Five Guys has been a Washington, DC area favourite since 1986 when the Murrell family began serving only hand-formed burgers cooked to perfection on a grill along with fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil. The little burger joint quickly developed a cult-like following. Press paid attention. Customers voted the burger”#1″ in the metro area.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s the Murrell family perfected their simple system and four more restaurants with sit-down seating were added to accommodate the growing clientele.
Early in 2003 they began offering franchise opportunities and, in just under 18 months, Five Guys Enterprises sold options for over 300 units.
Now, over 20 years after Five Guys first opened, there are over 1,000 locations nationwide and over 1500 units in development. Five Guys continues to receive media attention and has grown a cult-like following around the world – and looks set to expand in the UK, with Sir Charles Dunstone (founder of Carphone Warehouse) looking to import Five Guys into London and across the country.
Five Guys will join a number of ‘quality’ burger chains opening in the UK, with Shake Shack also set to open in Covent Garden next year.