Beaverton could get its first Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers as the Kansas-based chain recruits franchise owners to open at least 20 restaurants across the Portland Metro area.
The chain, which operates more than 580 locations in the U.S. and Canada, named Beaverton among its target markets in the metro region, KOIN reported Monday, July 14.
No specific sites or lease agreements have been announced. The expansion is in the franchise-recruitment stage, and no permits have been filed in Beaverton.
Freddy's is known for made-to-order steakburgers, Vienna Beef hot dogs, shoestring fries, and frozen custard churned throughout the day. Most locations offer dine-in seating and a drive-through window.
What it would cost
Prospective franchise owners need a net worth of at least $1 million and $400,000 in liquid assets to operate a single location, according to the company's franchise disclosure document. Multi-unit operators need at least $1.5 million in net worth.
Start-up costs vary by format. An in-line restaurant without a drive-through runs $785,936 to $1,198,665. An end-cap unit with a drive-through costs $1,277,598 to $2,497,566. A standalone building with a drive-through ranges from $1,487,598 to $2,753,566.
The initial franchise license fee is $35,000, with an ongoing royalty of 4.5% to 5%.
The company has been pushing smaller, less expensive formats to attract new operators. An in-line restaurant investment starts at roughly $854,834, compared to more than $1.5 million for a standalone location, according to Restaurant Dive.
Growth trajectory
Founded in Wichita in 2002, Freddy's grew from 456 units at the start of 2023 to 580 by the end of 2025. The company expects to open roughly 60 new restaurants in 2026 and surpass 600 total locations, according to a July 7 press release.
About one-third of existing franchisees are expanding into new territories.
Private equity firm Rhône acquired Freddy's in September 2025. The company hired Rafik Farouk as vice president of business development and Jackie Lobdell as vice president of franchise sales in April 2026 to drive the expansion, with the Pacific Northwest listed as a priority region alongside the Northeast, Midwest, and Florida.
Other chains eyeing the metro
Freddy's isn't alone. In-N-Out and Raising Cane's are also expanding in the Portland Metro, and KOIN reported that Little Caesars plans to add 25 locations to the region.
Portland Metro locations could occupy existing restaurant spaces converted to the Freddy's brand or new standalone buildings, according to the KOIN report. No opening timeline has been set for any Oregon location.
Prospective franchisees can apply through the company's website. The Beaverton Beat will update this story when specific sites or opening dates are announced.
