FIVE GUYS
Five Guys operates fast-casual restaurants specializing in fresh-made hamburgers, french fries, and related accompaniments prepared according to proprietary recipes, ingredients, standards, and procedures. The franchise business model involves granting rights to franchisees to develop and operate one or more restaurants using the Five Guys System, including distinctive branding, decor, training, and supply requirements, typically under Development Agreements for multi-unit territories. The target market includes consumers seeking high-quality, customizable fast-casual American-style dining in retail shopping centers, urban locations, and select non-traditional venues like airports and arenas.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
6% royalty + 2% creative fund
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How FIVE GUYS Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher investment than 81% of Fast Food franchises
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
FIVE GUYS Current | $256K - $591K | $25K | 6.0% | 924 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2023)
Outlets by state across the United States
+32 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for FIVE GUYS franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a FIVE GUYS franchise?
The total initial investment to open a FIVE GUYS franchise ranges from $256,200 to $591,250. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 6.0% of gross sales.
How many FIVE GUYS franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, FIVE GUYS has 924 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2002.
Can you get an SBA loan for a FIVE GUYS franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for FIVE GUYS franchises. Historical data shows 74 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for FIVE GUYS franchisees, with an average loan amount of $983,168. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is FIVE GUYS a good franchise to buy?
FIVE GUYS shows several positive indicators: established brand with 924+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in FIVE GUYS?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if FIVE GUYS is the right fit for you.
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