Final answer:
Checkers drive-in restaurants entered the market following the Wheel of Retailing concept, focusing on essential fast-food items and minimal service, which is typical for new entrants seeking to penetrate the competitive fast-food industry. The correct option is b) Wheel of Retailing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Checkers drive-in restaurants first entered the Wheel of Retailing, they adopted a focused approach by offering only the basics: burgers, fries, and cola, through a drive-thru window and without inside seating. This concept aligns with the Wheel of Retailing theory, which suggests that retail businesses start with a low price, low margin, and low status, gradually adding more services and amenities as they grow. Checkers' entry into the market with a limited service strategy allowed them to establish a foothold in the competitively dense fast-food industry.
The fast-food industry has seen various design and service evolutions over the years. Establishments like McDonald's, one of the earliest franchises, were instrumental in creating a standardized experience that contributed to America's culture of uniformity in consumption. Similarly, Checkers' adoption of a minimal service and product strategy reflects the industry's foundational emphasis on efficiency and the quick-service model.
As time has passed, the fast-food landscape has seen shifts in aesthetic and experience, with nostalgic imagery from the 1950s to modern-day designs that evoke a sense of quality and cleanliness, reminiscent of high-tech products like iPhones. This adaptability and continuous evolution underscore the dynamic nature of the retail strategies employed by fast-food chains, demonstrating their ability to mirror societal changes and consumer preferences.