By: Chris Dull, CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Honoring our U.S. veterans is a value instilled in Americans from a young age, deepening as we forge personal connections with those who have served our country. But perhaps what’s even more rare is when an entire franchise brand is built upon the legacy of a veteran, whose values of service, family and hard work have shaped every aspect of the business. For Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (Freddy’s), these values are more than just a part of the business model; they’re the foundation of our brand.
A Legacy of Service
Freddy’s was named for Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran who served with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Rim region. A humble and self-proclaimed “regular guy,” he earned a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during service and a Bronze Star for valor. After returning home to Kansas, Freddy built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. He spent the next 56 years working tirelessly in the hospitality industry, bringing to work the same dedication and perseverance that served him well in the military.
When his sons, Bill and Randy Simon, along with their business partner Scott Redler, founded the first Freddy’s restaurant in 2002, they had their father’s vision in mind. Every decision they made, from naming the restaurant after him to embedding his core values of quality, cleanliness and genuine hospitality into the brand, was a tribute to Freddy Simon’s life and legacy. His experience from decades in the hospitality industry, along with his familial values and patriotic service to his country, is at the heart of Freddy’s and serves as the inspiration behind “The Freddy’s Way,” a training philosophy that underscores the brand’s internal culture.
In every Freddy’s location, the spirit of Freddy Simon lives on. Photos capturing moments of his time in the military and his life growing up line the walls of our restaurants. These images are more than just decoration; they serve as a constant reminder of the resilient and dedicated man behind the brand.
Supporting Veterans as Franchisees
Freddy Simon’s transition from the military to civilian life appeared to be seamless, but the reality for many veterans is that this significant change can be a challenge. Finding a new path that aligns with the unique skills and values developed during their service can be daunting. However, franchising presents a unique opportunity for veterans, offering a structured business model and an established support system that often helps them to apply their military experience in an alternate career.
The fast-casual restaurant industry, in particular, is often recognized as one of the top franchise brands for veterans due to their strong work ethic, disciplined background, and ability to lead and motivate a team. Known for its efficiency and high-quality offerings, this segment of the restaurant world requires the same attention to detail and driven attitude instilled in veterans from the moment they enlist.
As a part of our commitment to veterans and helping ease the transition to civilian life, Freddy’s offers the Freddy Simon Salute to Veterans Program initiative explicitly designed to make franchise ownership an attainable goal for veterans. This program provides a 25% reduction in the initial franchise fee for the first unit for honorably discharged veterans. By reducing this financial barrier, we aim to offer retired service members an opportunity to build a future for themselves and their families.
Valuing Veterans in the Community
Freddy’s recognizes veterans as valued guests beyond those who choose to become franchise owners. Each year, on November 11, we give every veteran or active-duty military member who stops by one of our restaurants a card redeemable for a free combo meal anytime throughout the month of November. This small token of gratitude is a way for our brand to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for each of us.
Additionally, Freddy’s is proud to have a longstanding partnership with Folds of Honor. This nonprofit organization helps provide educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. Since the partnership began in 2022, our restaurants have supported the Folds of Honor mission by raising more than $560,000 for the organization through Guest Giveback campaigns.
Whether as franchisees or guests, veterans are at the heart of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. From honoring the legacy of our namesake to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life and giving back to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders, Freddy’s is dedicated to continuing to build upon this foundation of service, commitment, and care for the community.