Fast-casual burger chain plans expansion in Tampa, Southeast

TAMPA — National fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is expanding in the Southeast under a new multi-unit franchise agreement, including a Tampa location.

Known for its cooked-to-order Steakburgers and freshly churned frozen custard treats, Freddy’s signed the franchise deal with RSolution Holdings, a St. Louis-based multi-unit operator, according to a statement. RSolution Holdings, the release adds, plans to develop 50 new restaurants over the next several years, focusing on Florida’s west coast through the Panhandle and some of Georgia and Alabama.

RSolution Holdings acquired three Freddy’s Florida locations last year, in Bradenton, Sarasota and Ocala. Principals at the firm, the release states, have more than 40 years of collective experience in shopping center development and have worked with numerous restaurant brands over the years in their real estate dealings. It also operates Slim Chickens restaurants in Illinois and Missouri.

“After purchasing several existing locations in Florida, we saw firsthand how well the state’s dual demographic resonated with the concept and didn’t hesitate to expand our partnership with a larger multi-unit deal,” RSolution Holdings Principal Gary Grewe says in the release. "Freddy’s shares our commitment to prioritizing our team members and guests above all else, and we’re very excited to be a part of the growth of this  terrific brand."

Co-founded by Scott Redler and Bill, Randy and Freddy Simon, Freddy’s opened its first location in Wichita, Kansas in 2002. “I was introduced to Randy Simon through our mutual involvement with the International Council of Shopping Centers,” Grewe adds in the release. “Randy’s passion for the brand coupled with the impressive proven business model motivated  our group to explore Freddy’s franchise opportunities.”

Overall, Freddy’s has continued to experience a surge in franchise development over the past several years, including a 28% year-over-year increase in new locations in the third quarter. Freddy’s has opened 29 new restaurants year-to-date in 2020, with additional locations in the pipeline slated to open before year-end, including its milestone No. 400 location. There are currently Freddy’s locations in 32 states, from California to Pennsylvania, Virginia and down the East Coast states to Florida.