Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Five Guys was first launched in the Washington, D.C. area as a regional restaurant concept specializing in hand-formed burgers on the grill and fresh-cut potatoes fried in peanut oil. The first Five Guys location was opened by Jerry Murrell and family in Arlington, Va., in 1986. For two decades, the family grew in the D.C. area, adding three more locations.

In 2003, the family began franchising the concept with Fransmart, and in less than two years, Five Guys Enterprises sold options for more than 300 units. The franchise operation has grown to include almost 1,500 locations across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Key Data: Five Guys

Headquarters: Lorton, Va.

Segment: Fast casual

Restaurant segment: LSR Burger

Number of U.S. locations: 1,400

2020 Sales: $1.6 billion

Annual Growth:

Source: Datassential Firefly 500

CEO: Jerry Murrell

Parent: Five Guys Enterprises LLC