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) July 26, 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 July 26, 2004, the Registrant issued a news release entitled "CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. - Appoints Gary Lieberthal to Board of Directors -", 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: July 26, 2004 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description 99.1 Press Release, dated July 26, 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 PR 412-562-1186 kfrancis@marcusa.com Brad Cohen Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc. 203-682-8211 CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. - Appoints Gary Lieberthal to Board of Directors - TAMPA, FL., July 26, 2004 -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHKR) announced today that Gary Lieberthal has been elected to its Board of Directors. Mr. Lieberthal brings over 30 years of management experience in the media industry. "Gary has impressive experience as a leader and innovator in the entertainment industry and will add an additional independent perspective to our Board of Directors," said Terry Christensen, Chairman of Checkers Drive- In Restaurants, Inc.'s Nominating Committee. "Together, we will work to build shareholder value and pursue growth through expanded market opportunities." Though currently retired, Mr. Lieberthal served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Pictures Television from 1986 through 1992. Previously, Mr. Lieberthal was Vice President, Syndication for T.A.T. Communications Company, where he was responsible for creating the first major in-house syndication division at an independent production company. About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information about the Company, please visit www.checkers.com.