US-based fast-casual restaurant chain Freddy's Steakburgers and Frozen Custard has announced a significant expansion in the US, with several multi-unit development agreements.
The agreements were signed with experienced Freddy's franchisees and will see the introduction of 30 new restaurants in key markets including Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
The initiative follows a record year for Freddy's, which saw the opening of its 500th location in Burleson, Texas in October 2023. The restaurant chain had opened 62 new restaurants nationwide.
Franchises that are re-investing in Freddy's include EMS Management, ERC Hospitality, Jaytoo, Meyer & Lovinger Restaurant Partners, Ram-Z and TR Hospitality.
ERC Hospitality, which currently operates 34 Freddy's locations, has committed to establishing 13 new stores in New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
EMS Management is set to develop nine new Freddy's locations across multiple counties in Idaho, Oregon and Utah.
TR Hospitality has signed an agreement to build three new Freddy's locations between Longview, Tyler and Lindale, Texas, and a second establishment in Tyler.
Ram-Z, which owns and operates nine locations in Oklahoma and Texas, including a non-traditional establishment on a university campus, has signed for five new units across Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas.
Meyer & Lovinger Restaurant Partners, which already owns two Missouri locations, is set to open another in Neosho, Missouri.
Jaytoo, with 13 operating locations and five in development in Arizona, has also committed to opening three additional Freddy's within the state.
With more than 130 locations in development for 2024, Freddy's is on track to reach 800 operating restaurants by 2026.
Freddy's Steakburgers and Frozen Custard chief development officer Andrew Thengvall said: “We have witnessed firsthand how strongly Freddy's resonates across the country, and this high level of success has continued to be a driving factor for the re-investment we are receiving from existing franchisees.
“Our operators have remained dedicated to our brand values, which has directly translated to a heightened guest experience in each community they serve. We are proud to have these groups as part of our network and couldn't be more excited to further our partnerships with them.”
