The wait is finally over. Five Guys will open a restaurant in Portugal in 2025, and according to CEO John Eckbert, it should be in Lisbon, as the North American fast-food chain “wants to always be in iconic locations” and is looking for the perfect location.
Although many people know this and it's almost a mandatory stop in every country with a Five Guys, you probably don't know some of it. Interesting facts about the chain, from the year it was founded to the rules that must be followed in the kitchens.
1. He is about 40 years old.
The chain was founded in 1986 in Arlington, Texas, in the United States, and was created when Jerry and Janie Morell gave their children an ultimatum: “Start a business or go to college.” There were five of Jerry and his four children, giving the house its name. Two years later, the couple had a fifth son, Tyler, who is also part of the company.
In early 2003, nearly 20 years after opening its first restaurant, the brand decided to open up franchising opportunities through rapid expansion. In just 18 months, more than 300 locations were contracted. Currently, it has nearly 2,000 locations worldwide, including 270 in Europe.
2. There are thousands of ways to order a burger.
Because the Five Guys menu gives consumers the freedom to choose whatever free toppings they want, there are over 250,000 ways to order a burger. So, in addition to the standard mix of lettuce and tomato, you can add onions, grilled mushrooms, green peppers, barbecue sauce, and more.
3. There are rules to follow in kitchens.
In restaurant kitchens, only peanut oil is used. All burgers are hand-shaped and grilled, no timers allowed, as good chefs need to know when the food is ready. When assembling the burger, the onions and bacon should be placed under the meat, and the lettuce and tomatoes should be on top, according to “Delicious“
However, until 2014, the year they started introducing milkshakes to the menu, there were no refrigerators in any of the restaurants, just fridges. Customers could choose from the traditional vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors and add up to ten free toppings, ranging from Oreo cookies to bacon.
4. Barack Obama is a Five Guys fan.
Barack Obama had already had lunch at a Five Guys restaurant in Washington, D.C., and his order was a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapenos and mustard. While waiting for his order, he ate peanuts, which are usually available in restaurants.
5. Former athletes led the brand’s growth.
Former American football player Mark Mosley, now 76, went to work for Fransmart, the world's leading franchise development company, after his playing career, where he played a key role in the expansion of Five Guys.
After the burger chain ended its business relationship with Fransmart, Mark became the company's director of franchise development. Former basketball player Shaquille O'Neal owns 155 Five Guys restaurants, representing about 10 percent of all franchised locations, according to “AL.com“
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