Key Regional Shifts for 2026 Growth

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will equate rapidly. You discussed expecting 5070% volumes. I have actually even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

So you require equity sponsors who believe in the vision and the team. Another lesson: you need to open four to 6 shops in a new market within 2 to 3 years. That's expensive, but it produces emergency, constructs awareness, and justifies above-store leadership. Without it, you stay sluggish and unprofitable.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

At Chop Store, we deliberately developed strong bases in Phoenix and Dallas first. That offered us the success to withstand sluggish starts in Houston and Atlanta. And we were lucky that Dallasour second marketwas likewise where our team lived. Having the entire group in-market to support shops, hire, and ensure culture was big.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Key Tips to Expanding Restaurant Footprints

Individuals frequently underestimate how vital team is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your team? This is something I'm truly happy with. Our group took all the things we hated from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand constructed the opposite culture here. We highlight growth mindset and career pathing.