Multi-unit restaurant franchise operators would agree that any new concept should earn its place in an existing portfolio.
When evaluating a multi-unit restaurant franchise, operators should consider whether the concept has a replicable operating model, infrastructure that supports continued development, flexibility in real estate and room to grow in attractive markets.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers brings several of those pieces together:
- More than 580 restaurants across North America
- A $2,606,743 AUV for the top 25% of company-operated and franchised restaurants*
- Nearly one-third of existing franchise owners purchasing additional territories
- Multiple development formats, including inline, end-cap, standalone and non-traditional locations
- Support spanning real estate, construction, training, marketing and operations
Why Multi-Unit Restaurant Franchise Operators Look Beyond Brand Recognition
Adding a concept means bringing another operating system into an existing organization. Staffing, training, real estate, supply chain, marketing and day-to-day execution all have to work across multiple restaurants without adding unnecessary complexity.
That makes operational consistency especially important when evaluating burger franchise opportunities.
Freddy’s has spent more than two decades building around that principle. The menu centers on cooked-to-order steakburgers, freshly churned frozen custard and other familiar favorites, supported by an operating model built for consistency across locations and multiple dayparts.
The result is a better burger franchise with a differentiated consumer experience and an operating model designed to support growth beyond a single restaurant.
What Makes a Multi-Unit Restaurant Franchise Scalable?
Multi-unit growth depends on having a model that can be repeated without sacrificing the guest experience or operational standards that made the first restaurant successful.
Freddy’s supports franchise owners across site selection, facility planning, restaurant layout, equipment, training, operations and marketing. Managers complete a comprehensive training program, and franchisees continue to receive operational support after opening.
Real estate flexibility adds another layer to that model. Freddy’s currently offers inline restaurants without drive-thrus, end-cap restaurants with drive-thrus, standalone drive-thru restaurants and non-traditional footprints.
Those options allow franchisees to evaluate opportunities based on the needs of individual trade areas instead of relying on one development format everywhere they grow. That flexibility can be particularly useful to multi-unit operators building out several locations across a market.
Existing Freddy’s Franchise Owners Are Choosing to Grow
One of the strongest indicators of confidence in a franchise system comes from the people already operating within it.
Almost one-third of existing Freddy’s franchise owners have purchased additional territories.
Those franchisees already know the business. They’ve worked within the operating model, used the support systems and seen the economics firsthand. Their decision to take on additional development speaks to the role Freddy’s can play in a longer-term growth strategy.
The Freddy’s franchise also has a significant development pipeline, with continued expansion across available U.S. markets alongside international and non-traditional growth.
As the system expands, franchisees have opportunities to develop the brand across markets rather than approaching it as a one-unit investment.
The Numbers Behind the Freddy’s Franchise Opportunity
Franchsiees know a compelling brand still needs strong numbers behind it.
Freddy’s reported an AUV of $2,606,743 for the top 25% of company-operated and franchised restaurants that operated for the entire 2025 fiscal year. Of the 512 eligible restaurants, 128 were included in the top 25% group, and 42% of those restaurants met or exceeded that average.*
Freddy’s also competes within the $63.3 billion U.S. better burger franchise market, giving franchisees access to a large, established restaurant category.
Combined with the brand’s continued development and existing franchisee expansion, those figures give experienced operators meaningful data to consider as they evaluate burger franchise opportunities and their next restaurant franchise investment.
Finding the Right Fast-Casual Burger Franchise for Your Portfolio
A new brand should complement the infrastructure an experienced operator has already built, while creating a clear path for additional growth.
Operators considering a fast-casual burger franchise can explore Freddy’s available territories and connect with the franchise development team to learn more about the opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should operators look for in a multi-unit restaurant franchise?
Experienced operators should evaluate consumer demand, unit economics, operational complexity, real estate flexibility, available territories, training and the infrastructure available to support continued development.
Does Freddy’s offer burger franchise opportunities for multi-unit operators?
Yes. Freddy’s works with restaurant operators interested in multi-unit development, and nearly one-third of existing Freddy’s franchise owners have purchased additional territories.
What development formats does Freddy’s offer?
Freddy’s offers inline restaurants without drive-thrus, end-cap restaurants with drive-thrus, standalone drive-thru restaurants and non-traditional footprint opportunities.
What support does Freddy’s provide franchisees?
Freddy’s provides support across real estate and site selection, construction, restaurant design, training, operations, marketing and ongoing field support.
How much does it cost to open a Freddy’s franchise?
Freddy’s currently lists estimated initial investments ranging from $785,936 to $2,753,566 depending on restaurant format. Financial qualifications and investment ranges vary based on the development opportunity.