Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers plans 4 Monmouth restaurants (updated)

Listen to this article

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is continuing to expand across New Jersey.

After signing a new development deal with local businessman Peter Labib, the retro-themed quick-service chain plans to add four restaurants in Monmouth County.

Labib believes the area is a great place to grow the brand because it’s a “still-growing” region with opportunities to place locations “near a wide variety of businesses and restaurants with a steady flow of traffic.”

“We look for areas that have family-friendly atmospheres and strong community ties, as getting involved in the neighborhoods where we have locations is of great importance to our brand,” he said.

Labib told NJBIZ he expects to open his first restaurant by next summer.

In addition to being a licensed real state agent in New Jersey, Labib also operates six vending machines through HealthyYou Vending. He also has worked as a software engineer manager but decided to pursue his dream of owning a fast-casual restaurant.

When asked why he wanted to franchise with Freddy’s, Labib said the decision was driven by “the belief in their dedication to genuine hospitality and premium quality menu items.”

He added, “It feels exciting to introduce the brand to a new area and reach new guests who haven’t tried our concept before.”

A growing footprint

Founded 22 years ago in Wichita, Kan., Freddy’s is known for its signature cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and freshly churned frozen custard.

It now has over 530 restaurants in 36 states, with another 130-plus outposts in development for 2024 and 2025.

Within New Jersey, Freddy’s has launched in Linden, Burlington and Toms River over the past three years. It also expects a November opening in Cinnaminson followed by an early 2025 launch in North Brunswick.

In addition to New Jersey, Freddy’s announced development deals that will build its presence in key markets, such as Washington, Illinois, Iowa and Texas. It is also accelerating growth in Canada after signing a development agreement late last year to bring five new restaurants to Alberta.

Andrew Thengvall, the brand’s chief development officer, commented, “There’s no greater testament to the value of Freddy’s franchise opportunity and the unique dining experience we bring guests across the country than the continued investment that our existing franchisees make in the brand.”

He went on to say, “We are enthusiastic about our future expansion and the chance to introduce Freddy’s to more communities with the help of both new and seasoned franchisees.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:21 p.m. ET Sept. 18, 2024, to include more information from franchisee Peter Labib.