Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakhouse

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers, Vienna Beef hot dogs, shoestring fries, and freshly churned frozen custard. The company was founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, by brothers Bill and Randy Simon, together with their friend Scott Redler. They named the brand after Bill and Randy’s father, Freddy Simon, who served in World War II. Freddy’s quickly built a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and retro-inspired design, and by 2011, the company had grown to 50 locations, marking its arrival as a notable player in the quick-service burger category.

As of November 2025, Freddy’s operates more than 550 restaurants across 36 states, with a particularly strong footprint in the Midwest, South, and Southwest. The brand has expanded through both company-owned and franchised units, targeting suburban and urban trade areas, especially those with high visibility and traffic. In September 2025, Freddy’s was acquired by Rhône Group, a global private equity firm, following several years of significant growth under Thompson Street Capital Partners. This recent change in ownership is expected to further accelerate Freddy’s expansion and operational investments.

Over the past five years, Freddy’s has broadened its reach and adapted its formats to suit a variety of real estate settings. The company has introduced drive-thru-only prototypes and non-traditional locations, in addition to its established freestanding restaurants and end-cap units. This flexibility has allowed Freddy’s to enter new markets and fit into diverse property types. The brand maintains a disciplined approach to site selection and market entry, supported by an experienced leadership team with deep expertise in restaurant operations and franchising.

Freddy’s continues to pursue aggressive growth, with a robust pipeline of new locations and a focus on priority markets such as Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and Colorado. Its consistent expansion, adaptable store concepts, and strong franchisee network make Freddy’s a reliable and attractive tenant for a range of commercial real estate developments.