Scott Redler, co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers, is the newest member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University.
“Wichita has been my home for decades and I’ve seen the amazing opportunities this city and its commitment to entrepreneurship has provided,” said Redler. “The Barton School is key to fostering that entrepreneurial spirit.”
“Redler’s acumen for business, entrepreneurship and hospitality is unparalleled,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the W. Frank Barton School of Business. “Over his career, he has been instrumental in the creation of 19 different restaurant concepts. That level of creativity and tenacity will prove to be invaluable to the Barton School.”
He is a restaurant operator to his core – starting at the age of 15 in St. Louis. He earned a degree in restaurant and hotel management. After graduation, he managed many restaurants, including a five-star restaurant, and started numerous concepts of his own. With a majority sale of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers (400 locations) in early 2021, Redler sits on the board of Freddy’s and has formed Redler Hospitality, and is assisting other companies around the country.
In 2002, Redler launched Freddy’s along with his business partners Bill, Randy and Freddy Simon. After franchising in 2004, Freddy’s has grown to nearly 450 locations serving 36 states across the nation. Redler also has other restaurant ownership stakes in restaurants including a BBQ Concept in Kansas City.
He also serves on the Board of the National Restaurant Association and has served for multiple years for the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association. He is currently vice chair of the National Restaurant Association and is in line for chair in 2023.
“Scott has been extremely successful in entrepreneurship and in building something great from the ground up,” said Margaret Dechant, chair of the Dean Advisory Board. “I look forward to Scott joining our Board.”
The Dean’s Advisory Board, which consists of 50 diverse industry leaders from around the world, works to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Barton School through strengthening, enriching, and enhancing the student experience.