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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers appoints Andrew Thengvall chief development officerFreddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers appoints Andrew Thengvall chief development officer

The exec will oversee franchise development and coaching

Holly Petre, Assistant Digital Editor

July 20, 2021

2 Min Read
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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers named Andrew Thengvall its chief development officer, the company announced Tuesday.

Thengvall has spent the past six years as Freddy’s senior vice president of strategic growth and chief legal officer. In his new position he will oversee franchise development and growth for the chain. Two recent hires, director of franchise development Mary Coots and director of franchise real estate Todd Phelps, now report directly to him.

Coots joined Freddy’s team in May and most recently served as senior franchise sales manager at Global Franchise Group.

Phelps joined Freddy’s in June and his past experience includes real estate director at The Wendy’s Company as well as real estate management positions at RetailCorridor.com, Great Clips, and GolfTEC.

Thengvall’s team will be responsible for establishing market prioritization, franchise sales, DMA management, identifying prospective new franchisees and coaching prospects through the discovery process.

“Andrew Thengvall’s dedication to advising and strengthening the Freddy’s brand has been stellar and we have the utmost trust in his ability to continue to accelerate our franchise growth in this expanded position,” Chris Dull, Freddy’s CEO, said in a statement. “We are thrilled that he has taken on this new role and excited to see him lead this skilled and enthusiastic team of experts to capitalize on our opportunities for expansion, as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country.”

Thengvall said he was looking forward to working with his new team.

“In the midst of such an exciting period of growth for Freddy’s, [Coots’ and Phelps’] combined wealth of franchise sales and real estate experience will be a valuable asset as we define our growth plans and decisions. I look forward to leading this team as we accelerate Freddy’s momentum and drive the concept’s footprint throughout markets nationwide.”

According to Datassential’s Firefly 500, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers saw 9.9% unit growth for a total of 1,645 units and 21% same-store sales growth in 2020.

About the Author

Holly Petre

Assistant Digital Editor

Holly Petre is a digital editor for Nation’s Restaurant News as well as the host of NRN’s podcast, Extra Serving, and producer for Informa Restaurant and Food Group’s other three podcasts, One On One by Food Management, Off the Shelf with SN and In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn. Holly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture, fibers and Material Studies and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native New Yorker, Holly enjoys her place on staff as the resident pop-culture expert and millennial with a sassy attitude and great sense of style.

Holly Petre’s work on Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality often covers marketing and trends, either aimed-at or examined-through the millennial mindset. Holly is responsible for introducing TikTok and Twitch to NRN and RH readers as well as explaining terms like “Karen” to staff and readers alike. She also spends her time on staff trying not to make every headline a pun.

Holly Petre hasn’t spoken at any events or on panels, but she is readily available with a killer shoe wardrobe and several witty quips.

 

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