About Freddy’s | Named After WWII Veteran Freddy Simon

Inside every Freddy’s, you’ll find the passion and energy that was envisioned by three well-established entrepreneurs. Brothers Bill and Randy Simon, alongside Scott Redler, wanted to bring a different kind of restaurant to Wichita – one that was reminiscent of the late 1940s and early 1950s and stood for something different than most fast-casual concepts.

They turned to their own childhood memories for inspiration. The brothers recalled the delicious steakburgers their dad made and how he was such an inspiration to them throughout their lives. Freddy was a Purple Heart recipient and World War II veteran, so it only made sense that Freddy’s values and patriotic service provide the foundation of the new endeavor.

So, they got to work, piecing together all the right ingredients – steakburgers, shoestring fries, and frozen custard – testing and tasting until each detail was perfect. In 2002, they opened the doors to the very first Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. Originally intending this would be the only Freddy’s, the trio was surprised and humbled by the reception Freddy’s garnered.

Two short years later, the first franchise location opened, and before you knew it, it grew to more than 440 franchised locations and over 30 company-operated restaurants spanning more than 34 states nationwide. Sadly, even though expansions continued, the Freddy’s family lost Bill Simon to cancer, and in 2020, Freddy passed at the age of 95.

In 2021, Freddy’s was acquired by the private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP). Many in Freddy’s original leadership partnered alongside, including Randy Simon, who continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Today, Freddy’s is poised to reach 500 locations in 36 states, including Canada. With Freddy’s strong foundation, it’s only the beginning for Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.

Meet the leadership team

Chris Dull, CEO

Favorite Freddy’s meal: Double Steakburger California style with bacon, pickles and mayo, onion rings and a vanilla shake with stawberries.

Chris Dull, Operating Board Member with Freddy’s since March, has recently been announced as the CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Chris brings over 20 years of experience in working with franchise brands and brings strong leadership, strategy, and operations skills to the table. The former President and CEO of Global Franchise Group and two-time Iron Man finisher is also an active member of the International Franchise Association and has received the distinction of Certified Franchise Executive.

Hear from CEO Chris Dull on why Freddy’s is an appetizing franchise to own.

Scott Redler, Co-Founder & CXO

Favorite Freddy’s meal: Freddy’s Original Double with cheese, a side of cheese curds (dipped in hot caramel), and a vanilla concrete with peanut butter and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

“We make decisions with no incentives other than our Franchise Owners’ success—from purchasing to equipment. We want the best of the best, and we have their interests at heart.”

Growing up in St. Louis, Scott got his start in the restaurant business at age 15 catering events for groups of 2 to 6,000. Paying his way through college by managing a steakhouse, he attended the University of Missouri and earned a degree in restaurant and hotel management.

He’s managed and overseen everything from 5-star restaurants to corporate cafeterias in Wichita, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. Overall, Scott has been involved in development and operations of 21 varying concepts.

In 2002, Scott partnered with Bill and Randy Simon to launch Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Scott’s vast knowledge of restaurant ownership and operations has made him a sought-out professional in the industry. Scott sits on the Board of the National Restaurant Association, advocating for and representing restaurant industry interests with policymakers at all levels along with many other philanthropy boards.

Randy Simon, Chairman of the Board & Co-Founder

Favorite Freddy’s meal: Freddy’s Original Double, no mustard, add Freddy’s sauce and lettuce. Onion rings as a side and a vanilla double malt with hot fudge for dessert.

“Our name, what Dad stood for and the history he brought was the setting we were looking for that everyone truly loves.”

Randy graduated with an accounting degree from Wichita State University and was a CPA with Elmer Fox & Co from June 1971 until April 1975. He was Co-founder, President and CEO of Texas Pizza Corporation (TPC), a Pizza Hut franchisee which grew from 25 stores in 1984 to 42 stores when it was sold to another franchisee in 2007. TPC was one of the first Pizza Hut franchisees to begin restaurant-based delivery in 1985 under Randy’s direction.

He was also Co-founder, President and CEO of Racord Inc, a Rent A Center franchisee, from 1985 until it was sold in 1992 to the franchisor. The company built 32 stores in the Chicago market during the 7 years that Randy led the company.

Additionally, he was Co-founder, President and CEO of Original Bread Inc. (OBI), a Panera Bread franchisee. OBI was the second franchisee of Panera Bread, and they opened 34 cafés between 1994 and 2017 before the stores were sold to Flynn Restaurant Group.

In 2002, Randy founded Freddy’s along with his brother, Bill, and friend and restaurateur, Scott Redler, and the legacy began. He was the Chief Financial Officer for Freddy’s until October 2017, when he was named President and CEO. After serving as CEO for four years, he moved into his position as Chairman of the Board in May 2021.

Randy has served on the Via Christi Health Philanthropy Board and currently serves on the Via Christi Ascension Foundation Board.

Freddy Simon, Co-Founder & namesake

Favorite Freddy’s meal: The Patty Melt with fries and regular Fry Sauce. Chocolate custard with hot fudge and pecans for dessert.

Freddy grew up on a farm near Colwich, Kansas, and signed up for the infantry in the U.S. Army at the first opportunity. After years of fighting in places around the Pacific Rim during World War II, Freddy earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his service and returned home safely.

Following World War II, he worked hard for 56 years while raising his family. Freddy participated in Veterans groups and World War II memorial events across the United States before his passing in 2020. Freddy believed he was “the luckiest man in the world.”

Bill Simon, Co-Founder

Bill credited much of his professional success to his father, Freddy, who encouraged him at an early age to pursue his entrepreneurial interests by mowing yards and gardening, and manufacturing and selling landscaping fixtures. Bill touched many lives throughout his business and professional career. After receiving an accounting degree from Kansas State University, he returned to Wichita and worked for a national CPA firm. Not long after, Bill’s love of the restaurant industry was ignited while working as Vice-President of Finance for a Pizza Hut franchisee. Following that success, he rose quickly through the ranks of a Rent-A-Center franchise group and was a partner when their 120 stores sold to the franchisor. Following this success, Bill redirected his focus and agreed to an interim president position at the helm of Wichita’s innovative Center Industries—a branch of the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF). Bill continued his support of CPRF as a board member for the organization and he also served on the Advisory Board of the Wichita State University Center for Entrepreneurship and generously gave his time and resources to many charitable organizations. In 1997, Bill opened Timberline Steakhouse with Scott Redler.

In 2002, Bill founded Freddy’s along with his brother, Randy, and friend and restauranteur, Scott Redler. Bill was instrumental in creating the culture within our Freddy’s family and growing the concept from a single 2,400 square foot restaurant to a nationwide chain. He led the company through unparalleled growth with a steady vision and encouraged everyone he encountered to maximize their potential.

Bill died in December 2016. In November 2018, the Bill Simon Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established to assist restaurant Team Members who plan to pursue post-secondary education in college and vocational programs.

How the Freddy’s legacy began

We do it the right way.

2002 to now, we’re still growing strong. America craves Freddy’s.

Meet the leadership team

Own the franchise America craves. Take the first step today.