Five Guys

Five Guys Burgers and Fries launched on January 18, 1986, when Jerry Murrell opened a small stand in Arlington County, Virginia. The business operated as a single location for over a decade before expanding to five spots in the D.C. metro area by 2001. A strategic shift occurred in 2003 when the company adopted a franchise model, resulting in the sale of permits for more than 300 new locations within just eighteen months.

The chain maintains a strict policy against using frozen ingredients or freezers on-site, ensuring all beef and potatoes remain fresh daily. This approach extends to their cooking method, where hand-cut fries are fried exclusively in peanut oil. By 2026, the network had grown to include over 1,900 locations globally while retaining its family ownership structure under the Murrells.

Leadership remains concentrated within the founder's family, with Jerry Murrell continuing to oversee operations alongside his five sons. Their management style prioritizes quality control and long-term stability over rapid shareholder-driven expansion. Recent developments in August 2026 saw Canvas Worldwide appointed to handle U.S. media buying, signaling a continued focus on advertising strategies that highlight their fresh ingredient narrative. [edit]