Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers to open 10 locations in Spartanburg, Greenville (2024)

A popular American fast-casual restaurant chain is expanding in the Upstate.

Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers announced Aug. 27 a multi-unit development agreement to bring 10 locations to Greenville and Spartanburg counties.

The first property is expected to be bought by the end of the year and the initial restaurant is set to open in 2025. It’s the goal for all 10 locations to be operational by 2031.

Brett Rickert, a franchise operator who will help the expansion effort, told The Post and Courier in an email thatrecent growthmadethe two counties attractive and called them a “perfect fit.”

“Greenville and Spartanburg counties are rapidly growing communities and house great opportunities to place ourselves in areas near a wide variety of retail businesses and restaurants with a steady flow of traffic,” Rickert said.

Rickert, who lives in Upstate, said he’s excited to see more Freddy’s locations open in the area. The franchise has a restaurant in Easley.

“It’s always fun when we get to announce we’re coming to a new area and reach new guests who haven’t tried our concept before,” Rickert said.

The chain offers cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and more, including its signature freshly churned frozen custard treats.

With the company GVL Hospitality Group, Rickert and business partner Brian Stevens will help lead the Upstate expansion. Rickert will serve as the operating partner to help with training and management while Stevens will help with site selection and construction aspects.

Both are franchise owners of Freddy’s locations in the state and are experienced in the restaurant industry.

NFL offensive lineman Ben Powers is also helping. The guard for the Denver Broncos is from Wichita, Kan., where Freddy’s is headquartered.

“Having Brett and Brian running things while I'm playing is reassuring,” Powers said in a press release. “They're great mentors for me and I trust them wholeheartedly as we grow the Freddy's franchise in South Carolina.”

Only one of the planned locations will open in 2025, Rickert said. The chain already operates11 restaurantsacross South Carolina, with most in the Midlands.

Freddy’s has expanded throughout the Palmetto State in recent years, the first eatery in the Charleston area opened in 2021 and more are on the way. New locations also sprouted up in Myrtle Beach and North Augusta in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Founded in 2002 in Wichita by brothers Bill and Randy Simon with their business partner, Scott Redler, they named the franchise after the Simons’ father. The chain now runs over 530 locations across 36 states in the nation. More than 130 new locations are planned to open this year and in 2025.

With expansion as the focus, Rickert said a consistent restaurant experience will remain one of the top priorities.

“Whether you’re visiting a Freddy’s in your neighborhood or in another part of the area, we want to serve our guests their menu favorites prepared and presented with the same great taste every time,” he said.