Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers — the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its steakburgers, shoestring fries and frozen custard treats — opened its first-ever restaurant on a U.S. military base, located within the Fort Lee Army installation commissary in Prince George County, Va., on April 15 The milestone marks a significant moment for the brand whose namesake, Freddy Simon, was a decorated World War II veteran.
Located inside the base commissary alongside other dining options, the Fort Lee restaurant operates within a smaller footprint than a traditional Freddy’s. It features a streamlined kitchen and a simplified menu designed specifically for the space.
“This really started as a partnership opportunity with the base, and from day one it’s been a collaborative effort,” said Cam Blakely, president at JRI Hospitality. “We had to be flexible in how we approached this location, from the size of the space to how we operate day to day. But at the end of the day, we’re still delivering the same Freddy’s experience our guests know and love.”
To meet military requirements, the team navigated an extended approval process, completed background checks for all staff and adapted to base-directed guidelines. Construction was also notably faster than a typical restaurant build, with the space completed in approximately one month.
The Fort Lee restaurant marks Freddy’s 25th nontraditional location, including airports, student centers, stadiums and arenas.
“This is a really exciting milestone for us,” said Chris Dull, president and CEO of Freddy’s. “It’s meaningful because of Freddy’s military roots, and it also demonstrates our ability to strategically adapt to different environments. We see this as a strong first step toward bringing Freddy’s to more military bases in the future.”
