Why is Five Guys So Expensive? (ANSWERED)

Share This Post

Why is Five Guys So Expensive – Five Guys Burgers and Fries is a fast-food chain that was founded in 1986 in Virginia by Jerry and Janie Murrell and their sons. Today, it has over 1,700 locations worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow. The restaurant’s focus on quality ingredients and customizable burgers has made it a favorite among burger lovers.

However, some customers wonder why their meals are more expensive than those of other fast-food chains. In this article, we’ll explore ten reasons why Five Guys are so expensive.

10 Reasons Why Five Guys Are So Expensive

Why Are Five Guys So Expensive

They Take Good Care of Their Employees

Five Guys is known for providing above-average wages and benefits to its employees. The restaurant pays its employees $9-$15 an hour, which is higher than the minimum wage in most states. It also provides health insurance, paid vacation, and 401(k) plans.

These benefits contribute to the high prices of their meals.

They Have A Freezer Policy

One of the reasons why Five Guys’ burgers taste so fresh is that they don’t use frozen beef. They have a “no freezer” policy and only use fresh, never frozen beef for their burgers.

This means that they have to order fresh meat daily, which is more expensive than buying in bulk and freezing it.

They Use Healthier (and Costlier) Oils

Five Guys uses peanut oil for cooking, which is a healthier alternative to vegetable oil. Peanut oil is also more expensive than other oils, which contributes to the higher prices of their food.

Portions Are Much Larger

Compared to other fast-food chains, Five Guys’ portions are significantly larger. A regular-sized burger comes with two patties, and their large fries can feed up to four people. This generous portion size contributes to the higher prices of their meals.

Everything Is Made to Order

One of the unique features of Five Guys is that everything is made to order. This means that customers can customize their burgers and toppings to their liking. However, it also means that the restaurant has to employ more staff and use more resources to prepare each order, contributing to higher prices.

You Can Get Free Toppings

Why is Five Guys So Expensive

Five Guys offers a range of free toppings, including lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard. However, they also offer premium toppings, such as bacon and jalapenos, which come at an additional cost.

All Packaging Is Disposable

Five Guys uses only disposable packaging, including cups, straws, and bags. This is both convenient for customers and hygienic for the restaurant, but it also adds to the cost of each meal.

Franchisees Have to Pay a Percentage of the Sales

Five Guys is a franchise-based business, which means that each location is independently owned and operated. However, franchisees have to pay a percentage of their sales to the parent company, which contributes to the higher prices.

Employees are Rigorously Trained

Five Guys has a rigorous training program for its employees, which includes over 250,000 possible burger combinations. The restaurant wants to ensure that its staff can handle any customer’s order and deliver a high-quality product, which contributes to the cost of each meal.

Five Guys Branding Is Expensive

Five Guys has invested heavily in branding and marketing, which has helped it become one of the most recognizable fast-food chains in the world. This investment contributes to the higher prices of their meals.

Why Are Five Guys Called Five Guys?

Why is Five Guys So Expensive

Finally, let’s answer the question of why Five Guys are called Five Guys. The restaurant was named after Jerry and Janie Murrell’s five sons: Jim, Matt, Chad, Ben, and Tyler. When the Murrells started the business in 1986, they gave their sons the option of going to college or starting a business.

The five boys chose to start a business, and the family opened their first restaurant together. The name “Five Guys” was a natural choice, given the restaurant’s origins as a family business.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Five Guys’ higher prices are the result of a combination of factors, including high-quality ingredients, larger portions, customization, and investment in employees and branding. Five Guys has also differentiated itself from other fast-food chains by using fresh, never frozen beef, offering free toppings, and having a no-freezer policy.

While some customers may balk at the higher prices, others see it as a fair trade-off for higher-quality food and better employee benefits.

Ultimately, whether or not Five Guys’ prices are worth it is a matter of personal opinion, but there’s no denying that the chain’s popularity and success have only continued to grow over the years.

 


Share This Post