Popular fast-food burger chain to open first store in new market

Americans might be addicted to this fast-food burger chain’s crispy, thin steakburgers, iconic shoestring seasoned fries, and frozen custards, but it’s about to find out if it can outdo beloved foreign rivals.

Since its inception in 2002, it has grown to over 550 locations across 36 states nationwide, with another 130+ locations in development for 2025 and 2026.

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Although it has expanded its footprint immensely, the chain has signed many development deals over the last few years to reach 800 restaurants by 2026. 

Related: Starbucks faces huge new rival

However, after many decades of serving its U.S. customers, it decided it was time to enter new markets. 

It accelerated its goal by signing three international development deals over the last few years.

Freddy’s signs three development deals in a new market

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers sealed a Master Franchise and Development Agreement with franchisees Jim Werschler and Gregg Most of North 49 Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in 2022. It also partnered with the development group Steakburger North to bring the chain to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

The following year, Freddy’s signed another development agreement with ZZA Hospitality to open five new restaurants in Alberta, Canada.

Related: Another fast-food burger chain is quietly closing locations

In 2024, the fast-food chain signed a deal with local franchisee John Hall and operating partner Turner Ethans of Steakburger North to open restaurants across Winnipeg over the next three years, with the first restaurant set to open in 2025.

“The Winnipeg community has always been very enthusiastic to try new restaurant concepts, and we’re ready to introduce Freddy’s in a way that feels local and authentic, with our focus on amazing service,” said Hall in a press release. 

Freddy’s to open its first-ever location in Canada

Nearly three years later, the day has finally come. Freddy’s announced it will open its first-ever restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 3 as part of its 2022 agreement with North 49 Frozen Custard and Steakburgers.

International expansion plans look to be a trend among fast-food chains, and many aim for a summer deadline. 

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• Dunkin’ menu makes major changes to rival Starbucks

In May, TGI Fridays revealed it will relaunch in the UK on July 4 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November last year. Yum! Brands’  (YUM)  Taco Bell is opening its first restaurant in Ireland this summer, and Chipotle  (CMG)  signed a development agreement to open its first-ever restaurant in Mexico in 2026.  

Freddy’s has yet to provide any updates on future restaurant openings in Canada. Nonetheless, it created an Instagram account for the region and made a post expressing its excitement to welcome customers at the opening of its first-ever Canada restaurant location. 

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