Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (Freddy’s) announces the opening of its new training and innovation center in their hometown of Wichita, KS. This 23,000-square-foot facility features a simulated Freddy’s restaurant and space to host events.
The simulated restaurant will be a hub for virtual training with a plan to create 200 training videos supported by brand-related podcasts. It will also host Freddy’s annual conference and in-person training programs. The new facility is not only for existing team members and franchise partners. Prospective franchisees will be able to visit the space as they explore the Freddy’s brand, culture, and products.
Image: courtesy of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
“We’re thrilled to open the doors to our Training & Innovation Center, with a state-of-the-art design built to represent the future of the Freddy’s franchise,” said Freddy’s CEO Chris Dull. “By equipping our franchise owners and managers with the latest tools and training, we are investing in the continued success of our entire franchise system and ensuring we maintain our commitment to quality and excellence in every location.”
Consumer Focus and Menu Magic
Freddy’s is recognized for its cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hotdogs, shoestring fries, and freshly churned frozen custard. The simulated back-of-house restaurant will help continue the tradition of perfecting how those items are made. However, the new facility is also designed as a place for refinement and innovation, utilizing cutting-edge equipment and technology. Freddy’s will have on-site product testing and host consumer focus groups as they develop menu additions.
Menu Additions
Just recently, in an August 21st, 2024 press release, Freddy’s announced the introduction of its new Tots and Caramel Apple Pie Concrete. Alongside that introduction also came the return of Freddy’s Grilled Cheese Steakburger. What is a Grill Cheese Steakburger, you may ask? Freddy’s describes it best:
“The cooked-to-order Grilled Cheese Steakburger is made with two premium Freddy’s steakburger patties grilled with four slices of American and Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, and a savory tomato spread all on two buttery slices of thick-cut Texas toast.”
Image: courtesy of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
It appears their menu development strategy has a seasonal flair that will add variety for customers in addition to their traditional menu items.
CMO Laura Rueckel said, “Freddy’s new Caramel Apple Pie Concrete is a delicious addition to our custard treat lineup this season, along with the Pumpkin Pie Concrete and Pumpkin Pie Shake,” said Rueckel. “Each of these limited-time offers combines quality ingredients starting with a rich and creamy vanilla custard base that is churned fresh daily in each of our restaurants. They’re a celebration of autumn’s finest ingredients – caramel, apples, pumpkin, and cinnamon – blended into irresistible and craveable desserts.”
A New Space For New Times
Freddy’s new training and innovation center is an important mile marker on the franchise industry’s journey forward in post-pandemic times. It showcases the value that will be placed on video and podcast content beyond what is written in an operations manual. The facility enables an environment for both virtual and in-person training. It’s a multifaceted place that can transform to fit the needs of the brand. This new Freddy’s Center reiterates how vital community, training and innovation are to franchise brands.
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