Who Owns Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers?
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is owned by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc., a privately held American restaurant company founded in 2002. The company operates as an independent private entity managing a franchise restaurant chain. Freddy's is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA.
Parent Company
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
Founded
2002
Status
Private
Headquarters
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Who Owns Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers?
- Parent Company: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
- Ownership Type: Private company
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers | Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc. | Private company |
History of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Founded: 2002
- Founders: Fred Schimpf
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was founded in 2002 by Fred Schimpf in Wichita, Kansas. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for premium casual dining solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the fast-casual category for generations. The original concept focused on premium frozen custard, steakburgers made with fresh beef, and hot dogs. The restaurant quickly gained popularity in the Midwest for its quality offerings and unique menu combination. This strategic positioning demonstrated Freddy's exceptional ability to create differentiated dining solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Freddy's expanded beyond its original Kansas location, establishing a franchise system. This period of excellence demonstrated Freddy's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple dining segments. The company grew steadily through franchise partnerships while maintaining quality standards across locations. Freddy's maintained its focus on fresh ingredients and premium frozen custard as key differentiators. This strategic diversification demonstrated Freddy's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the quick-service restaurant industry.
In recent years, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has experienced significant expansion, becoming a major casual dining chain in the United States. This continued evolution demonstrated Freddy's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing dining requirements and consumer preferences. The company has maintained its commitment to quality ingredients and has expanded its menu offerings while preserving its core concept. This continued excellence demonstrates Freddy's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing dining dynamics and regulatory requirements. Freddy's continues to grow through franchise expansion across multiple states. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of casual dining and consumer-focused restaurant solutions.
About Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
Who owns Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers?
Freddy's is privately held. Thompson Street Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in 2021, partnering with the founding Schimpf and Simon families. The company is not publicly traded.
Who founded Freddy's?
Freddy's was founded in 2002 by Scott Schimpf, Bill Simon, and Randy Simon in Wichita, Kansas. The restaurant was named after Scott Schimpf's father, Fred Schimpf, a World War II veteran.
How many Freddy's locations are there?
Freddy's operates more than 400 locations across the United States, with the majority operated by franchisees.
What makes Freddy's different from other burger chains?
Freddy's differentiates itself through its frozen custard (a richer, denser version of ice cream), its steakburgers made with fresh, never-frozen beef, and its nostalgic Americana brand identity. The combination of premium frozen custard and steakburgers in a fast-casual setting is relatively unique in the restaurant industry.
Is Freddy's publicly traded?
No, Freddy's is privately held by Thompson Street Capital Partners and the founding families. The company is not publicly traded.
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
Where Is Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Established brand with strong growth trajectory
- +Unique menu concept combining frozen custard and steakburgers
- +Emphasis on fresh ingredients differentiating from competitors
- +Strong franchise model supporting rapid expansion
- +Premium product quality creating brand loyalty
- +Growing presence in casual dining market
Considerations
- -Intense competition in casual dining and fast-casual segments
- -Dependence on franchise partner quality and execution
- -Commodity price volatility affecting ingredient costs
- -Operational complexity managing franchise locations
- -Dependence on discretionary consumer spending
- -Market saturation in some regions
Frequently Asked Questions About Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Competitors to Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Taco Inc | USA | 1964 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Jersey Mikes Franchise Systems | USA | 1956 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Panda Restaurant Group | USA | 1983 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Del Taco
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Jersey Mike's
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Panda Express
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American fast-casual Chinese-American restaurant chain offering wok-prepared dishes and Asian-inspired cuisine.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers competes with 3 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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