Watch out, In-N-Out; Another chain targets California consumers with its big burgers.
Although Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers includes California on its menu with its “California Style Double” burger, only a handful of its locations are located in California.
Last week, it announced plans to change that by making Northern California a focus of its expansion, adding 60 new outlets to its network this year.
The chain was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002 and is known for its burgers, fries, cheese curds, and ice cream.
Their first California location opened in 2011 in Victorville. Since then, six more stores have opened, including Norco, Glendora and San Marcos.
Freddy's has more than 580 stores nationwide.
The company said in a news release that it would focus on developing different restaurant formats in addition to standalone sites to fit different real estate spaces.
Freddy's director of development, Andrew Thengvall, said the company was looking for new franchisees in the United States and abroad.
“A strong franchise system relies on operators who see long-term opportunities within the brand,” he said. “As Freddy's continues to grow, we remain focused on supporting our franchisees through new restaurant prototypes, increased real estate flexibility and development strategies that help position the brand for sustainable growth.”
In California and elsewhere, Freddy's is trying to expand in a market where many chains are struggling to grow.
A growing group of consumers are looking for ways to save money, worried about rising prices and how artificial intelligence could affect their jobs.
To attract cautious consumers, analysts say, restaurants and retailers must have lower prices or demonstrate a distinctive brand identity that people will pay more for.
Some brands, including Carl's Jr., which started in California, have struggled in the state. One of the largest Carl's Jr. franchisees in the state has filed for bankruptcy in the wake of rising costs and competition.
