Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers began in Wichita, Kansas, where its first restaurant opened in 2002. The chain takes its name from Freddy Simon, the father of two of its founders.
That Kansas origin is only part of the story. Here’s who started the restaurant, what makes its frozen custard different from ice cream, how the chain spread beyond Wichita, and what to expect when you order from the menu.
Where is freddy’s frozen custard from?
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers originated in Wichita, Kansas. Its first restaurant opened there in August 2002, giving the brand a clear hometown rather than a connection to a larger coastal city or a historic custard region.
The company was founded by brothers Bill and Randy Simon and restaurant operator Scott Redler. They built the business around a classic American restaurant menu: steakburgers, shoestring fries, and frozen custard. The first Wichita location introduced the combination that became central to the chain’s identity.
So if you are asking where the restaurant chain comes from, the short answer is Wichita. If you are asking about the dessert itself, frozen custard is a style of frozen dairy treat with a longer history and is not unique to Kansas or Freddy’s.
Who was Freddy, and why is the restaurant named after him?
Freddy was Freddy Simon, father of founders Bill and Randy Simon. The restaurant name honors him. It is not the name of a chef, a town, or a separate custard company.
The name also helps explain the brand’s old-fashioned feel. Freddy’s presents itself as a place for familiar American diner food, with a menu focused on burgers, fries, and dessert rather than a broad selection of unrelated cuisines. That theme is part of the restaurant’s identity, but the business itself began in the early 2000s, not in the era of classic diners.
It is useful to separate the family connection from the product. Freddy’s is named for Freddy Simon, while the frozen custard is one of the restaurant’s signature offerings. The name does not mean the dessert was invented by Freddy or originated in his hometown.
What makes Freddy’s frozen custard different?
Frozen custard is a rich frozen dairy dessert made with egg yolks. Compared with typical soft-serve or standard ice cream, it is often served at a warmer temperature and churned with less air. Those features can give it a dense, smooth texture.
Freddy’s describes its custard as freshly prepared throughout the day at its restaurants. That approach helps the chain serve a soft, creamy product and supports its rotating selection of flavors and mix-ins. Availability and preparation details can vary by location, so ask the restaurant if you have a specific question about an item.
Custard’s texture is part of the appeal, but it does not mean every serving tastes exactly the same. Flavor, toppings, temperature, and how long a batch has been held all affect the experience. A simple vanilla or chocolate cone is a good way to notice the custard’s texture before adding mix-ins.
Frozen custard compared with ice cream
Both are frozen dairy desserts, but they are not identical. The clearest distinction is that frozen custard contains egg yolk as a defining ingredient. Ice cream recipes may also contain eggs, but they do not have to meet the frozen-custard standard.
| Feature | Frozen custard | Typical ice cream | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg yolk | A defining ingredient in frozen custard | May contain eggs, depending on the recipe | Custard for a rich, egg-based style |
| Texture | Often dense and smooth | Ranges from dense to light, depending on how it is made | Custard if you like a thick, creamy mouthfeel |
| Serving style | Often served soft or in scoops, depending on the shop | Commonly sold in scoops, tubs, or soft-serve form | Either, based on the texture and format you prefer |
| Flavor choices | Can be served plain or with toppings and mix-ins | Available in a wide range of packaged and shop-made flavors | Either; check the local menu for current choices |
These are general differences, not a guarantee that every custard is denser than every ice cream. Recipes and equipment matter. The practical takeaway is simple: choose custard if you want an egg-yolk-based frozen dessert with a characteristically creamy texture, and check the ingredients if you need to avoid a particular food.
How a Wichita restaurant became a wider chain
Freddy’s grew from its Wichita starting point into a multi-state restaurant chain. It expanded through additional locations and franchising, which allowed independent operators to open restaurants under the brand. As the chain grew, its Kansas origin remained part of its story even as most customers encountered it elsewhere.
Freddy’s was acquired by Inspire Brands in 2021. That later ownership change does not alter the answer about where the restaurant began: the first Freddy’s opened in Wichita in 2002. A company’s current owner and its place of origin are two different facts.
Restaurant counts and locations can change as businesses open, close, or relocate. For a current location, use the chain’s official restaurant locator or check a map service before making a trip. The original city is a historical fact; the closest open restaurant depends on where you are now.
