The Success Story of Five Guys Burgers and Fries

How many people do you know that have eaten a hamburger this week? Are you one of them? Are you a hamburger connoisseur?

If you are a burger gourmand, you have likely been to Five Guys Burgers and Fries at least once. And if you are a fan of quality, fresh ingredients, never-frozen meat, simple menus and classic flavors, you've probably been to Five Guys more than once. This burger joint has won numerous awards for best burger around the country, with many of them coming from the area from which Five Guys originated: Virginia and Maryland.

However, if you are one of those folks who is concerned about fat and calorie intake, you may be familiar with the article published by Men's Health magazine in which Five Guys' burgers were rated as very unhealthy and their large order of fries was ranked as the 4th least healthy food in America. In fact, did you know that the bacon cheeseburger at Five Guys has about 920 calories?

But all issues of taste and health aside, Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a relatively modern, American fast food success story. As they have stuck to their commitment to quality, real ingredients and a simple approach, their popularity has skyrocketed.

The first Five Guys Burgers and Fries was opened in Arlington, Virginia in 1986 by the Murell family. Janie and Jerry Murell had four sons when they opened their restaurant, but soon had another son. Today, the five sons are the 'Five Guys'. Within five years of opening their first store, the Murells had opened four more in the D.C. area and were building a dedicated following.

It appeared that a desire for a high-quality, perfectly prepared burger trumped concerns about fat and calorie intake. Indeed, fans of Five Guys became such a dedicated group that you could easily compare them to the dedicated acolytes of In-n-Out Burger.

In 2002, the Murell family decided that they had a responsibility to allow other parts of the country access to their meaty creations, so they began to franchise in the Virginia and Maryland area. Within eighteen months, they tapped out the geographical area and began to spread across the nation. Why such success, despite a relatively high price when compared to other fast food outlets?

For starters, the Murell family chose a simple and successful formula: make good food with good ingredients. With this foundation and with solid, modern marketing Five Guys has enjoyed great success. For an example of this marketing, step into your nearest Five Guys and look around. The decor is somewhat retro, reminiscent of a simpler time. This resonates with patrons.

The simpleness of the menu is also appealing: there are no fancy tricks or combos. Thus, the focus appears to be on food, rather than on gimmicks.

This simple, somewhat retro model is working well. Five Guys Burgers and Fries now has over 625 locations in more than 40 states, as well as in 4 Canadian provinces. Their growth has been exponential and shows little sign of stopping. If you live in the U.S., you probably have a Five Guys near you. So the next time you drive by their red trim, or walk into their restaurant, remember that you may be witnessing history; as this burger joint may just become the next big thing.