Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will open its first Canadian restaurant June 3 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, through a master franchise and development agreement with veteran franchisees Jim Werschler and Gregg Most of North 49 Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. The Manitoba area franchise owners also include John Hall and Turner Ethans.
“We’re thrilled to enter the Canadian market with our first location in Kildonan Crossing. Our convenient location makes us an easily accessible dining option for guests travelling by Regent Avenue and Lagimodière Boulevard, as well as guests looking for a great place to eat after shopping at our retail neighbors,” Hall said in a statement.
Freddy’s expansion comes as the chain recently surpassed 550 locations and $1 billion in sales in the United States. Sales grew by nearly 7% year-over-year in 2024, significantly outpacing the overall burger category, which grew by just 2.3%.
During a recent interview, vice president of franchise training and innovation Erick von Merveldt said there is a lot of opportunity in international markets for Freddy’s and he likes Canada because of its proximity.
“In the States, I think we could truly hit 2,500 to 3,000 more (restaurants), and then international is just a whole other game,” he said. “In Canada, it’s much easier to build than it is here.”
Von Merveldt added that Freddy’s franchisees expressed interest in becoming master franchisees in Canada.
“It all just made sense for us,” he said. “We’re extremely excited about it.”
With its Winnipeg debut, Freddy’s becomes the latest U.S. chain to target Canada. After a successful entry in Ontario in 2019, Chick-fil-A now has plans to accelerate its growth in the market, including in Edmonton and Calgary. Shack Shack recently opened its first Toronto location, while Jersey Mike’s is also planning a major expansion in Canada. Wingstop, Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Popeyes have also shifted some focus to Canada in the past couple of years.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]