Jackie Lobdell Leads Franchise Sales at Freddy’s

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has appointed Jackie Lobdell as vice president of franchise sales as the brand approaches its 600th location. Lobdell joins Freddy’s with a wealth of experience in franchise development, having previously held roles at Slim Chickens and FOCUS Brands (now GoTo Foods). In her new role, she will focus on identifying potential franchisees and guiding them through the onboarding process, emphasizing the importance of agility in real estate and development to keep pace with consumer trends.

In her statement, Lobdell noted, “Freddy’s stood out to me because of its strong culture, clear growth trajectory and commitment to doing things the right way.” She expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Freddy’s ongoing growth and expanding its brand, highlighting that "there’s incredible opportunity ahead" for fostering meaningful relationships with new and existing franchisees while driving strategic development.

Freddy’s has also brought on Rafik Farouk as vice president of business development, reinforcing the brand's commitment to sustainable growth. Andrew Thengvall, chief development officer and chief legal officer at Freddy’s, remarked that Lobdell and Farouk’s industry knowledge and strategic insight will enhance Freddy’s ability to grow thoughtfully, attract suitable franchise partners, and unlock new opportunities.

Lobdell emphasized that successful franchise growth hinges on building strong partnerships, communicating a compelling brand story, and establishing an organized development strategy. She stressed that a collaborative relationship with franchisees is essential for success, stating, “Franchisors need to prioritize listening to their franchisees and fostering a truly collaborative relationship. The most successful systems are those where franchisees feel heard and supported.”

Founded in 2002, Freddy's operates over 580 locations across North America and is known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers and freshly churned frozen custard. The appointments of Lobdell and Farouk suggest a dedicated push toward strategic expansion and operational excellence, and how effectively they enhance franchise relationships may influence Freddy’s growth trajectory in the competitive fast-casual landscape.