Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® has officially reached 600 restaurants, marking a major milestone for the better burger franchise brand and its continued expansion across the country.
Restaurant No. 600 opened in Beaufort, South Carolina, but there’s more behind the milestone than another pin on the map. Freddy’s is entering new markets, signing new development agreements and creating more ways to develop as it builds its presence in the competitive better burger franchise segment.
From Wichita to 600 Freddy’s Restaurants
Freddy’s opened its first restaurant in Wichita in 2002. More than two decades later, the brand has reached communities across the country without straying from the food and hospitality that first put Freddy’s on the map.
The Beaufort opening is the latest chapter in that story, and it also gives a glimpse at what’s next for the Freddy’s better burger franchise system.
The 600th restaurant debuts a new endcap prototype as Freddy’s puts a greater focus on endcap and in-line development alongside its traditional standalone restaurants. The expanded lineup gives franchisees more options when looking at real estate and allows Freddy’s to consider trade areas where a traditional freestanding restaurant may not be the right fit.
More development options also mean more ways to pursue Freddy’s franchise opportunities in markets across the country.
Standing Out in the Better Burger Franchise Segment
There’s no shortage of competition in the burger category, which makes reaching 600 restaurants an especially exciting milestone for Freddy’s.
The brand has built a distinct place in the better burger franchise segment by pairing cooked-to-order steakburgers with freshly churned frozen custard and genuine hospitality. It’s an experience that goes beyond another quick burger stop.
The menu also gives guests plenty of reasons to come back. Lunch and dinner can mean steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs and shoestring fries, while frozen custard creates another occasion for an afternoon treat, dessert or evening visit. That mix has helped Freddy’s grow while maintaining the experience guests expect from the brand.
As demand in the category continues to grow, Freddy’s combination of an established national footprint, recognizable menu and continued expansion gives the brand a strong story within today’s burger franchise opportunities.
Where Is Freddy’s Expanding Next?
Reaching 600 restaurants doesn’t mean Freddy’s is running out of places to grow. There is still significant whitespace across the U.S., and there’s plenty more development already underway.
Recent deals are adding to that momentum across several regions. Freddy’s signed an eight-unit development agreement in Arkansas and Texas, followed by a 10-unit agreement with experienced multi-brand operator ELJ Investments in Georgia and South Carolina. In the Mountain West, a three-unit agreement will bring new Freddy’s restaurants to eastern Wyoming. Existing franchisees are growing, too, with Freddy’s largest franchisee, JRI Hospitality, expanding its portfolio to more than 130 Freddy’s restaurants across 18 states after acquiring 43 additional locations earlier this year.
Freddy’s growth is also extending internationally. The brand recently announced its first development agreement in Southeast Asia, bringing five planned restaurants to the Philippines and marking another step in its global expansion.
600 Restaurants, With More Ahead
From one Wichita restaurant to 600 locations nationwide, Freddy’s has come a long way. The next phase of growth is already taking shape.
Interested in bringing Freddy’s to your market? Explore available Freddy’s franchise opportunities and fill out an inquiry form to connect with our franchise development team.