JRI Hospitality Buys 43 Freddy's

This acquisition solidifies a long-standing relationship between two Kansas-based hospitality groups. HCI Hospitality, the seller, opened its first Freddy's in Junction City, Kansas, on July 14, 2010. Over the years, HCI expanded the Freddy's brand into states like Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and the Carolinas. The buyer, JRI Hospitality, was founded in Salina, Kansas, in 2011 by Jason Ingermanson. Beyond its large Freddy's portfolio, JRI also operates other restaurant concepts, including Mokas Cafe, The Original Grande, and Chompie's Restaurants. Ingermanson, a Salina native, has also expanded his business interests to include the historic Salina Country Club. This deal is part of a larger trend of rapid growth for the Freddy's brand. In 2025 alone, the company opened 51 new restaurants and signed development agreements for 118 more across the U.S. and Canada. The fast-casual chain now boasts over 550 locations and generates more than $1 billion in system-wide sales. The expansion isn't just happening on the franchisee side. In September 2025, the parent company of Freddy's was acquired by the global private equity firm Rhône from Thompson Street Capital Partners. This move is expected to fuel further domestic and international growth for the brand. The leadership at JRI Hospitality includes seasoned veterans of the restaurant industry. In 2021, Mark Scholler, a former Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Freddy's parent company, joined JRI as its Chief Development Officer. This deep-seated brand experience is a key component of JRI's expansion strategy. While the specific 43 locations in this deal have not been fully disclosed, they are situated in the Midwest, South, and Southeast. This acquisition further cements JRI Hospitality's status as a dominant force within the Freddy's franchise system.