Who Owns Five Guys?
The Murrell family. Jerry and Janie Murrell started Five Guys with their sons in 1986, and the family still owns and runs it. It is a private company that grows through franchising.
Where the name comes from
The “five guys” were Jerry Murrell and his four sons, Jim, Matt, Chad and Ben. When a fifth son, Tyler, was born a few years later, Jerry joked that he became the fifth guy instead. Jerry and Janie reportedly put the money they had saved for their sons’ college toward the restaurant, and the boys went into the business rather than to university.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1986, Arlington, Virginia |
| Founders | Jerry and Janie Murrell and their sons |
| Ownership | Private, Murrell family |
| Headquarters | Lorton, Virginia |
| Growth model | Franchising since 2003, plus company operated restaurants |
| Signature | Fresh beef, fries cut in store and cooked in peanut oil |
How Five Guys grew
For its first 17 years Five Guys stayed a small group of restaurants around Washington, D.C. It began franchising in 2003, and that is when growth took off. Franchise owners bought rights to whole regions, and Five Guys became one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in America during the 2000s, later expanding into Canada, the UK, Europe and Asia.
Has Five Guys been sold?
No. Despite its size and many acquisition rumors over the years, Five Guys remains family owned. See burger, fry and shake prices on the Five Guys menu.
Related Questions
Who owns Five Guys?
The Murrell family, who founded it in 1986. It is a private company.
Is Five Guys publicly traded?
No. Five Guys is privately owned and not listed on any stock exchange.
Who are the five guys?
Jerry Murrell and his four oldest sons. When a fifth son was born, Jerry said he became the fifth guy instead.
Is Five Guys a franchise?
Yes, in part. Five Guys began franchising in 2003, and many restaurants are run by franchisees.
Where is Five Guys headquartered?
Lorton, Virginia, not far from Arlington, where the first restaurant opened.
Has Five Guys been sold to a private equity firm?
No. Five Guys has remained family owned.
More on Five Guys
About this guide. USA Food Menu is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with Five Guys Enterprises. Company details come from public sources. See current prices on the Five Guys menu.
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