The planned expansion will help Freddy’s achieve its goal of opening 800 restaurants by 2026.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers plans to expand its location network in the Southeast.

The Kansas-based burger chain has entered into a multi-store development agreement to open 10 new locations in Greenville and Spartanburg counties in northern South Carolina. NFL offensive lineman Ben Powers is leading the expansion along with GVL Hospitality Group.

GVL Hospitality, which includes business partners and current Freddy’s franchisees Brett Rickert and Brian Stevens, has already begun searching for suitable sites in each district. The first site is expected to be acquired by the end of this year, with the first restaurant scheduled to open in 2025.

The group’s goal is to have all 10 locations operational by 2031. The planned expansion will help Freddy’s achieve its goal of 800 restaurants until 2026.

“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 who is entering his sixth NFL season and second with the Denver Broncos. “I’m excited about this business venture with Freddy’s; it’s one of the best burgers you can get and for me, it’s a taste of home. I look forward to spreading the joy I feel in my hometown to even more communities.”