1986
1400
$306,000
$25,000
$641,000
No
The Five Guys franchise is one of the most recognized names in the fast-casual restaurant industry, celebrated for its fresh, made-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries, and old-fashioned milkshakes. Established as a family-run business with a simple vision—to serve high-quality burgers without compromise—Five Guys quickly grew from a single restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, to a global powerhouse with thousands of units across North America and beyond.
Known for its no-freezer policy and commitment to premium ingredients, the brand has built an unwavering reputation for consistency, authenticity, and customer loyalty. Its open kitchen concept, generous portions, and focus on freshness set it apart from typical fast-food chains. With a strong presence in the USA and over 1,700 locations worldwide, Five Guys continues to expand strategically, maintaining the quality and culture that made it a fan favorite. For aspiring franchisees, this represents not just an investment—but an entry into an iconic American story.
Why Invest in the Five Guys Franchise?
Investing in a Five Guys franchise means partnering with a globally recognized and trusted name in the fast-casual burger segment. The brand has built its dominance by maintaining simplicity—limited menu, premium ingredients, and consistent operations.
Key reasons to invest include:
Strong Brand Power: Five Guys enjoys a cult following with proven customer loyalty and brand recall.
Premium Product Offering: 100% fresh beef, never frozen, and customizable burgers that appeal to modern diners.
Proven Business Model: Streamlined operations, efficient layout, and consistent quality control drive strong unit economics.
Global Demand: With established markets in the USA, UK, Canada, and the Middle East, expansion opportunities continue to grow.
Resilient Industry Segment: The fast-casual burger category continues to thrive in both dine-in and delivery formats.
Established Year: 1986
Founders: Jerry Murrell and his sons (Jim, Matt, Chad, Ben, and Tyler Murrell)
Headquarters: Lorton, Virginia, USA
Franchise Units: Over 1,700 locations worldwide (with more than 1,400 in the USA)
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining / Burger & Fries Segment
The Five Guys story began in 1986 when Jerry and Janie Murrell offered their four sons a choice: go to college or start a business. They chose the latter—and Five Guys was born. The first restaurant opened in Arlington, Virginia, serving hand-formed burgers and fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil.
The Murrell family focused on quality over gimmicks, crafting a straightforward menu with only burgers, fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes—each made with premium, never-frozen ingredients. Their “no freezer, no shortcuts” philosophy became the cornerstone of the brand’s identity.
By 2002, the company had five successful locations in the D.C. metro area and decided to franchise. The response was immediate and overwhelming—within 18 months, over 300 franchise agreements were signed. Five Guys’ simple, consistent approach and cult-like customer following fueled one of the fastest expansions in American restaurant history.
Today, Five Guys operates across all 50 U.S. states and in international markets such as Canada, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite its global presence, the company remains family-owned and privately held, ensuring that its founding values—freshness, integrity, and customer satisfaction—remain at the heart of every franchise.
Five Guys continues to rank among America’s favorite burger brands, earning accolades like:
“Best Burger in America” by Harris Poll
#1 Fast Casual Burger Brand by Market Force Information
Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and QSR Magazine as one of the top-performing franchise systems in the fast-casual space
Five Guys offers comprehensive franchise support designed to ensure long-term success and brand consistency. From the moment you join, franchisees benefit from the company’s established infrastructure and ongoing operational expertise.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site selection assistance and demographic analysis
Restaurant design, layout, and construction guidance
Vendor and supply chain setup
Initial marketing and PR launch support
Training Program:
Extensive hands-on training for franchise owners and key managers
Operations and brand standards training at Five Guys University
In-store training at certified company-owned restaurants
Ongoing Support:
Continuous field operations and performance evaluation
National and regional marketing campaigns
Updated brand assets, digital tools, and technology integration
Regular R&D innovations and new product updates
Five Guys’ training emphasizes operational excellence, quality control, and customer experience—ensuring every franchise delivers the same signature Five Guys experience across all markets.
The Five Guys franchise model is designed for passionate entrepreneurs who value operational excellence, premium quality, and strong customer relationships. This is not just a business opportunity—it’s an invitation to join a globally respected brand that thrives on simplicity, consistency, and community engagement.
The ideal Five Guys franchisee is a hands-on operator who is deeply involved in daily operations and committed to maintaining the brand’s high standards. The company seeks partners who share its belief in doing things “the right way,” not the easy way.
Strong Business Acumen: Prior experience in managing or owning a business, preferably in the restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry.
Operational Involvement: A willingness to be actively engaged in day-to-day operations, staff training, and customer experience to ensure consistent quality.
Financial Strength:
Minimum net worth of $1.5 million
Minimum liquid capital of $500,000 per location
Capability to develop and manage multiple units over time
Commitment to Quality: Passion for food made from scratch, focus on cleanliness, and delivering the same high-quality service across all locations.
Leadership & Team Skills: Ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff while maintaining an inclusive, high-performance work culture.
Customer-Centric Mindset: Genuine care for guests, focus on hospitality, and ability to build long-term customer loyalty.
Community Engagement: Franchisees who understand the importance of being involved locally—sponsoring events, supporting schools, and creating a welcoming neighborhood presence.
Five Guys continues to expand strategically across the United States, with priority given to:
High-traffic urban centers and shopping districts
University towns and business hubs with consistent lunch and dinner crowds
Suburban family neighborhoods with steady community engagement
Mixed-use developments and lifestyle centers that align with the brand’s fast-casual dining appeal
Five Guys looks for franchisees who see beyond profit margins—those who value brand integrity, customer trust, and long-term growth. Ideal candidates understand that success in this franchise is built through consistency, attention to detail, and genuine care for people.
The Five Guys franchise investment is structured for serious entrepreneurs with strong financial capabilities and a passion for high-quality food operations. The brand’s established reputation, simple menu, and loyal customer base contribute to solid returns and sustainable long-term growth. Below is a detailed breakdown of the financial requirements and projections for opening a Five Guys location in the United States:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 | One-time fee granting franchise rights and access to brand systems. |
| Total Initial Investment | $306,000 – $641,000 | Includes all setup costs—construction, equipment, training, and launch. |
| Liquid Capital Required | $500,000 | Minimum cash liquidity needed for operational and startup expenses. |
| Minimum Net Worth | $1,500,000 | Required financial capacity to sustain multi-unit operations. |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales | Ongoing fee for brand usage, operational support, and resources. |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales | Contribution to national and regional marketing campaigns. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $75,000 – $200,000 | Site build-out, design, signage, and interior fit-out costs. |
| Equipment, Fixtures & Furniture | $200,000 – $400,000 | Includes kitchen equipment, seating, counters, and POS systems. |
| Training & Opening Support | $40,000 – $75,000 | Initial franchisee and staff training, opening assistance, and materials. |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $20,000 | First order of food, beverages, and packaging supplies. |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $50,000 – $100,000 | Cash flow buffer for operations during ramp-up period. |
| Franchise Term | 10 years (renewable) | Standard franchise agreement term. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% | Depending on location, performance, and operational efficiency. |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months | Average time to recover the initial investment. |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | $1.2M – $1.6M annually | Estimated sales based on system-wide performance. |
Franchisees are encouraged to open multiple units, as Five Guys offers exclusive territory options for qualified investors.
Financing assistance may be available through approved lenders familiar with the brand’s model.
The brand maintains strong resale value and high franchise satisfaction ratings, reflecting consistent profitability across mature markets.
With a proven track record of high sales per unit and operational simplicity, the Five Guys franchise represents a powerful investment in the thriving fast-casual burger category—balancing strong financial returns with enduring brand strength.
