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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has announced two high-level appointments to its development team as the fast-casual brand continues to execute its national and international growth strategy. Rafik Farouk has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development, while Jackie Lobdell has been named Vice President of Franchise Sales.

The leadership expansion comes at a critical juncture for the Wichita-based chain, which is currently approaching the 600-restaurant milestone. The new hires bring a combined 40 years of restaurant industry experience to the brand’s development bench, specifically targeting market penetration and franchisee recruitment.

The addition of Farouk and Lobdell is intended to enhance the brand's ability to scale thoughtfully while identifying new opportunities for both domestic and global expansion. According to Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer and Chief Legal Officer for Freddy’s, the move provides the company with the industry knowledge and strategic insight required to attract high-quality franchise partners.

The brand's current trajectory suggests a shift toward more aggressive expansion into new channels, building on its recent international debut and established presence in the fast-casual steakburger and frozen custard segment.

Expansion Into New Markets and Channels

As Vice President of Business Development, Rafik Farouk will oversee expansion across new and existing markets. With nearly 30 years of experience in restaurant operations and franchise development, Farouk’s background is particularly focused on global growth strategies.

His role will be instrumental as Freddy’s evaluates new distribution channels and non-traditional formats. Farouk’s objective is to broaden the brand's reach while maintaining the core operational qualities that define the franchise opportunity. His previous experience in leading global development strategies aligns with the brand’s recent efforts to establish a footprint outside of North America.

Supporting Franchise Sales and Recruitment

Jackie Lobdell will lead the franchise sales division, focusing on identifying prospective franchisees and managing the discovery process. Lobdell brings a decade of specialised experience in franchise development within the restaurant sector, complemented by a background in advertising and marketing.

Her focus will involve:

• Franchisee Identification: Sourcing candidates who align with the brand’s long-term vision.

• Discovery Management: Guiding potential partners through the evaluation and onboarding phases.

• Strategic Engagement: Utilising marketing insights to enhance the brand’s appeal to multi-unit operators.

Lobdell’s appointment is designed to ensure that, as the brand expands its footprint, it continues to partner with operators capable of maintaining the company's service and quality standards.

Market Positioning and Future Outlook

The strengthening of the development team signals Freddy’s intent to remain a dominant player in the competitive fast-casual landscape. By investing in specialised leadership for business development and sales, the company is positioning itself to navigate the complexities of large-scale franchise management and international logistics.

As the chain nears its 600th location, the focus remains on unlocking new growth avenues through a combination of proprietary supply chain infrastructure and a refined franchise recruitment model.