BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A new Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers location opened in Belleville, but with the franchise’s latest design that prioritizes guest satisfaction. 

Along with a standard drive-thru and an enhanced mobile pick-up window, the new design features an increased kitchen layout measuring either 2,400 or 2,800 square feet, according to a press release. 

The updates include technology that presses the steakburger patties into a consistent shape every time, “making grill operations less physically demanding while increasing consistency for guests,” the press release states. A designated digital pickup area includes a custard freezer for quick access in fulfilling mobile and delivery orders. 

"We recognize the importance of adapting with the constant shifts in consumer preferences and making it easier for people to access Freddy's. With nearly 70% of sales being consumed off-premise, our team has been focused on developing restaurant prototypes that cater to this preferred method of dining by increasing convenience and ease of use for our guests," CEO Chris Dull said.

"The new prototype design opening in Belleville increases the convenience our guests seek by optimizing off-premise channels and not sacrificing the speed and quality that has maintained loyalty to our brand with over 20 years of history."

The new layout additionally has a bagging station in the back of the house with an easy display and shared expo counter “to give the shift lead the ability to manage every aspect of the operation from one location,” the press release states.

“As Freddy's maintains a high level of growth across the country, the brand will look to gather insights and key data from the new restaurant in Belleville to continue refining real estate options for new and existing franchisees,” the press release states.