How many Freddy's frozen custard locations are there?

The Phenomenal Rise of Freddy‘s Frozen Custard

Hey there custard fanatics! As a home improvement expert who knows the value of a hard day‘s work, I also appreciate kicking back with a cool, creamy Freddy’s frozen custard treat. If you’re as big a Freddy‘s fan as me, you’re probably curious just how many locations there are across the country these days.

Well friend, you’ve come to the right place! After indulging in my fair share of Freddy’s legendary steakburgers and custard concoctions, I decided to dig into the data and uncover all the stats on Freddy’s current footprint nationwide.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore topics like:

• The total number of Freddy‘s restaurants today
• Which states have the most locations
• Where you can find the newest Freddy‘s spots
• How many international outposts they have
• The origins and history behind the Freddy‘s brand
• Why the chain has expanded so rapidly
• What the requirements are to open a franchise
• What the future holds in terms of growth

So let’s dive into the custard-coated world of Freddy’s stats and facts!

Freddy’s By the Numbers

According to Freddy’s corporate website and recent franchise disclosure documents, here are some key figures on the current size and scope of the company:

• 340+ – Total number of Freddy’s locations as of October 2022
• 33 – States that Freddy’s has expanded to
• 28 – Average number of new Freddy’s openings per year since 2015
• 200% – Growth rate in total units since 2015 (102 locations then versus over 340 now)
• $1.2 million – Minimum investment for a new franchise location

To put their growth into perspective, Freddy’s had just 3 total restaurants in 2004, after being founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas.

The vast majority of locations are franchised – as of 2021, only 19 units were company-owned.

Freddy’s has nearly doubled its footprint since 2015, thanks to consistent franchise expansion of 25-40 new openings each year.

At its current pace, the brand is likely to cross over 500 total units before 2025. But they still have plenty of untapped markets to grow into.

Now let’s look at which states have been treated to the most Freddy’s custard and steakburger spots so far.

Where You Can Find the Most Freddy‘s Restaurants

Given its Kansas origins, it’s no surprise that Freddy’s home state boasts the highest concentration of locations. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 states by number of units:

State	Number of Locations
Kansas	83
Texas	34
Oklahoma	25
Florida	20
Colorado	18
Arkansas	16
Arizona	12
Georgia	9
Missouri	9
North Carolina	8

Besides the strong presence in Kansas, Oklahoma, and neighboring midwestern states, Freddy’s has successfully expanded into southern hotspots like Texas, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

However, some regions like the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and West Coast have very few Freddy’s outposts so far. As the brand continues growing, expect to see new locations popping up in states like New York, Illinois, Washington, and California.

Internationally, Freddy’s remains in early stages, with just 1 spot in Romania and 5 between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the Middle East. But global franchising represents a major opportunity down the road.

Next up, let’s check out the newest cities and states that have gotten their first taste of Freddy’s recently.

The Hottest New Freddy‘s Restaurant Openings

To keep up with demand, Freddy’s debuts dozens of new franchised units each year. Here are some of the latest openings and upcoming openings as of 2022:

• McKinney, Texas – Opened October 2022
• Roseville, California – Opened September 2022
• Lubbock, Texas – Opened August 2022
• Lexington, Kentucky – Opened July 2022
• Albany, Georgia – Opened June 2022
• Metairie, Louisiana – Opened May 2022
• Port Orange, Florida – Opened April 2022
• Salina, Kansas – Opening November 2022
• Wichita, Kansas – 2 new units opening Fall 2022

The recent openings reflect Freddy’s strategy of filling in existing strong markets like Texas, as well as expanding into brand new states like Kentucky and Louisiana.

California has been a slow market for Freddy’s to crack, but the new Roseville location could pave the way for more Golden State expansion.

Meanwhile, upcoming openings in Kansas show that Freddy’s home base still presents plenty of untapped potential.

As a home improvement expert, I’m impressed by Freddy’s disciplined approach to strategic growth. They build steadily in proven markets before taking bigger risks expanding into new terrain. It’s similar to how I expand my remodeling business – start local and master your craft before going regional.

Now speaking of mastering one‘s craft, any Freddy’s origin story would be incomplete without discussing their secret weapon – frozen custard! Let‘s explore how this delicious treat became central to the brand‘s identity and success.

How Freddy‘s Frozen Custard Propelled the Brand‘s Rise

While places like McDonald‘s and Wendy‘s relied on burgers and fries to grow, Freddy‘s has custard to thank for fuelling its rapid expansion.

So what exactly makes their frozen custard so special? Here‘s the scoop, my friend:

• Signature churning method – Freddy‘s custard machines blend the mixture at a slower rate, resulting in a denser, creamier consistency.
• Quality ingredients – Fresh milk, eggs, and cream make Freddy‘s custard richer than standard soft serve.
• Constant freezing – The custard is frozen to at least 18°F prior to serving, preventing it from melting into a puddle.
• Unique flavors – Creative options like Cookie Dough, Mango, and Snickers satisfy all custard cravings.

From the beginning, brothers and co-founders Bill and Randy Simon knew they needed a proprietary dessert to make Freddy‘s stand out. The frozen custard became their secret weapon.

Thanks to its craveable taste and texture, Freddy‘s custard has spawned a loyal fanbase who return again and again for their fix. It provides a distinct competitive edge.

