Fosters Freeze is a classic American fast-food franchise known for its soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes, burgers, and other quick-service favorites. The brand was founded in 1946 by George Foster in Inglewood, California, where the first location opened and continues to operate today.

From the start, the concept blended soft-serve treats with a simple, nostalgic menu that captured the feel of post-war American drive-ins.

The company is headquartered in Pomona, California, and has remained closely tied to its California heritage. Fosters Freeze began franchising in 1946 as customer demand grew and new operators joined the system. The franchise expanded steadily across California, becoming known as a “California original” in the soft-serve and burger category.

Over the years, Fosters Freeze broadened its offerings far beyond soft-serve cones, introducing burgers, fries, sandwiches, shakes, malts, and other comfort-food staples.

Training

Fosters Freeze provides a comprehensive training program to prepare franchisees and their management staff for successfully operating a restaurant:

1. Initial Training: The franchise offers initial training at no cost for up to two attendees—typically the Operating Principal and Designated Manager. This training includes classroom and on-the-job sessions covering management, food handling, cost control, product preparation, and compliance with Cal-OSHA requirements.
2. Opening Assistance: Up to seven days of on-site support is provided around the time of restaurant opening. Depending on the restaurant type (Stand-Alone, Confections, or Co-Located), the number of trainers and level of support varies to ensure a successful launch.
3. Remedial Training: If operational deficiencies are observed, franchisees and their staff may be required to attend mandatory remedial training. This training targets specific compliance and performance issues and must be paid for by the franchisee.
4. Additional Training: Upon request, Fosters Freeze may offer optional training sessions at a franchisee’s location or at the corporate offices, subject to additional fees. The franchisee covers all associated costs including travel, lodging, and per-person training fees.

Territory Protection

Fosters Freeze provides a limited form of territory protection to franchisees operating Stand-Alone Restaurants. These franchisees receive a non-exclusive "Protected Area," typically defined as a half-mile radius around their approved location. Within this Protected Area, as long as the franchisee remains in compliance with the agreement, the franchisor will not open or authorize another Stand-Alone Fosters Freeze location.

However, this protection does not apply to Co-Located or Confections Restaurants, which receive no protected territory. Even within a Protected Area, the franchisor reserves the right to open or authorize Non-Traditional, Co-Branded, or Confections Restaurants, and to distribute products through other channels like the Internet, catalogs, or wholesale outlets.