Andy's signs agreement for 20 new stores

Springfield-based Andy's Frozen Custard has signed a franchise agreement for 20 new stores in the areas of Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Nashville and various markets in central Florida.

If all open, it would nearly double the number of locations the company has today.

Eric Reed, formerly Andy's director of new store development, left the company after 10 years to partner with the franchisee, Andy's said in a news release. It is the largest multi-unit franchise agreement in the company's 29-year history.

This recent development will enable us to continue on our growth trajectory and maintain our leadership position in the quick-service frozen dessert category," company president Andy Kuntz said in the release.

Reed said he will be looking to hire over 100 employees and managers within each territory.

Founded in 1986 at the Lake of the Ozarks, Andy's moved to Springfield the next year. The company opened four franchise stores each in 2005 and 2006, then paused franchise growth for several years. Kuntz told the News-Leader in May 2013 that the company had made the decision to refocus on franchise growth about 18 months prior.

The company says it is the largest privately-owned frozen custard quick service restaurant in the country, with more than 500 employees system-wide. Its website lists 23 locations: 11 in Missouri, four in Arkansas, five in Illinois, one in Oklahoma and two in Texas. A third location in Texas is listed as coming soon.

Two Andy's locations are also slated to open in the Kansas City area this year, according to the Kansas City Business Journal.