Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Ingermanson.
Jason, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my restaurant career 23 years ago, working with fast-casual and full-service dining entities while supervising operations, new construction and management development. I opened my first Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Salina, Kansas in 2009 and with the rapid and successful growth, I formed JRI Management in 2011. Our sole purpose at JRI is to manage restaurants and other service-based operations while demonstrating a strong commitment to ethical, efficient and effective management practices. We’ve built a management team that continues to demonstrate unprecedented success with Freddy’s restaurants nationwide. Our team is built on integrity and character, with an unyielding emphasis on a team approach. Just as I began my career, JRI gives any employee the opportunity to reach their professional goals at any level within the company.
Has it been a smooth road?
That’s a great question. There are many obstacles and challenges in any business. Personally, what sticks out most for me are the challenges related to the growth and development of people, especially in a professional setting. Team building is a process, but we’ve learned to succeed because of early struggles and opportunities. The situations I experienced early in my career taught me the qualities I hoped to possess as a mentor and leadership team member. As a result, our team is mindful of the way we teach and lead. We try several different approaches until we find the correct processes and procedures that work for our team. Because of these challenges and experiences, JRI now has some of the best people in the restaurant industry. And we work hard to maintain and build on that success. JRI currently has 44 restaurants, expects growth of 10-15 new units per year, and has more than 2,000 employees spread across multiple states.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
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 of our menu items are prepared fresh and served within minutes. We also focus on culture, hospitality and community. Our guests enjoy the food, but they make return visits because of the way they’re treated.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The people of Atlanta are friendly and fun. And if you’re a regular guest at Freddy’s, we try hard to go from remembering your face to remembering your order. We’ll take time to speak with you, learn your story. Many of our Atlanta guests seem to enjoy that. It’s a personal aspect that you don’t get at many other restaurant concepts today.
Contact Info:
- Website: FreddysUSA.com
- Instagram: @FreddysUSA
- Facebook: /FreddysUSA
- Twitter: @FreddysUSA
