MIDDLETOWN – Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the fast-growing Midwest burger and milkshake franchise, is eyeing its entry into Delaware through the equally fast-growing Middletown market.
The franchise owner of the fast-casual chain obtained a Preliminary Minor Land Development Plan approval by the town Planning & Zoning Commission last week for a plan to build a drive-thru restaurant on the eastern edge of the Kohl’s parking lot in the Westown Town Center off Middletown-Warwick Road.
The 3,013-square-foot location is in the early stage of development, but Freddy’s has a target opening date of early 2024, according to Kim Hyunh, the assistant public relations manager at Freddy’s.
“We’re always looking for locations to expand our presence, and the family-friendly atmosphere and strong community ties in Middletown felt like a perfect fit for Freddy’s. It’s always fun when we get to announce we’re coming to a new state and reach new guests who haven’t tried our concept before,” she added about their planned First State arrival.
Its menu includes steakburgers, Vienna beef hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, as well as frozen custard with a variety of specialty sundaes.
The 22-year-old brand was founded by restaurateur Scott Redler and two brothers, Bill and Randy Simon, who named the company after Freddy Simon, the brothers’ father. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, the company was sold to private equity in 2021 and has now grown to 400 locations in more than 30 states. Its closest locations are in West Chester and Brookhaven, Pa.
In Delaware, it will contend with a local chicken restaurant chain with locations in Newark and on Kirkwood Highway that is also known as Freddy’s, potentially leading to some market confusion. It will also find a market with several similar fast-casual chain already operating here, like Wayback Burgers, Five Guys and Shake Shack.