Andrew Lehr started as a cook Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers More than 20 years ago, he was perfecting the technique for the crushed-edge, thick-centered beef patties that Freddy’s fans love.

He’s still doing this. But now Lehr trains hundreds of managers and franchisees from across the country who come to Wichita to learn the ins and outs of being a “Fred Head.”

“We try to take care of guests coming in the front door and the back door,” Lehr said. “Because I eat here too and I love this food. “It’s always a good time.”

Over the past 22 years, Freddy’s has become one of Wichita’s most successful restaurant concepts to date, with 540 restaurants in 36 states and counting. The company opens 45 to 60 locations a year.

About four years ago Freddy’s opened in St. It was acquired by Thompson Street Capital Partners, a St. Louis-based private equity firm. But unlike some other domestic companies, it chose to keep its home base in Wichita.

Earlier this year, the company moved into its new 23,000-square-foot headquarters at K-96 and Webb Road. It houses 90% of the corporate workforce and includes a new National Training and Innovation Centre.

Freddy’s chief development officer Andrew Thengvall said the key to the company’s success was quite simple.

“It’s basically food,” he said. “The burger is 100% Americana (burger, fries and shake) and we serve it every day and it is excellent. So I think that won a lot of people over.

It is also the story of Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran and the restaurant’s namesake.

“American hero, hometown hero; he was an incredible man who loved to hug everyone,” Lehr said. “He built his whole life around hospitality and … he was a kind, gentle soul who always knew how to have a good time.”

Clint Herring

/

Courtesy photo

Simon died in 2020 at the age of 95. But his presence is still felt in the company’s new headquarters building, including a mural dedicated to Simon’s life story and the founding of the family restaurant.

“This mural will actually be hung in all of our restaurants across the country, so every Freddy’s guest will be able to read Freddy’s story,” Thengvall said.

The new corporate headquarters also includes the entire Freddy’s restaurant, except for some tables where franchisees train and develop new products and equipment. (Coming next year: Smoky fry sauce.)

Training took place at local Freddy’s restaurants overnight or early in the morning before customers arrived. Now new or potential franchisees can learn at reasonable hours.

The headquarters’ restaurant is not open to the public, but that didn’t stop some hungry passersby from trying to get in and order.

Sometimes they get lucky; like a Great Bend couple who stopped by recently on their way to a medical appointment. The couple saw the bright red Freddy’s logo on the side of the building and thought it was a regular restaurant.

“So we fed them and chatted a little bit,” Thengvall said. “Then they continued on their way.”

Thengvall said Freddy’s new headquarters has room to expand, which shows the company is committed to Wichita.

“We created a great space for our employees,” he said. “They are excited to be here, and we are excited to have a new home in Wichita.”

Copyright 2024 KMUW | NPR for Wichita