Five Guys Burgers and Fries has become a global phenomenon, known for its tasty food and iconic 50s diner aesthetic. But there's a pressing question on everyone's mind: why does a trip to Five Guys break the bank? Today, we’re diving into the truth behind the price tag at Five Guys. After reading, head down to the comments and let us know what other pricey foods you'd like to hear about.
The Rise of Five Guys
Between 2010 and 2011, Five Guys was the fastest-growing fast-food chain, with a 32.8% increase in sales. Today, there are nearly 1,700 locations worldwide, with more on the horizon. However, despite its popularity, Five Guys has been criticized for its high prices, especially by its target demographic—millennials. While competitors like Burger King, Hardee’s, In-N-Out, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s offer burgers for under $4, a single patty burger at Five Guys costs around $8.89. Their most expensive burger, the bacon cheeseburger, is $13.09, which is almost $3 more than McDonald’s double bacon Quarter Pounder with cheese.
The Birth of Five Guys
To understand the pricing, we need to go back to the beginning. In 1986, Jerry and Janie Murrell opened the first Five Guys restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, using $70,000 they had saved for their son’s college education. Jerry and his sons, Matt, Jim, Chad, and Ben, became the “Five Guys” on the sign. Two years later, their fifth son, Tyler, was born, and Jerry decided the restaurant would be named after his five sons.
From the start, Five Guys focused on freshness. Their buns were made daily by a local bakery, the burger patties were hand-formed, and the ingredients were never frozen. This commitment to quality, along with their signature French fries cooked in peanut oil, garnered a cult following.
Expansion and Popularity
Between 1988 and 2001, the Murrells opened four more Five Guys restaurants around the Washington, D.C. area. They struck a deal with Mark Moseley, a former Washington Redskins kicker, to handle franchising while the Murrells focused on food. This partnership was incredibly successful, and within 18 months, Five Guys sold out of franchise territory in Maryland and Virginia.
In 2009, then-President Barack Obama gave the chain some free publicity by making an unscheduled stop at a D.C. location and ordering several meals for his staff. This media exposure helped boost the brand’s popularity even more.
The Secret to Success
Despite their success, Five Guys has remained committed to their original business model. The menu is simple: burgers, fries, hot dogs, and a few other options. However, there are over 250,000 possible topping combinations, making ordering anything but simple. The restaurant also offers a secret menu with items like cheese fries and patty melts.
Five Guys was the first burger chain to adopt the Coca-Cola freestyle machine in 2011, allowing customers to create their fountain drink combinations.
The Cost of Freshness
So why is Five Guys so expensive? One major reason is their commitment to fresh ingredients. All their food is shipped fresh and stored in coolers, not freezers. This adds significant costs, as fresh food is more expensive than frozen. Another reason is their portion sizes. Five Guys are known for their generous servings of fries and toppings, which increases the overall cost.
The peanut oil used to cook their fries is more expensive than the canola oil used by other fast food chains. Additionally, location and market changes can affect prices. A bacon burger in Vermont may be cheaper than one in California due to cost of living differences.
Finally, Five Guys invests heavily in their employees. They undergo rigorous training and are offered benefits like retirement savings, health insurance, and bonuses. According to Jerry Murrell, Five Guys would rather raise prices than sacrifice quality.
Conclusion
Five Guys may be pricey, but it’s because they prioritize freshness and quality over cost-cutting measures. So next time you visit, load up on those free toppings and enjoy a meal that’s worth every penny.
What do you think? Is Five Guys premium fast food or just overpriced grub? Let us know in the comments below!