Executive Spotlight: Andy Kuntz, CEO of Andy's Frozen Custard (2027)
Andy Kuntz is the CEO of Andy's Frozen Custard, a privately held chain headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield Daily Citizen (June 2026) describes him as CEO and co-owner, and a May 2026 Tampa Bay Beacons article reported the chain at 182 locations across 15 states. Franchise Times reported that Andy's grew systemwide sales 30.7 percent in 2023, from $145 million to $190 million.
He is best known in the trade press for a plain rule about quality: in interviews he has said the company will "always serve the best" and that quality of stores matters more to him than quantity. In 2026 he has also been the public voice of the company's plan for a new headquarters in Springfield.
This page covers public professional information only, drawn from local and trade press read on November 2, 2026.
Current role and company
The Springfield Daily Citizen (June 2026) calls Kuntz CEO and co-owner of Andy's Frozen Custard and notes the company is privately held. The Tampa Bay Beacons (May 2026) and Franchise Times (2024) also call him CEO. A 417 Magazine profile described him as president and manager of the company, so titles vary by source and date.
- CompanyAndy's Frozen Custard, a frozen custard franchisor based in Springfield, Missouri, which opened its first store in 1986.
- TitleCEO and co-owner (Springfield Daily Citizen, June 2026); CEO (Tampa Bay Beacons, May 2026); president and manager (417 Magazine).
- Footprint182 locations across 15 states, per the Tampa Bay Beacons (May 2026).
- HeadquartersA leased 18,000-square-foot building at 211 E. Water St. in downtown Springfield, per the Springfield Daily Citizen (May 2026).
Career path
The sources read for this page describe Kuntz's work at Andy's Frozen Custard and give no earlier career history or dates, so none is stated here. In 417 Magazine he describes how his job changed as the company grew: he moved from personally running shifts to needing trained people who could deliver the same experience in every store. He recalls being told, "You're going from being a player to being a coach."
What he is known for
- Holding the line on quality. Asked in 417 Magazine about the decision that still defines the business, Kuntz named his early commitment "to never waver from quality." He said that as sales and store counts grew, even a small rise in the cost of custard mix became significant, and that he chose not to cut corners.
- Growing deliberately. In Franchise Times (2024) he said the quality of stores is "way more important" to him than their quantity, and that the company is not trying to outrun or beat anyone to the punch.
- Expanding into new markets. The company has 15 stores in Kansas City (Springfield Daily Citizen, 2026) and has added Tampa Bay area locations, with a St. Petersburg store opening in November 2025 and a grand opening in April 2026 (Tampa Bay Beacons).
- The headquarters question. In 2022 the company bought a 10-acre site at East Division Street and North Le Compte Road in Springfield. In June 2026 the company asked the city for up to $32 million in Chapter 100 industrial development bonds, which carry a property tax abatement. Kuntz told the Springfield Daily Citizen the company cannot build its headquarters in Springfield without the abatement. The plan described includes more than 43,000 square feet of office space and 9,000 square feet of warehouse space, built in phases in 2028 and 2033. In May 2026 he had said the company was also weighing other locations, including Republic and Kansas City.
Leadership style and philosophy
These points come from Kuntz's own words in 417 Magazine and Franchise Times. He puts values first ("we've always stayed true to our values"), treats consistent standards and well-trained people in every store as the central challenge of growth, and says he wants a business that is "built to last." On product he told Franchise Times that the company serves a very high-quality custard made from very high-quality ingredients, and that "it takes a lot of work to make it."
Key numbers
Figures below are press-reported, each with its period. Andy's is privately held and these are not audited filings.
- 2023 salesSystemwide sales rose 30.7 percent, from $145 million to $190 million (Franchise Times Top 400 data, reported 2024).
- 2023 rankingNo. 254 on the Franchise Times Top 400, up 31 spots.
- 2023 units21 locations added, a 16.7 percent increase, for 147 total units (Franchise Times).
- May 2026 footprint182 locations in 15 states (Tampa Bay Beacons).
- 2026 headquarters bondsUp to $32 million in Chapter 100 bonds requested; the City Council passed a resolution of intent on June 22, 2026, which did not itself issue bonds or approve incentives (Springfield Daily Citizen).
Questions people ask
Who is Andy Kuntz?
He is the CEO of Andy's Frozen Custard, a privately held frozen custard chain based in Springfield, Missouri. The Springfield Daily Citizen calls him CEO and co-owner.
What does Andy's Frozen Custard do?
It operates and franchises frozen custard shops. The Tampa Bay Beacons reported 182 locations across 15 states in May 2026.
How fast did Andy's grow recently?
Franchise Times reported systemwide sales up 30.7 percent in 2023, from $145 million to $190 million, with 21 units added for 147 total.
What does Kuntz say about quality?
In 417 Magazine he said his defining early decision was to never waver from quality, and that the company is always going to serve the best.
What is the new headquarters plan?
In June 2026 the company said it was prepared to invest $32 million and asked Springfield for Chapter 100 bonds with a property tax abatement. The City Council had passed only a resolution of intent at that point, and a public hearing and vote were still to come.
Is Andy's Frozen Custard publicly traded?
The Springfield Daily Citizen describes the company as privately held, so it does not file public financial reports.
Sources
- Springfield Daily Citizen: Andy's Frozen Custard CEO explains company's $32M bond proposal (June 2026) · Title, bond request, headquarters plan, Kansas City stores; hero photo whose caption names Andy Kuntz
- Springfield Daily Citizen: Andy's Frozen Custard rethinks HQ plans amid rising costs (May 2026) · Current headquarters, 2022 site purchase, cost increases, alternatives considered
- 417 Magazine: Andy Kuntz on 40 Years of Andy's Frozen Custard · Title, quality and leadership quotes
- Franchise Times: Andy's Frozen Custard Sales Grew 30 Percent in 2023, Top 400 Data Reports (2024) · 2023 sales, ranking and unit figures; quotes on quality and pace
- Tampa Bay Beacons: Andy's Frozen Custard settles into St. Pete (May 3, 2026) · CEO title, 182 locations in 15 states, Tampa Bay expansion
Facts were read from the linked pages on November 2, 2026. Titles and counts are as of the dates shown and may have changed. The hero photo is a solo portrait of Kuntz from the Springfield Daily Citizen article above, whose caption names him; it is cropped to the page format. This page covers public professional information only.
Top photo: David Stoeffler / Springfield Daily Citizen