Freddy's opens training, food innovation facility in Kansas
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has opened a new facility to train team members and develop new menu items.
The new Training & Innovation Center is located in the chain’s hometown of Wichita, and stands at 23,000-sq.-ft. The center's “cutting-edge” equipment and technology and simulated back-of-house restaurant will allow the facility to be home to virtual training sessions, on-site product testing and consumer focus groups. It will also serve as the primary location to record 200 training videos and podcasts each year for more than 17,000 Freddy's team members nationwide.
The opening of the new facility comes as Freddy’s continues to grow its footprint, with 533 open restaurants in 36 states and an additional 130 restaurants in development. The chain’s goal is to reach 800 restaurants by 2026.
"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."
[READ MORE: Freddy's to expand footprint in Houston]
In addition to the more than 100 area employees who will regularly work out of the new space, the Training & Innovation Center will also host a number of gatherings for prospective franchisees, current franchise owners and managers across the system, including 70 potential franchisee visits each year, four fly-in conferences for 130 multi-unit managers, and an annual multi-week in-person training for 120 managers.
"Not only is Wichita the birthplace of the Freddy's brand, but it was the home of our namesake Freddy Simon," Dull said. "Wichita has done so much good for Freddy's, and we're grateful for the opportunity to continue to invest in our hometown."
Founded in 2002, Freddy’s is known for cooked-to-order steakburgers, shoestring fries, freshly churned frozen custard treats and more.
