Alicia Kelso Nation's Restaurant News tells us that "Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has several growth initiatives underway, including a new grill, kitchen display system, and catering business."
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has been on quite a tear of late, registering a 14.5% increase in sales from 2022 to 2023, and a 12.9% increase in unit count. The 22-year-old better burger concept’s numbers, according to Technomic Ignite data, more than double the category average for sales and unit count growth, and it’s just getting started.
During a recent interview, COO Brian W. said the company has been working on ways to make employees’ jobs easier while also improving consistency and throughput – all with the ultimate goal of maintaining its brisk growth pace. As part of this effort, Freddy’s is adding new grill technology, which has cut cooking time by about 40% and has contributed to higher sales.
“We’re getting a hand-pressed patty, so it’s lean, crispy edges with that dome center, and we get there pretty quick – in about 90 seconds start to finish,” Wise said.
The grill is now rolled out to about 25% of the system, with full rollout expected within the next 18 months. Notably, the company began developing the grill in 2018 but didn’t start in-store implementation until last year.
“We weren’t going to move forward until we knew we had it right. For us, innovation has to hit two major areas – it has to be right for the guest and increase the value of their experience. A more consistent patty that is more timely is a big deal. Secondly, we’re embarking to de-stress the employees. The calmer our employees are, our throughput increases. Our griddle program checks both of those boxes,” Wise said.
New equipment isn’t the only effort Freddy’s is making to improve operations; there’s also new tech. The company was predominately a dine-in brand pre-2020 and now most of its sales come from off-premises channels – about 70% – whether drive-thru, mobile order or delivery. With this shift, Freddy’s has had to make some back-of-house adjustments to ensure better accuracy.
“Bagged food, you’ve got to be right. There’s no chance make it right with the guest if it's...Clickthru to read more."
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