Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced that Randy Simon was named CEO & president of the company he cofounded more than 15 years ago with his brother Bill, father Freddy, and business partner, Scott Redler.
“I have enjoyed the past 15 years of our formation and growth, and I’m thrilled that I am now in the position to devote even more of my time to Freddy’s,” Simon says. “Completing the sale and transfer of our 34 Panera locations this summer has freed me from the responsibilities that I was entrusted with by my Panera partners. I will now be able to focus singularly on the future of Freddy’s as we move into the next chapter.”
Simon has a long and accomplished history in the restaurant industry. A CPA, Simon graduated from Wichita State University and initially gained experience in public accounting. In 1974, he partnered with Howard Wilkins to form Maverick Development Company. Wilkins and Simon launched a Pizza Hut franchise that grew to 42 locations in Texas and New Mexico. A decade later, Simon assumed the role of president and chairman of the board until the sale of this entity in 2007. Maverick also developed and sold more than 30 Rent-A-Center locations in the Chicago area from 1985 to 1992. At that time, Maverick turned its attention to Panera, jumping in as the second franchise group of the fledgling concept and participating in its record-setting nationwide growth with locations throughout Kansas and Missouri. In July, Flynn Restaurant Group closed on the purchase of Maverick’s Panera Cafes.
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