Freddy's Largest Franchisee Expands Footprint

This acquisition is part of a broader growth strategy for JRI Hospitality, founded by Jason Ingermanson. Beyond its extensive Freddy's holdings, the Salina-based company also operates other restaurant concepts, including Mokas Coffee & Eatery, The Original Grande, and Chompie's. Additionally, JRI Hospitality has diversified its portfolio with the purchase of the Salina Country Club. The seller, HCI Hospitality, is a Manhattan, Kansas-based company founded by Dave Dreiling. HCI had been a significant Freddy's franchisee for over a decade, having opened its first location in Junction City, Kansas, in July 2010. The sale to JRI includes HCI's other restaurant holdings, such as JC's BBQ and Grill and Powercat Sports Grill. However, Dreiling will retain ownership of Booth Creek Wagyu. As part of the deal, HCI's CEO, Cam Blakely, will transition to JRI as the President of Operations for the JRI Freddy's division, aiming for a streamlined integration of the two companies' operations. The Freddy's brand itself has been on a significant growth trajectory. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the chain has expanded to over 580 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The company saw robust growth in 2025, opening 51 new restaurants and signing development agreements for 118 more. This franchisee-to-franchisee acquisition comes after the parent company, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, was acquired by the private equity firm Rhône in September 2025. This move was intended to drive further market expansion for the fast-casual brand, which had already grown from approximately 400 units in 2021 to over 550 by the time of the sale. Freddy's was founded by brothers Bill and Randy Simon, along with their business partner Scott Redler, and named after the Simon brothers' father, Freddy, a World War II veteran. The brand cultivates a nostalgic, post-war American diner theme and is known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers and frozen custard.