Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
American privately held casual dining restaurant company operating the Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers brand, founded in 2002.
Company Type
public
Founded
2002
Headquarters
Wichita, Kansas, USA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, Freddy's is privately held by Thompson Street Capital Partners and the founding families. The company is not publicly traded.
History of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 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 who inspired the brand's retro Americana aesthetic and values.
The founders developed a concept centered on three core products: frozen custard (a richer, denser version of ice cream), steakburgers made with fresh, never-frozen beef, and hot dogs. The brand differentiated itself from other fast-food chains by emphasizing quality ingredients and a made-to-order approach.
The first Freddy's location opened in Wichita in 2002 and quickly gained a loyal following. The company began franchising in 2004, allowing the brand to expand beyond Kansas. Freddy's grew steadily through the 2000s and 2010s, expanding across the Midwest and then nationally.
By the early 2020s, Freddy's had grown to more than 400 locations across the United States, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant chains in the country. The brand's combination of premium frozen custard, quality steakburgers, and a nostalgic Americana atmosphere resonated with consumers seeking a step up from traditional fast food.
In 2021, private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Freddy's, partnering with the founding families to support continued expansion. The company has continued to grow its franchise network following the investment.
Freddy's has been recognized on multiple occasions as one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States, appearing on various industry rankings and receiving awards for franchise satisfaction.
Brands Owned by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc. owns 1 brand in our database.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Inc. Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Differentiated menu concept (frozen custard + steakburgers) with strong brand loyalty
- +One of the fastest-growing fast-casual chains in the United States
- +Thompson Street Capital Partners investment supports continued expansion
- +Nostalgic Americana brand identity resonates with consumers
- +Strong franchise satisfaction ratings
Considerations
- -Competition from Culver's (similar frozen custard and butterburger concept), Five Guys, and Shake Shack
- -Private equity ownership introduces pressure for growth and eventual exit
- -Food cost inflation affecting profitability
- -Franchise quality consistency across 400+ locations
- -Geographic concentration in the Midwest and South
Frequently Asked Questions 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.
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