The diet of choice in 2020 was comfort foods and, in the dessert/snack category, Andy’s Frozen Custard hit the spot.
The Osage Beach, Mo.-based chain saw $124.39 million in sales in 2020, which was up 16.4% from the prior year. Andy’s opened two units during the year for a total of 94.
That success comes in part because of a unique aspect for a frozen treat chain: All traditional stores are built with drive-thrus, so families saw Andy’s as a safe experience through the pandemic.
Andy Kuntz, the chain’s president and son of the founders, said about 90% of the chain’s business came through the drive-thrus during the pandemic year. “That, combined with an increase in outside order takers and iPads, while also practicing safe-distancing and QR code menus, contributed to a better-than-average year,” he said. “We know that we are fortunate to have the year that we did and sensitive to all our other peers in the industry that faced the challenges that they did.”
Andy’s is now looking to multiple that success by adding double drive-thrus, or what Andy Kuntz calls “double bumps.”
And Andy’s is testing delivery, with select stores allowing pre-ordering and advanced ordering through the website for products on the Andy’s Anywhere menu, which includes a Pick 6 pack of half-pint FreezCrete and other frozen-to-go options.
Known for concretes, Andy’s’ baked goods used as toppings — like brownies, pumpkin pie and cookies — are baked in stores, and toppings also include seasonal fresh fruit and roasted pecans.
Kuntz said the chain’s “focus on family and community stems from its long history as a family-owned business with a desire to bring a slice of hometown America to each and every location.”
Andy’s is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Founded by John and Carol Kuntz in 1986, they brought their son Andy and his wife Dana into the business and Andy Kuntz has helped grow the chain with franchising.
Now with 98 units in 14 states, about 35% of the chain is company owned. With the 100th store expected to open this summer, another 20 are scheduled for 2021.
This year, Andy’s is sponsoring the No. 3 Andy’s Frozen Custard Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon in the NASCAR Cup Series. The car debuted in June at the NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway, where the chain operates a treat truck. Dillon’s favorite toppings are featured in a “3-crete” frozen custard.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected]
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout
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