Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to open 60 restaurants by EOY

This year, one burger restaurant franchisor is taking a big bite out of the territory map with some help from their franchisees.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers today announced that their brand is on pace to open 60 restaurants by the end of 2026.

A large number of Freddy’s new openings can be credited to expansions with existing franchisees. As many as one third of Freddy’s franchisees are adding new territories during the brand’s push toward 600 total locations.

“A strong franchise system is built on operators who see long-term opportunity within the brand,” said Andrew Thengvall, CDO of Freddy’s. “As Freddy’s continues to grow, we remain focused on supporting our franchisees, through new restaurant prototypes, greater real estate flexibility, and development strategies that help position the brand for sustainable growth.”

As Thengvall suggests, the brand has introduced in-line and endcap format restaurants to their offerings, significantly improving real estate flexibility for new and existing franchisees alike. Initial investment for a in-line concept begins just over $850,000 compared to nearly $1.6 million for a standalone location. Those changes will make it easier to bring Freddy’s signature line of food served “The Freddy’s Way” to communities across the U.S. and world.

Founded in 2002, Freddy’s specializes in cooked-to-order burgers, all-beef hotdogs, shoestring fries, and freshly churned frozen custard treats. Brothers Bill and Randy Simon named the restaurant they founded alongside friend Scott Redler after their father, a World War II veteran with an optimistic world view and patriotic values. That name and spirit embody the brand’s dedication to hospitality, quality, and Americana.

Two years later, in 2004, the brand began franchising, opening their first franchise restaurant in Hutchinson, Kansas, roughly 50 miles from their original location in Wichita.

As they continue to expand, Freddy’s is seeking potential single- and multi-unit franchisee throughout all of North America, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The brand is specifically prioritizing growth in the Northeast, Rust Belt, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Florida, and Northern California.