The product has expanded with seasonal flavors, custard-filled Freddy‘s Freezoni treats, and of course, custard-topped Freddy‘s signature sundaes. They keep customers captive and wanting more.

For a chain aspiring to rapid growth, having a hero product like frozen custard is invaluable. It‘s the engine that has powered Freddy‘s ascent to over 300 locations and counting.

The Humble Origins of Freddy‘s in Wichita

Freddy’s was born in Wichita, Kansas in 2002, founded by Scott Redler alongside Bill and Randy Simon. The Simon brothers drew inspiration from their father Freddy, who had run a beloved local steakhouse for years.

The idea was to establish a fast casual dining spot serving high-quality food in a nostalgic 1950s-style setting. The founding team tested over 30 different seasoned salts and chose only premium Vienna beef for their hot dogs.

By 2004, there were 3 total Freddy’s locations in the Wichita area. That same year, Freddy’s opened its first franchise location, also in Wichita.

Franchising allowed Freddy’s to start expanding steadily beyond Wichita into neighboring cities and states. But the Simon brothers were selective about choosing franchisees, favoring candidates with restaurant experience, shared values, and ties to the community.

In 2008, there were 18 total units. By 2015, after a decade of franchising, the number grew to over 100. Today there are over 340 locations nationwide.

Despite the rapid growth, Freddy‘s has stayed true to its humble Midwestern roots. The brand still exudes a sense of family and community that traces back to a modest burger and custard joint in Wichita.

Next up, let‘s analyze the keys to Freddy‘s ability to scale up so quickly in less than 20 years.

How Freddy‘s Achieved Triple Digit Growth in 15 Years

Expanding from 3 stores in 2004 to over 340 today is no easy feat. So how did these Freddy‘s founders pull it off? A few factors have been essential:

• Foolproof franchising model – Freddy‘s figured out a profitable, easy-to-replicate restaurant model. This attracted franchises to invest and expand rapidly.
• Beloved menu – Classics like juicy steakburgers and Vienna hot dogs, paired with the frozen custard obsession, built a loyal customer base.
• Speed and simplicity – With a straightforward menu and fast service model, new Freddy‘s locations could hit the ground running.
• Strong unit economics – High sales volumes and efficient operations makes each Freddy‘s a lucrative business, enabling quick growth.

These factors created the perfect formula for exponential expansion. New franchisees were eager to buy into the Freddy‘s brand because of its proven results.

And communities welcomed these restaurants because they provided a delicious, affordable option for families, while investing in the local area.

Freddy‘s also benefited from its wholesome Midwestern vibe, which traveled well as the brand expanded nationally. Customers trusted the quality and service because of Freddy‘s roots.

The key now will be maintaining momentum and staying true to their identity. But the future continues to look bright for this custard empire!

Requirements for Potential Freddy‘s Franchisees

For those hoping to get a slice of the Freddy’s franchise pie, you may be wondering – what are the requirements to open one?

Here’s a quick rundown of the basics:

• Minimum $500,000 liquid assets
• Minimum $1.5 million net worth
• Commit to multi-unit development
• Foodservice management experience
• Complete training program
• Pay 5-7% royalty on sales

The total investment to open a Freddy’s ranges from $1.2 million to $2.6 million. This includes the initial franchise fee, real estate, equipment, furnishings, and more.

Franchisees need to be prepared to open multiple units to grow with the brand. Having prior restaurant experience is strongly preferred.

It’s no small feat, but for qualified applicants, the built-in support, training, and operational expertise make Freddy’s a smart investment.

My own background managing home renovation crews has taught me the importance of setting clear expectations upfront. Freddy‘s does just that for new franchisees so the path to success is clear.

Now let‘s peek into the future and see what lies ahead for America‘s beloved burger and custard chain.

The Future of Freddy‘s Frozen Custard Nationwide

As a home improvement professional, I know good things take time to build. Freddy’s has patiently built up its network over two decades. But what does the future hold for this still rapidly expanding brand?

Here are my predictions for what’s next:

• Hit 500 U.S. locations by 2025
• Expand further into Midwest, Northeast, West Coast
• Open more urban stores as they gain market sophistication
• Build up to 30 international locations, focused in Middle East, Europe, Asia
• Create more zany frozen custard flavors to retain treat-lovers
• Develop more eco-friendly and sustainable practices
• Become a $1 billion+ system within 5-7 years

I expect Freddy‘s to stick to its successful playbook while continuing steady growth. They still have many prime markets left to develop, especially overseas.

Digital innovation and sustainability will be new fronts for them to grow into. And custard innovation will always be imperative!

If they can maintain quality and their community-focused values, the sky‘s the limit for Freddy‘s. I for one will be first in line for a tastes of the future.

Well friend, that wraps up this comprehensive guide to Freddy’s current nationwide footprint! Let’s recap the key stats:

The Essentials on Freddy‘s Store Count and Locations

• 340+ total units across 33 states
• Highest concentration in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida
• Newest locations expanding in California, Kentucky, Louisiana
• 5 international restaurants in Romania, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
• Founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas by the Simon brothers
• Frozen custard propelled brand differentiation and loyalty
• 500+ forecast U.S. locations by 2025

Hopefully you now have the inside scoop on Freddy’s epic expansion over the past 20 years. We covered everything from store counts by state, to new openings, founding history, and future outlook.

So next time you’re enjoying a sliced steakburger and chocolate custard concrete, you can appreciate everything that went into building this beloved brand!