Its first location, on La Brea Avenue in Inglewood, California, was opened by George Foster in 1946 and is still operating.

[6] George Foster moved to California after World War II to open outlets for Dairy Queen, since he owned the development rights in the state.

[10][11] In 2002, 163 El Pollo Loco locations sold Fosters Freeze products, and their overall sales increased by three to six percent.

[12] The historical significance of Fosters Freeze restaurants attracts patrons and has united community members to preserve them.

In 2006, residents of Menlo Park presented their city council a petition with about 400 signatures to prevent the demolition of their local Fosters,[13] although it finally closed in 2015.