Five Guys Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Five Guys is a fast-casual burger restaurant franchise known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries, offering a simple menu with high-quality ingredients and a customizable burger experience.

Five Guys, a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain famous for its hamburgers and French fries, was founded in 1986 and began franchising in 2002. The company's headquarters are in Lorton, Virginia.

Typically, Five Guys franchises are located in retail shopping centers and other urban areas that fit the company's site selection criteria, which may also include non-traditional venues such as train stations, sports arenas, airports, and university campuses, subject to approval.

Five Guys distinguishes itself through a dedication to quality, using fresh, never frozen beef, and providing a wide variety of toppings for extensive customization of their menu items.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Leasehold Improvements $100,000 - $300,000
Lease Payments and other rental expenses $7,500 - $20,000
Equipment $55,000 - $105,000
Signage $6,500 - $20,000
Initial Inventory $10,000 - $15,000
Architectural/ Engineering $7,000 - $25,000
Electronic Cash Register System with Modem $15,000 - $25,000
Facsimile Machine $350 - $500
Travel, lodging and meals for initial training $100 - $5,000
Business Supplies $4,000 - $8,500
Business licenses, permits, utility deposits, etc. $5,000 - $15,000
Delivery and catering expenses $0 - $1,000
Insurance deposits and premiums $750 - $1,250
Additional Funds for first 3 months $20,000 - $25,000
Total $256,200 - $591,250
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Leasehold Improvements $100,000 - $300,000
Lease Payments and other rental expenses $7,500 - $20,000
Equipment $55,000 - $105,000
Signage $6,500 - $20,000
Initial Inventory $10,000 - $15,000
Architectural/ Engineering $7,000 - $25,000
Electronic Cash Register System with Modem $15,000 - $25,000
Facsimile Machine $350 - $500
Travel, lodging and meals for initial training $100 - $5,000
Business Supplies $4,000 - $8,500
Business licenses, permits, utility deposits, etc. $5,000 - $15,000
Delivery and catering expenses $0 - $1,000
Insurance deposits and premiums $750 - $1,250
Additional Funds for first 3 months $20,000 - $25,000
Total $256,200 - $591,250

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Five Guys

key competitors in the

Burger

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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899

New
+
-11%
-11%

$25,000

$256,000

$591,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training 

The franchisor offers an extensive training program for franchisees, covering crucial aspects of restaurant operations and management. The training includes:

Initial Training: Conducted at the franchisor's corporate headquarters or a designated location, this program is scheduled approximately 5 or 6 times a year, typically lasting around 2 weeks, with the possibility of extending up to 6 weeks. It covers a broad spectrum of essential topics for running the restaurant and is provided to the Operating Principal, general manager, and one assistant manager at no extra cost. Additional staff can be trained for a fee.

On-site Training: Prior to opening the first restaurant, the franchisor offers on-site pre-opening and opening training, supervision, and management assistance through a trained representative. This service is provided at no additional cost for the first restaurant, with a potential per diem fee for extra assistance or training for subsequent restaurants.

Ongoing and Remedial Training: The Operating Principal, general manager, and other key personnel are required to attend further training programs and seminars as determined by the franchisor. Instructors and training materials for these sessions are provided by the franchisor. While mandatory training incurs no fee, the franchisor may charge for additional training requested by the franchisee.

Web-Based Training and Training Video Series: The franchisor may also develop and require participation in online training programs and provide training videos. These resources are confidential and integral to maintaining high operational standards.

Territory Protection

The franchisor provides territory protection to franchisees, but the extent of this protection varies based on the specific terms outlined in the franchise and development agreements. For instance, during the term of the Franchise Agreement, provided a franchisee complies with the terms, the franchisor commits not to establish or authorize another entity to set up a restaurant within the franchisee's Primary Area of Responsibility.

This area is typically defined as the contiguous property controlled by the landlord where the restaurant is located, such as a shopping mall, strip mall, university campus, or hospital, and may be limited to the specific physical space occupied by the restaurant.

However, it is important to note that while there is some level of territorial protection, it does not necessarily grant an absolute exclusive territory free from any competition.

Competitors

Burger Village

Burger Village is an organic burger franchise offering grass-fed beef, bison, and vegan burger options with a focus on sustainability.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$484,000 - $802,000

Smalls Sliders

Smalls Sliders specializes in mini cheeseburgers made with fresh ingredients and served quickly, offering a simple yet flavorful menu in a fast-casual setting.

Franchisees

?

19
+
375%
375%
Investment

?

$1,298,000 - $1,994,000

JL Beers

JL Beers is a craft beer and burger franchise offering a casual dining experience. Franchisees benefit from a simple operating model, comprehensive training, and support in marketing and business operations.

Franchisees

?

3
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$1,223,000 - $3,308,000

Jollibee

Jollibee is a global fast-food chain known for its unique Filipino-inspired menu, offering popular items like Chickenjoy fried chicken, sweet spaghetti, and other comfort food favorites.

Franchisees

?

2
+
100%
100%
Investment

?

$1,635,000 - $4,888,000

Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay

Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay serves gourmet burgers and sides, offering a flavorful and upscale fast-casual dining experience.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$559,000 - $3,168,000

Fat Shack

Fat Shack serves a variety of indulgent sandwiches and comfort foods, offering a fun and satisfying dining experience.

Franchisees

?

24
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$183,000 - $482,000