Five Guys announces plans to expand with 140 new burger joints across the UK

Five Guys, the upscale burger chain, has announced plans to double its number of restaurants in the UK to 300 in the coming years.

In an interview, Chief Executive John Eckbert stated that the American-owned company, popular among figures like former President Barack Obama and singer Adele, is only halfway through its expansion in the UK. Currently, they operate around 160 locations in the country.

Compared to competitors such as McDonald’s and Burger King, Five Guys burgers are priced at £21, making them significantly more expensive. Additionally, the menu at Five Guys is considerably smaller.

Five Guys charges about £21 for a burger, milkshake and fries, making it significantly more expensive than rivals such as McDonald’s and Burger King

Five Guys was founded in 1986 in Virginia by the Murrell family, who still own the business. They launched their first UK branch in London’s Covent Garden in 2013.

Eckbert expressed satisfaction with the success of the British business so far and revealed plans to expand into airports and train stations. The company also aims to open more drive-thrus after a successful launch in Teesside, which “broke every record for first-week sales,” according to Eckbert.

Although drive-thrus are traditionally American, the pandemic has fueled a desire among many Brits to have meals served directly to their cars, as they prefer not to leave their vehicles.

Eckbert added that the UK has warmly embraced Five Guys, with even popstar Adele professing her craving for their burgers during a concert at the O2 Arena in 2016.

New Five Guys locations are set to open in Lincoln, Barton Mills in Suffolk, Bolton in Greater Manchester in October, and at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet near Ellesmere Port in November.