National burger chain chews Florida debut

MANATEE COUNTY — Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a Wichita, Kan.-based chain of eateries with locations in 14 states, will make its Florida debut in east Manatee County.

The freestanding location for the new Freddy's is a retrofitted Arby's in the Creekwood Crossing shopping center off State Road 70, just west of Interstate 75. The new restaurant will likely hire up to 75 employees, according to a statement, and it plans to add more sites in the region over the next few years.

“We are extremely excited to bring Freddy's great tastes and quality food to Bradenton,” franchise operator Cash Shelton says in the release.