Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers To Expand South Carolina Footprint With 10-unit Development Agreement

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced today the signing of a multi-unit development agreement to bring 10 new locations to Greenville and Spartanburg Counties in South Carolina. NFL offensive lineman Ben Powers, along with GVL Hospitality Group, will spearhead this expansion. 

Denver Broncos offensive lineman Ben Powers along with GVL Hospitality Group will open 10 Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers locations in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Powers, pictured with his wife and daughter, at Freddy's Discovery Day.

GVL Hospitality, which includes business partners Brett Rickert and Brian Stevens, has already begun the search for suitable sites in each county. The first property is expected to be purchased by the end of this year, with the initial restaurant slated to open in 2025. The group aims to have all 10 locations operational by 2031.

"Growing up, I always wanted to do something business-related and prove that I could make a name for myself on and off the football field," said Powers, a Wichita-native entering his sixth NFL season and second with the Denver Broncos. "I'm excited for this business venture with Freddy's; it's one of the best burgers you can get and it's a taste from home for me. I look forward to spreading the joy I have from my hometown with even more communities."

While Powers continues his NFL career, the development of each franchise location are in the capable hands of his business partners at GVL Hospitality. Rickert and Stevens are both experienced in the restaurant industry and franchise owners of Freddy's restaurants in Columbia, SC and Augusta, GA, providing the brand with a solid foundation for this expansion. Rickert, who resides in the Greenville-Spartanburg area, will serve as the operating partner, ensuring seamless training and management, while Stevens will help with the site selection and construction aspects.

"Having Brett and Brian running things while I'm playing is reassuring," said Powers. "They're great mentors for me and I trust them wholeheartedly as we grow the Freddy's franchise in South Carolina."

Freddy's has over 530 restaurants in 36 states, with another 130+ locations in development for 2024 and 2025.