Five Guys’ secret unfolded!
With hard work and a delicious burger to serve to the American public, Five Guys Burgers and Fries is quickly becoming one the fastest growing fast food chains in this country. What’s their secret and just who are those five guys? Read on and find out!
Success built virtually from scratch
If you are familiar with the red-and-white checkers, complimentary peanuts while waiting, stacks of potatoes in front of the dining customers, and most of all, freshly-made delicious burgers and fries, then you’ve been to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. It all started in 1986 when a married couple, Jerry and Janie Murrell, built a simple burger shack. Around that time, the couple had four sons — Matt, Jim, Chad and Ben. The name Five Guys came from the couples’ four boys, plus their dad, Jerry. Two years later, the Murrells had a fifth son named Tyler, so Jerry was instantly out of the picture, at least as far as the restaurant’s name was concerned.
In the next fifteen years, Five Guys Burgers And Fries had stores in five locations scattered throughout the DC metro area. Jerry Murrell initially disliked the idea of franchising their brand for fear of compromising the quality of their product. But eventually he and his company started to sell franchises in the early 2000’s. Murrell has maintained that Five Guys only accepts franchisees that are financially stable and can manage and survive through the challenges of the businesses without the aid of banks. Five Guys’ began franchising restaurants in Virginia and Maryland. In just a matter of months, Five Guys rapidly expanded, first throughout the Northeast with about 300 stores. By 2012, the chain has continued its expansion, with stores in over 1000 locations operating in 47-plus states, and also in neighboring Canada.
The Murrell’s own “five guys” in their burger empire
Presently, all of the Murrell’s own “five guys” are now involved in the company. Matt and Jim visit and oversee the stores throughout the country. Chad is in charge of training the chain’s personnel. Ben is responsible of selecting the franchisees. With Tyler overseeing the bakery arm of the business.
Despite many critics’ claims that its meals are unhealthy, Five Guys insists that its menu is trans-fat free. The restaurant chain, despite its continuous expansion and success, remains steadfast in maintaining their food and services in top quality. Its cult following and devoted customer base, awards and citations, as well as consistency in food surveys seem to tell us that Five Guys may be the best burger company to hang out with after all.