Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers plans aggressive expansion across North America in 2026, opening 60 new locations as the regional burger chain accelerates its growth strategy. This marks a significant scaling move for the Wichita, Kansas-based brand known for its customizable steakburgers and hand-scooped frozen custard.
The expansion reflects broader momentum in the fast-casual burger segment, where chains balance premium ingredients with quick-service convenience. Freddy's competes directly with established players like Five Guys and Shake Shack by emphasizing fresh beef patties, made-to-order preparation, and signature frozen custard flavors that rotate daily.
The 60-location push signals investor confidence in Freddy's operational model and customer appeal. The chain has steadily grown from its original 1988 Wichita location to hundreds of restaurants across the United States and select international markets. Each new opening typically requires significant real estate investment and staffing, making this scale of expansion a major undertaking.
This growth comes as consumers show continued appetite for burger restaurants that differentiate through ingredient quality and customization rather than speed alone. Freddy's menu strategy, which lets customers build personalized burgers and regularly rotates custard flavors, creates repeat visit incentives that drive loyalty metrics.
The 2026 timeline positions Freddy's for sustained presence in high-traffic markets while competition in the burger space intensifies. Regional chains increasingly compete with national giants for prime locations and customer dollars, requiring careful site selection and market analysis.
For Freddy's franchisees and new franchise partners, the expansion represents both opportunity and operational complexity. Scaling requires consistent quality control, reliable supply chains for fresh beef, and staff training across dozens of new units simultaneously.
The burger market shows no signs of cooling. With 60 new restaurants planned