Fast-casual chain Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is on pace to open about 60 restaurants in 2026, with a multi-year development strategy prioritizing growth across several regions, including the Midwest, according to the business.
This comes despite recent widespread closures in the Chicago area. The chain's Crystal Lake location, which appeared to be the last local restaurant, shuttered in fall 2025, Patch reported at the time.
The market exit occurred around the same time franchisee M&M Custard declared bankruptcy, having closed 11 Illinois locations, according to Restaurant Business, which reported that court documents referred to Freddy's Chicago business as “a toxic asset generating negative EBITDA and creating a financial drag on the overall business.”
Outside the Chicago area, there are 13 remaining Freddy's locations in Illinois, and existing franchisees continue to play a significant role in the chain’s overall growth, with about one-third expanding into additional territories, according to a news release from Freddy’s.
"A strong franchise system is built on operators who see long-term opportunity within the brand," Chief Development Officer Andrew Thengvall said in the news release.
"As Freddy's continues to grow, we remain focused on supporting our franchisees, through new restaurant prototypes, greater real estate flexibility, and development strategies that help position the brand for sustainable growth."
Freddy’s, which has over 580 locations across the U.S. as of early July, was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, and is known for its made-to-order burgers, shoestring fries and frozen custard.
Its yearslong development strategy includes a focus on growth in the Northeast, Rust Belt, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Northern California and Florida.
The chain has Illinois locations in Belleville, Champaign, Collinsville, East Peoria, Edwardsville, Galesburg, Marion, Mattoon, Mt. Vernon, Quincy, Shiloh and two in Springfield, according to its website.
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