Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich boosts Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opening with last meal on the outside

WICHITA — The Chick-fil-A opening at Central and Rock may be huge news here today, but the new Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Littleton, Colo., has unintentionally pulled off the best opening-week publicity stunt.

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich ate his final meal there before heading for a 14-year prison stay following corruption convictions. Federal Correctional Institution Englewood is a couple of miles from Freddy’s.

“I’m not sure if he had a Chicago dog,” says Freddy’s partner Scott Redler. “That’s the big question.”

Actually, Blagojevich had the patty melt.

There was something of an impromptu press conference with Blagojevich as reporters gathered around him as he dined. Redler says helicopters circled overhead.

It’s not clear if media ate, too.

Even Redler is a bit surprised that, of all the restaurants where Blagojevich could eat his final meal on the outside, he chose Freddy’s.

It might lead to a new strategy for the Wichita-based chain.

“We think prisons are really our new target market,” Redler says. “Have a last meal at Freddy’s.”

This story was originally published March 15, 2012 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich boosts Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opening with last meal on the outside."