Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Five Guys is a globally recognized fast-casual restaurant chain that traces its roots back to 1986 in Arlington, Virginia. Founded by Jerry and Janie Murrell along with their sons, the brand was built on a simple philosophy of serving high-quality, hand-formed burgers and fresh-cut fries cooked in pure peanut oil. What began as a single carry-out shop expanded into a regional favorite before launching a massive franchising effort in 2003, which propelled the brand into international markets.

In terms of manufacturing and sourcing, Five Guys operates with a decentralized but strictly controlled supply chain. Because the brand maintains a 'never frozen' policy, beef and produce are sourced locally or regionally to each restaurant to ensure freshness. For example, in North America, beef is typically sourced from a network of US and Canadian ranchers, while buns are baked fresh at regional bakeries five days a week using a proprietary recipe. This commitment to fresh, non-frozen ingredients means that 'manufacturing' occurs daily within the kitchens of each individual restaurant location across the globe.

As of 2026, Five Guys remains a privately held company primarily owned and operated by the Murrell family through Five Guys Enterprises, LLC. Despite its massive global footprint—spanning nearly 2,000 locations in approximately 30 countries—the brand has resisted the traditional path of a public offering or selling to a large food conglomerate. The original 'Five Guys' (the Murrell sons) continue to lead various aspects of the business, from bakery operations to franchise development, maintaining the family-run culture that defines the brand.