WICHITA, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is starting 2026 with a stacked deck. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the fast-casual brand announced it finished 2025 with record-breaking franchise growth, signing 22 multi-unit development agreements that will add 118 new restaurants to its portfolio across the U.S. and Canada.
The chain, known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers and freshly churned custard, also opened 51 new locations during the 2025 calendar year, bringing its total footprint to 580 restaurants nationwide.
Surging Development Deals
The growth was fueled by a mix of new territory expansion and deepening roots in existing markets. Major development highlights from 2025 include:
- Ohio: A 15-unit development deal (plus the acquisition of 19 existing locations) by a veteran franchise group.
- Nashville: A 12-unit agreement to expand the brand’s presence in Music City.
- North Carolina: A 10-unit agreement targeting the state’s coastal counties.
- Northeast: A 14-unit deal signed in the summer to expand across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer at Freddy’s, noted that the summer was particularly active, with the brand surpassing the “100 new locations in development” milestone by mid-year.
“The sustained deal volume we’ve seen this year demonstrates the confidence our franchisees have in the long-term strength of our brand and franchise system,” Thengvall stated.
Operational Momentum
Beyond the real estate wins, Freddy’s is capitalizing on operational investments. The brand celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Training & Innovation Center in Wichita. Since opening, the facility has trained 160 managers and served as a testing ground for new menu items and technology initiatives.
Chris Dull, President & CEO, emphasized that this infrastructure is key to maintaining quality as the footprint grows.
“Last year’s growth underscores the collective strength of our franchise system and the momentum propelling us into 2026 and beyond,” Dull said.
What’s Next for 2026?
The momentum isn’t slowing down. Freddy’s has 7 new restaurants slated to open in the first quarter of 2026 alone. The brand also climbed to No. 79 on the Franchise Times Top 400 list, a significant jump that signals its transition from a regional player to a national powerhouse. Contact Us!
As Freddy’s continues to expand its footprint, the brand is expected to lean on limited-time menu innovation to drive traffic across its growing store base. In the coming weeks, the chain will introduce the return of its Deluxe Crispy Fish Sandwich, a seasonal offering available nationwide for a limited time. The launch will reflect Freddy’s broader strategy of pairing rapid unit growth with recurring LTOs designed to boost customer visits and maintain menu relevance throughout the year.
