Today we’d like to introduce you to Padden Nelson.
Padden, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2005, I left west-central Illinois has been a franchisee of a well-known nationwide concept to pursue a career with Freddy’s. There were three locations when I started. I’ve known Freddy my whole life and I wanted to join the team in my hometown of Wichita. I started as an hourly cook at a restaurant in Wichita. Within a year, I was offered and accepted a general manager position in Tulsa, OK. Three years later, I accepted a multi-unit management position in the Kansas City market. After a couple of years in Kansas City, I was offered an opportunity as Director of Operations as a franchise in Houston in 2012. In June of that year, we opened our first location in the Copperfield area in northwest Houston. Today we have 11 Houston locations with plans for at least 32 locations, all in the Houston market.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While this has not been a “smooth road,” it has been a rewarding one. As with any service-oriented concept, the biggest challenge by far has been and always will be building a culture based on the “Freddy’s Way.” That is doing what’s right, do your best, and treat others the way you want to be treated.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers story. Tell us more about the business.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a family-friendly, fast-casual restaurant concept. It was founded in Wichita, Kan., in 2002 and now has more than 240 restaurants across 30 states. We’re known for our lean ground beef steakburgers, Vienna Beef hot dogs and crispy shoestring fries, as well as our dessert, treats prepared with rich and creamy chocolate or vanilla frozen custard that is churned fresh throughout the day in each restaurant. All our menu items are prepared fresh and served within minutes. We also focus on culture and hospitality. Our guests enjoy the food, but they make return visits because of the way they’re treated.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Probably not coincidentally, I was born and raised in Wichita, KS. Since I can remember, I have known Freddy’s co-founder and namesake, Freddy Simon. His grandson Ben (now Freddy’s Vice-President of Operations) and I grew up playing sports and getting in trouble together. I’m still a lover of sports and play more golf than I should. While I will always be a diehard Chicago Cubs and Wichita State Shockers fan, I will admit my loyalties are being tested by the Astros and the U of H Cougars, both of whom Freddy’s is a proud sponsor. And dogs. My wife and I love dogs and someday soon, children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FreddysUSA.com
- Instagram: @FreddysUSA
- Facebook: /FreddysUSA
- Twitter: @FreddysUSA
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