Five Guys is a big name in the fast food game, but have you ever wondered why it costs as much as it does?
One X user recently shared their shock online after shelling out $20 for a meal.
"I will not go back to 5 guys, yes I love their burgers and fries however paying $20 plus for a burger, fries and drink is robbery," they wrote. "I’ll go to a sit down restaurant and be waited on instead."
It’s no secret that Five Guys sits at the pricier end of the fast food spectrum, but CEO Jerry Murrell believes the higher cost is justified - and rooted in quality.
Speaking to Inc Magazine, Murrell explained that pricing at Five Guys is tied directly to supplier costs. “Our food prices fluctuate,” he said. “We do not base our price on anything but margins.
“We raise our prices to reflect whatever our food costs are. So, if the mayonnaise guy triples his price, we pay triple for the mayonnaise! And then we'll increase the price of our product.”
Murrell’s business, named after his five sons, has been serving up burgers since 1986. Today, there are nearly 1,700 Five Guys locations worldwide, with another 1,500 in development - a clear sign that people are still willing to pay a premium for those patties.
But if you’re feeling the pinch and hoping for a break, there’s some good news - at least for U.S. customers. Earlier this year, Five Guys introduced a new budget-friendly option: the Classic Combo.
Being trialled at 177 restaurants across the States, the combo includes a Little Burger or Little Cheeseburger, a Little Fry (regular or Cajun), and a 16-ounce drink - all for $12.99.
“Our loyal fans have requested a combo from us for a long time, and we are ready to give them this gift leading up to our 40th anniversary,” Murrell announced. “By testing the concept now, we can gauge customer response and refine our offering before an official launch.”
Murrell, known for his customer-first approach, has always emphasized that Five Guys puts its money where it matters most: in the food.
“Treat that person right, he'll walk out the door and sell for you,” he told Inc Magazine. “From the beginning, I wanted people to know that we put all our money into the food.
“That's why the décor is so simple - red and white tiles. We don't spend our money on décor. Or on guys in chicken suits. But we'll go overboard on food.”
Also, if we're being honest, the extra fries in the bag are great.