Portillo’s isn’t the only fast-casual restaurant bound for Champaign’s northern side.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is planning to build a restaurant at Neil Street and Town Center Boulevard, said Lacey Rains Lowe, senior planner for the City of Champaign. An opening date has not been revealed.
Freddy’s features steakburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and patty melts, among other menu items. It is also known for a wide variety of frozen custard treats.
The nearest Freddy’s to Champaign-Urbana is in Mattoon, where the restaurant is owned by Charleston-based Jerry Myerscough, who also owns the popular Stadium Grill adjacent to Freddy’s. Myerscough is listed as the contact person on a sign placed at the Champaign site.
Freddy’s Mattoon location has a drive-through along with indoor and outdoor seating. It opened in November 2012, at which time a spokesperson for the Wichita, Kan.,-based chain said locations were expected to be added in Champaign, Decatur and Springfield. (Two locations have since opened in Springfield.)