Five Guys Burgers & Fries decided it was time to franchise their concept in 2003, and sold an eye-popping 300 franchises in only 18 months. And it did all that without any paid advertising, relying instead on word-of-mouth.
Its menu features cooked-to-order hand-shaped burgers that can be enhanced with any or all of its 15 free toppings, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and veggie sandwiches. The only side available is the company’s fresh-cut fries. It’s also known for its complimentary in-shell roasted peanuts – and lots of signage to warn those who might be allergic.
Founded by Janie and Jerry Murrell (and eventually including all five of their sons: Jim, Matt, Chad, Ben, and Tyler) in the suburbs of Washington, DC in 1986 and franchising since 2003, the company currently claims “over 1,600” locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, which is more than the “over 1,500” previously referenced in the company’s media fact sheet.
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