Freddy's names first-ever chief information officer
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is prioritizing its technology strategy with its latest C-suite hire.
The Kansas-based quick-serve hamburger chain has appointed Todd Paladini as chief information officer, a newly-created role for the company. He is tasked with leading Freddy's enterprise technology strategy and partnering across the business to help “accelerate scalable growth and enhance the guest and franchisee experience.”
Paladini brings more than two decades of IT experience to Freddy’s. Most recently, he served as the chief technology officer at Cafe Rio Mexican Grill for more than five and a half years. He previously spent more than a decade as the VP of international IT at movie theatre chain Cinemark.
"Technology plays an increasingly critical role in supporting franchisees, strengthening operations, and delivering the fast, friendly experience guests expect from Freddy's," said Chris Dull, president and CEO of Freddy's. "Todd's deep experience leading technology for high-growth, multi-unit brands both domestically and internationally, makes him the right leader to build this new function and help us scale with intention. We're excited to welcome him to the Freddy's team."
Freddy’s says that as CIO, Paladini will work with the executive team, franchisees and private equity sponsors to ensure technology serves as a “catalyst” for scalability, process improvement and long-term value creation. He will also help align technology investments with Freddy's continued growth across North America, ensuring teams have the tools, insights and systems needed to operate efficiently.
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"I am thankful to Chris Dull and the entire executive leadership team for their trust and support as we move forward on this shared growth journey," said Paladini. "Freddy's has built a reputation for exceptional food and genuine hospitality, and I'm thrilled to be able to contribute to that unique experience for all of our ‘FredHeads’ across the United States and Canada."
Founded in 2002, Freddy’s operates more than 580 locations across 36 states nationwide. The chain is known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries, frozen custard treats and more.
In 2025, Freddy’s said that it signed 22 multi-unit development agreements to develop 118 new restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. In September, Freddy’s was acquired by investment funds affiliated with global private equity firm Rhône. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
