Significant Market Shifts for 2026 Expansion

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will equate quickly. You mentioned expecting 5070% volumes. That's sobering. I have actually even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch. It highlights how important capital structure is. Yes. Most small development ideas like ours depend on equity, not debt.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

So you need equity sponsors who believe in the vision and the team. Another lesson: you require to open four to six stores in a brand-new market within 2 to 3 years. That's expensive, but it develops crucial mass, constructs awareness, and validates above-store leadership. Without it, you remain slow and unprofitable.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

And we were lucky that Dallasour 2nd marketwas also where our group lived. Having the whole group in-market to support shops, hire, and make sure culture was substantial.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Quick Service Industry Trends for 2026

People often undervalue how vital team is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your team? This is something I'm truly proud of. Our team took all the important things we disliked from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand constructed the opposite culture here. We stress development frame of mind and profession pathing.