editing coverage of restaurants, bars, food and bourbon. He is also a photographer and manages the newspapers photo archive that dates back to the late 1930s. Support my work with a digital subscription
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