With more than 580 locations already open across the United States, franchise brand Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is closing in on a significant network milestone. The Wichita-based QSR brand confirmed on July 7, 2026 that it remains on pace to open approximately 60 new restaurants this year, pushing the chain toward 600 total units by year-end.
Founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, Freddy’s has built its footprint almost entirely through franchising, with operators spanning a wide range of market sizes across the country. The franchise concept’s combination of flat-top smash burgers and made-to-order frozen custard has helped it carve out a distinct position in the crowded fast-casual segment. The July 7 announcement marked a mid-year checkpoint confirming that the brand’s development calendar has held steady through the first half of 2026.
Sixty New Restaurants Confirmed for 2026
In a press release distributed via PR Newswire, Freddy’s confirmed that approximately 60 new locations are projected to open before the end of the year, a pace consistent with what the brand signaled entering 2026. The announcement highlighted the role of new prototype formats, specifically endcap and in-line configurations, in expanding the types of real estate available to prospective franchise partners. These smaller-footprint options have historically allowed brands to enter non-traditional venues such as strip centers and mixed-use developments that would not accommodate a standalone building. Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer at Freddy’s, pointed to the depth of franchisee commitment as a defining factor. “A strong franchise system is built on operators who see long-term opportunity within the brand,” Thengvall notes.
Total locations Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is approaching by end of 2026, up from approximately 580 open units at the time of the July announcement. (Source: Freddy’s, July 2026)
Existing Franchisees Account for One-Third of New Openings
One of the more telling figures in the announcement is that approximately one-third of the 60 planned openings are coming from franchisees already operating within the system. That level of internal reinvestment is generally read by franchise analysts as a signal of strong unit economics, since existing operators have firsthand visibility into the brand’s profitability before committing to additional locations. Freddy’s has increasingly structured its development outreach around multi-unit agreements, targeting operators capable of developing several locations within a defined territory over a set period. This model tends to concentrate growth among a smaller pool of experienced franchisees rather than relying heavily on first-time investors.
A 600-Unit Milestone in a Competitive Burger Market
Crossing the 600-location threshold would place Freddy’s in a distinct tier within the fast-casual burger segment, alongside brands that have historically attracted sustained franchisee demand over multiple growth cycles. The milestone carries operational significance as well: larger networks typically benefit from greater purchasing power with suppliers and increased brand recognition in markets where the chain already operates. The broader burger fast-casual category has experienced uneven performance in 2025 and into 2026, with some brands pulling back on development while others have reported franchisee pipelines at multi-year highs. Freddy’s has not publicly disclosed projections beyond 2026, but the introduction of new prototype formats and a continued emphasis on multi-unit development suggest that the brand is preparing its infrastructure for sustained expansion rather than a single-year push.
Good to know
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers operates a franchise model in which prospective franchisees are required to complete a formal discovery process and review the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) before signing any agreement. Initial investment figures and royalty structures are detailed within that document.
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