Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers serves classic American fare, including steakburgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard desserts, offering a nostalgic dining experience with high-quality ingredients and made-to-order meals.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

514

20%

Franchise fee

$35,000

Investment

$786,000 - $2,754,000

Revenue (AUV)

$1,834,000

4.3%

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was established in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, by brothers Bill and Randy Simon, along with their friend Scott Redler. The restaurant's concept was inspired by the Simons' father, Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran, whose family values and passion for quality food shaped the foundation of the business.

Based in Wichita, Freddy's is famous for its freshly prepared steakburgers made with lean 100% ground beef, Vienna Beef hot dogs, crispy shoestring fries, and a variety of frozen custard treats crafted from freshly churned chocolate or vanilla custard.

The brand stands out due to its commitment to high-quality ingredients, a welcoming dining experience that evokes classic American diners, and a strong emphasis on community engagement.

Freddy's started franchising in 2004, just two years after its first restaurant opened, enabling swift expansion across the United States. Today, the chain boasts hundreds of locations nationwide and has ventured internationally, with its first overseas outlet debuting in Dubai in 2019.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers franchise is $786,000 - $2,754,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	In-Line (No Drive-thru)	End Cap (With Drive-thru)	Standalone (With Drive-thru)
License Fee	$35,000	$35,000	$35,000
Training Costs and Expenses	$10,000 – $40,000	$20,000 – $60,000	$20,000 – $60,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements	$270,000 – $500,000	$750,000 – $1,600,000	$950,000 – $1,800,000
Real Property Rent (1 month)	$5,667 – $12,500	$5,667 – $15,750	$5,667 – $15,750
Security Deposit	$5,667 – $12,500	$5,667 – $15,750	$5,667 – $15,750
Technology & Ordering Systems	$30,102 – $58,665	$53,764 – $99,066	$53,764 – $99,066
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures and Décor	$375,000 – $400,000	$350,000 – $500,000	$350,000 – $500,000
Signage and Lighting	$12,000 – $30,000	$15,000 – $60,000	$25,000 – $115,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$8,000 – $15,000	$8,000 – $15,000	$8,000 – $15,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies	$10,000 – $25,000	$10,000 – $25,000	$10,000 – $25,000
Insurance	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,000 – $7,000	$2,000 – $8,000
Grand Opening Advertising	$2,500 – $5,000	$2,500 – $5,000	$2,500 – $5,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$20,000 – $60,000	$20,000 – $60,000	$20,000 – $60,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$785,936 – $1,198,665	$1,277,598 – $2,497,566	$1,487,598 – $2,753,566

Type of Expenditure	In-Line (No Drive-thru)	End Cap (With Drive-thru)	Standalone (With Drive-thru)
License Fee	$35,000	$35,000	$35,000
Training Costs and Expenses	$10,000 – $40,000	$20,000 – $60,000	$20,000 – $60,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements	$270,000 – $500,000	$750,000 – $1,600,000	$950,000 – $1,800,000
Real Property Rent (1 month)	$5,667 – $12,500	$5,667 – $15,750	$5,667 – $15,750
Security Deposit	$5,667 – $12,500	$5,667 – $15,750	$5,667 – $15,750
Technology & Ordering Systems	$30,102 – $58,665	$53,764 – $99,066	$53,764 – $99,066
Equipment, Furniture, Fixtures and Décor	$375,000 – $400,000	$350,000 – $500,000	$350,000 – $500,000
Signage and Lighting	$12,000 – $30,000	$15,000 – $60,000	$25,000 – $115,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$8,000 – $15,000	$8,000 – $15,000	$8,000 – $15,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies	$10,000 – $25,000	$10,000 – $25,000	$10,000 – $25,000
Insurance	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,000 – $7,000	$2,000 – $8,000
Grand Opening Advertising	$2,500 – $5,000	$2,500 – $5,000	$2,500 – $5,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$20,000 – $60,000	$20,000 – $60,000	$20,000 – $60,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment	$785,936 – $1,198,665	$1,277,598 – $2,497,566	$1,487,598 – $2,753,566

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers had 550 total units in 2025, of which 514 were franchised-owned and 36 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise

514

New

20%

4.5% - 5%

$786,000

$2,754,000

$1,834,000

n.a.

U-Swirl

$200K - $500K

New

-20%

6.00%

$419,000

$630,000

n.a.

I Scream Gelato

$200K - $500K

New

n.a.

6.00%

$224,000

$452,000

$654,000

8.8%

Mister Softee

$200K - $500K

601

New

$3,855 per year

$264,000

$314,000

n.a.

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

$100K - $200K

New

-4%

6.00%

$110,000

$612,000

n.a.

Winchell's Donut House

Under $25K

105

New

5.00%

$3,000

$72,000

n.a.

Fosters Freeze

$100K - $200K

New

-5%

4%–8%

$178,000

$1,009,000

$1,265,000

n.a.

Training

Before opening a Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers restaurant, franchisees must complete an extensive training program. This program is designed to provide them with the skills and knowledge required to operate their restaurant effectively and maintain the brand's high standards.

The initial training program is compulsory for the franchisee or their appointed representative, the General Manager, and up to two assistant managers.

Typically held at the Freddy's Training Center or an alternative designated location, this training lasts approximately 16 weeks. It covers a wide range of topics related to restaurant operations, including administrative, operational, and managerial responsibilities.

The program includes both classroom instruction and practical, hands-on experience in a Freddy’s restaurant. Franchisees will learn about product preparation, customer service, equipment usage, and management techniques.

Territory Protection

Franchisees receive specific rights within a defined geographical region known as the "Assigned Area." In this Assigned Area, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promises not to establish or allow others to establish any new restaurants, provided the franchisee adheres to all terms and conditions within the specified timeframe.

Additionally, an "Assigned Territory" is granted, ensuring that no other franchisee or company-owned Freddy’s restaurant will be established within this territory. This Assigned Territory is typically defined by a radius around a particular location, a specific standard metropolitan statistical area, or a city.

However, franchisees are not granted an exclusive territory. They may encounter competition from other franchisees, from Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers-owned outlets, or from other distribution channels of competing brands controlled by Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers