Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has signed a five-unit development agreement for the Philippines, the Wichita-founded fast-casual brand’s first development agreement in Southeast Asia. OMG Holdings OPC will lead the rollout, and the first restaurant is expected to open in 2027, according to the announcement published on 5 October 2026.
The deal commits OMG Holdings OPC to introduce the brand’s cooked-to-order steakburgers, shoestring fries and frozen custard to Philippine consumers through five restaurants. Freddy’s describes the agreement as a new foothold for the concept as it builds an international presence beyond its home base.
An important step forward in our broader international development strategy.
That is how Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer of Freddy’s, characterised the signing. He added that the brand looks to align with experienced operators who understand local consumers and have a record of growing global brands.
Freddy’s operates more than 580 locations and continues to recruit single- and multi-unit franchisees across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company says Asia is an important area of focus heading into 2027 and that it is seeking experienced operators who can combine local market expertise with the brand’s established operating model.
The agreement is modest in unit count, and that is the point. A five-unit commitment lets a new-to-market American concept prove its format with a single local operator before a larger territory is considered. For Asia Pacific investors, the sequence is familiar: a first development agreement, a first store, then a decision on scale once trading data exists. The comparison of master franchise, area development and joint venture structures sets out how those routes differ in commitment and control.
The choice of an operator with a record of building global brands in the local market also matches what franchisors typically screen for, as covered in our guide to how franchisors choose a master franchisee.
Freddy’s joins other US brands looking at the region; our overview of American franchise brands in Southeast Asia and the Gulf maps the formats and partner profiles involved, while the Philippines franchising guide covers how mall real estate and diaspora capital shape entry. Freddy’s says it is open to further operators in Asia, so additional announcements are possible.
Investors tracking the deal should watch three markers: the first site announcement, the 2027 opening date, and whether Freddy’s signs further agreements elsewhere in Southeast Asia once the Philippine units are trading. Franchise details are available on the brand’s official franchising site.
