One of the fastest growing franchises in the U.S. wouldn’t be where it is today without its humble beginnings in Kansas. Founded in 2002, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers originally opened its doors as a family-owned burger joint based in Wichita, with many of the menu’s classics based off meals co-founder and World War II veteran Fredrick “Freddy” L. Simon served his family. 

The restaurant’s “All-American” style and post-war atmosphere attracted a large fan base instantaneously, so much so that the company was able to open it’s first franchise in Hutchinson in 2004. Some 22 years later, Freddy’s is one of America’s leading fast-food chains, with hundreds of locations across 36 states. In October 2023, Freddy’s celebrated the grand opening of its 500th location.

“Reaching 500 locations was made possible first and foremost through the commitment of our passionate franchise partners, which we believe are the best group of franchisees in the country,” said Freddy’s President and CEO Chris Dull. “Over the years we have had thousands of devoted team members that have contributed greatly to Freddy’s success, and we have enjoyed the support of our valued guests who have become part of the Freddy’s family.”

This milestone is soon to be surpassed, as the franchise anticipates adding more than 60 new locations across the country, as well as over 70 additional development commitments that are currently in the pipeline. With this widespread growth, Freddy’s aims to reach its goal of operating 800 sites by 2026. And its hometown headquarters is set to play a major role in making sure this massive expansion runs smoothly. 

In August, the company announced that it was establishing a 23,000-sq.-ft. national training and innovation center for all Freddy’s restaurants throughout the United States and Canada. Located at the Cypress Business Center in northeast Wichita, this new facility will be the company’s first offsite training facility.

In the announcement, Dull stated that the site will feature “cutting-edge equipment and technology, dedicated classrooms and collaboration spaces with a simulated Freddy’s restaurant for expanded innovation capabilities and hands-on training.”

Alongside this exciting news, the company also revealed that it was expanding its executive offices in Fort Worth, Texas, but has no plans for its headquarters to leave Kansas. 

“When looking at the culture of Freddy’s, so much of what makes Freddy’s special, and the brand that it is, has to do with Wichita,” Dull told Wichita Business Journal. “And so, as we thought about where we wanted to put our training and innovation center, it was an easy decision for us to decide to stay, because it’s really what makes us special and unique.”

“Without the city of Wichita behind it in its early days, we don’t think we would have the brand that we have, so we’re excited to continue supporting the Wichita market,” he added.