Over the last few weeks the fast casual burger chain Five Guys has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. On X (or Twitter for those of us who remember the pre-Musk times) someone posted a copy of a receipt to the restaurant that they felt was excessive.
According to the photo of the receipt, the person in question ordered a bacon cheeseburger, a soft drink and a small french fries for a total of $24.10. That includes a $2.19 tip so the meal itself was $21.91. Response was swift and overwhelmingly negative.
Most people seemed to think almost $25 for a bacon cheeseburger was highway robbery and that a Five Guys burger isn't worth that. They also commented that the chain's prices in general are “out of control” and that the amount on the receipt is just too much money.
My response to all this? When was the last time any of you went to a freakin' Five Guys?
The burgers made by Five Guys are the best you can get and worth every penny.
Five Guys prices are out of control.
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) March 1, 2024
$24 for one person
Source: Reddit pic.twitter.com/wcXgbjGnI4
I've been going to Five Guys for years and I can tell you from first hand experience that their prices have always been on the steep side. Regular customers will tell you the same. Yes, if you go to Five Guys for lunch it is not going to be a cheap meal.
And you know what? We're just fine with that. Because the product you are getting is so superior to other burgers you could get that it makes the cost worth it. And it's not even close.
A Five Guys burger is fresh made. And not “frozen and then thrown on a grill” fresh made like McDonald's. No, it is a fresh beef patty that only hits the grill when you order it. It makes for a burger that tastes like something you would get at a summer barbecue.
The toppings are all fresh too. And you can mix and match as many as you want at no additional cost. Want extra mayo, grilled onions and pickles? Done. Ketchup, tomatoes and raw onions? Done. And again, their fresh.
Then you have the fries. There is a sign in each Five Guys that tells you WHERE THE POTATOES CAME FROM! They are local, fresh cut (there's that word "fresh" again) that day and you always get a mess of extra fries in the bottom of your bag.
Now compare that to your typical Burger King or McDonald's value meal and I dare say you will agree that the price difference not only makes sense but is completely worth it.
Five Guys is easily one of the best fast casual burgers you can have. Does it cost more? Yes, but generally the better things in life do. If you're so worried about price go through the Taco Bell drive-thru. The rest of us will continue to appreciate the greatness of Five Guys with a smile on our face.
What do you think Guilty Eaters? Are you a Five Guys fan? Leave a comment on social media and let us know or join the conversation on our Facebook.