What to expect from the Freddy’s menu
The name highlights both frozen custard and steakburgers, and those remain the most recognizable parts of the menu. Freddy’s steakburgers are generally thin patties cooked on a flat-top grill and served in a style meant to pair with familiar toppings. Shoestring fries are another signature side.
Custard is available in several formats, which may include cones, dishes, sundaes, shakes, or concrete-style treats. A concrete is a thick frozen dessert blended with mix-ins; it is served firm enough to hold its shape in the cup. Exact choices and flavors differ by restaurant and can change, so do not assume every location has the same daily options.
If you want to try the custard without committing to a large dessert, start with a small cone or dish. If you prefer a more filling treat, a sundae or blended custard lets you add toppings. People who enjoy a simple flavor can stick with vanilla or chocolate, while those who like contrasting textures can choose a crunchy mix-in.
For a first visit, ordering a burger with fries and a small custard gives you a fair sense of the restaurant’s main offerings. Keep in mind that the menu can include allergens such as milk, egg, wheat, soy, or peanuts, depending on the item and toppings. Check the restaurant’s current allergen information and speak with staff if you need to avoid an ingredient.
Common misunderstandings about Freddy’s origin
Freddy’s is from Wichita, not just “somewhere in Kansas.” Wichita is the specific city where the first restaurant opened. Saying only Kansas is correct but less precise.
The brand is not as old as the diner style it evokes. Its first restaurant opened in 2002. The classic look and menu are part of its concept, not evidence that the chain dates back several generations.
Frozen custard is not the same as frozen yogurt. Custard is a dairy dessert made with egg yolks. Frozen yogurt is made with yogurt and has a different base and flavor profile. The two can both be served cold and creamy, but they are not interchangeable products.
Freddy’s did not invent frozen custard. The chain is known for serving it, but custard is a broader dessert category found at many independent shops and restaurant chains. Freddy’s contribution is its own restaurant concept and menu, not the origin of the entire dessert style.
One detail people often miss is that a chain’s name, its first location, and the history of its signature food can point to three different stories. Here, the name honors Freddy Simon, the first restaurant opened in Wichita, and frozen custard is a dessert style that exists beyond the brand.
Quick answers about the restaurant’s Kansas roots
Where did the first Freddy’s open?
The first Freddy’s restaurant opened in Wichita, Kansas, in August 2002. That is the chain’s place of origin.
Who founded Freddy’s?
Brothers Bill and Randy Simon founded the business with restaurant operator Scott Redler. The restaurant was named for the Simon brothers’ father, Freddy.
Is Freddy’s still based in Kansas?
The brand began in Wichita, but where a company is based or who owns it can differ from where it started. Freddy’s became part of Inspire Brands in 2021. For current corporate contact or headquarters details, check the company’s official information rather than relying on the original restaurant’s address.
Is Freddy’s custard made fresh in the restaurant?
Freddy’s describes its frozen custard as freshly prepared throughout the day in its restaurants. Individual menus, daily flavors, and local practices can vary, so contact your location if you need a specific preparation detail.
Is Freddy’s custard the same as ice cream?
No. Frozen custard contains egg yolk as a defining ingredient, while standard ice cream does not have to. Both are frozen dairy desserts, but their ingredients and textures can differ.
How to find the right location or flavor
Start with the restaurant’s official location finder if you want to visit a Freddy’s. Confirm its hours and address before you leave, especially if you are traveling or looking for a specific seasonal flavor. Search results and third-party listings can lag behind a restaurant’s current information.
For flavor details, check the local menu or call the restaurant. Some custard options are regular menu items, while others rotate or depend on the location. If you have an allergy, ask about ingredients and cross-contact rather than assuming a flavor is safe based on its name alone.
If your main interest is the chain’s origin, Wichita is the answer. If you want to understand its signature dessert, focus on the egg-yolk-based custard and its creamy texture. Keeping those two questions separate makes the brand’s story much easier to follow.
So, where is freddy’s frozen custard from? The restaurant began in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, and its name honors Freddy Simon, father of two of its founders. Its signature custard is a creamy frozen dessert, not a product invented by the chain.
If you want to try it, check a nearby location’s current menu and start with a small cone or dish. For a specific flavor or allergy concern, confirm the details directly with that restaurant.