UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 3 INITIAL STATEMENT OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES 1. Name and Address of Reporting Person CHARLES R. TOPE 3892 BEACON STREET MARIETTA, GA 30062 U.S.A. 2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. (CHKR) 3. IRS or Social Security Number of Reporting Person (Voluntary) 4. Statement for Month/Year APRIL 2002 5. If Amendment, Date of Original (Month/Year) 6. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer (Check all applicable) ( ) Director ( ) 10% Owner ( ) Officer (Give Title Below) ( X ) Other (Specify Below) DIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE SALES AND DEVELOPMENT 7. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable) (X ) Form filed by One Reporting Person ( ) Form filed by More than One Reporting Person SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANTS, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000879554 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812] IRS NUMBER: 581654960 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-19649 BUSINESS/MAILING ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4300 WEST CYPRESS STREET, SUITE 600 CITY: TAMPA STATE: FL ZIP: 33607 BUSINESS PHONE: 8132837000 Table I Non-Derivative Securities Beneficially Owned Title of Non-Derivative Security Amount Beneficially Owned at End of the Month Ownership Direct or Indirect Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership Table II Derivative Securities Beneficially Owned (e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities) Title of Derivative Security Date Exercisable Expiration Date Title Number of Shares Conversion or Exercise Price of Derivative Security Ownership Direct or Indirect Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership Explanation of Responses: ______________________________________________ ______________ Signature of Reporting Person Date