Five Guys

Jerry and Janie Murrell guided the Murrell family to serve hand-formed burgers and fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil, leading to the founding of Five Guys.

Fuddruckers, a 'better burger' chain, was founded in 1980, preceding the rise of Five Guys and other similar chains in the mid-2000s.

On November 5, 1986, the first Five Guys location opened its doors, marking the beginning of the popular burger and fries chain.

Between 1986 and 2001, Five Guys expanded its presence by opening five locations in the Washington, DC metro-area.

Tyler Murrell, the youngest son of Jerry Murrell, was born in 1987. He later became part of the 'Five Guys' team as the business expanded.

The second Five Guys restaurant opened in 1989, marking the beginning of the chain's expansion. The family's commitment to quality and simplicity in their menu remained unchanged.

In 1998, Five Guys opened its first location, marking the beginning of its journey in the fast-food industry.

In the early 2000s, Five Guys began selling franchises, expanding their reach beyond the DC metro-area to Virginia and Maryland.

Five Guy's restaurant was listed in ZAGAT in September 2001, recognizing their business of making burgers.

In November 2002, Five Guys introduced the 'Five Guys Sharing' initiative, showcasing their commitment to growth and community engagement.

Five Guys expands their burger franchise from the DC metro-area to Virginia and Maryland, allowing residents in those states to enjoy their burgers.

Jerry and Janie, along with the original 'five guys', start offering franchise opportunities for the Five Guys brand.

Within 18 months of operation, Five Guys sold out of franchise territory, paving the way for further expansion.

In 2009, President Obama visited Five Guys for a cheeseburger, attracting media attention. Golfer Phil Mickelson also praised Five Guys, calling it the best burger he had ever had.

Five Guys achieved a significant milestone by selling over 300 units within a short period of time, showcasing their rapid growth and popularity.

On November 7, 2011, Five Guys had over 800 locations nationwide and 1500 units in development, showcasing its remarkable growth in just over two decades.

The Five Guys restaurant at the intersection of King and North Beauregard Streets in Alexandria, Virginia, closed on September 21, 2013, marking the end of its operation at that site.

By 2016, Five Guys had established over 1,700 locations worldwide, with 1,300 more in development, making it one of the fastest-growing fast food chains in the United States.

In March 2017, Five Guys opened a location at Disneyland Paris' Disney Village, expanding its presence to a popular tourist destination.

By 2018, Five Guys had over 1,500 locations worldwide with an additional 1,500 locations under development. The franchise's success has been remarkable in the competitive fast food market.

On September 24, 2020, the first Five Guys location with a drive-through window opened in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, adapting to COVID-19 safety practices.

In September 2021, Five Guys opened its first location in Australia, with plans for further expansion into New Zealand.

In November 2022, Five Guys announced the relocation of their headquarters to the Carlyle neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia.

Five Guys opened its first store in South Korea in Gangnam, Seoul, on June 26, 2023, marking their entry into the Korean market.

Exploring the origins and growth of the Five Guys franchise, including its ownership details and expansion journey.