Watch out, In-N-Out; another chain is targeting California consumers with its big burgers. <\/p>\n
Although Freddy\u2019s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers features California on its menu with its \u201cCalifornia Style Double\u201d burger, only a handful of its outlets are in California. <\/p>\n
Last week, it announced plans to change that by making Northern California a focus of its expansion, adding 60 new outlets to its network this year. <\/p>\n
The chain was founded in Wichita, Kan., in 2002 and is known for its burgers, fries, cheese curds and sundaes.<\/p>\n
Its first California location opened in 2011 in Victorville. Six more stores have since opened, including in Norco, Glendora and San Marcos. <\/p>\n
Freddy\u2019s has more than 580 stores around the country.<\/p>\n
The company said in a news release that it would focus on developing different restaurant formats in addition to stand-alone sites to adapt to different real estate spaces. <\/p>\n
Freddy\u2019s chief development officer, Andrew Thengvall, said the company was looking for new franchisees in the U.S. and abroad. <\/p>\n
\u201cA strong franchise system is built on operators who see long-term opportunity within the brand,\u201d he said. \u201cAs Freddy\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
In California and elsewhere, Freddy\u2019s is trying to expand in a market where many chains are struggling to grow. <\/p>\n
A growing group of consumers is looking for ways to save money, worried about rising prices and how artificial intelligence could affect their jobs. <\/p>\n
To attract the cautious consumers, analysts say, restaurants and retailers need to have lower prices or demonstrate a distinct brand identity that people will pay extra for. <\/p>\n