Kansas-based Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has strengthened its development leadership with the appointment of Rafik Farouk as Vice President of Business Development.
The appointment comes as Freddy’s accelerates its expansion across existing and new markets. The brand has more than 580 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada and is targeting approximately 60 new openings during 2026, putting it on track to reach the 600-unit milestone.
Farouk will focus on expanding Freddy’s footprint in both new and existing markets, while helping the company identify additional development opportunities and channels. He brings nearly 30 years of experience across restaurant operations, franchise development and global growth, including leadership roles with P.F. Chang’s, Bloomin’ Brands and Chili’s.
“Freddy’s has a strong foundation with a clear vision and significant room for growth,” Farouk said. “I’m excited to join the team and help advance opportunities that will broaden the brand’s reach while preserving the core qualities that make Freddy’s so compelling to franchisees and memorable for guests.”
Farouk’s international development background comes as Freddy’s expands beyond its established U.S. base. The company opened its first Canadian restaurant in 2025 and is pursuing further growth in Canada, while continuing to build its broader North American platform.
The appointment was made alongside the hiring of Jackie Lobdell as Vice President of Franchise Sales. Lobdell is responsible for identifying prospective franchisees and guiding candidates through Freddy’s discovery process. Together, the two executives bring more than four decades of restaurant-industry experience to the development team.
“Freddy’s is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Rafik and Jackie are two important additions to our development team,” said Andrew Thengvall, Freddy’s Chief Development Officer and Chief Legal Officer. “Each brings a powerful combination of industry knowledge, strategic insight and proven development expertise.”
Freddy’s has expanded from 456 restaurants at the beginning of 2023 to 580 at the end of 2025, according to its franchise disclosure document. Existing franchisees are also playing a major role in the expansion, with about one-third currently developing additional territories.
The company is prioritising markets including the Northeast, Rust Belt, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Northern California and Florida. It is also expanding its real-estate options beyond the traditional standalone format, with in-line restaurants offering a lower-cost development route.
Freddy’s is actively seeking both single- and multi-unit franchisees as it builds toward its next stage of growth. The brand’s current expansion strategy combines new-market development, deeper penetration of existing territories and international opportunities across North America.
Farouk has already positioned his appointment around the brand’s broader domestic and international ambitions. In a recent LinkedIn post, he described the opportunity as a chance to build “lasting partnerships” and bring Freddy’s to more global and domestic communities.
With roughly 60 openings planned for 2026 and the 600-restaurant threshold approaching, Freddy’s is using its expanded development leadership to support the next phase of its franchise growth.
