Five Guys owner explained why it costs so much after 'out of control' receipt went viral
The business is popular in the UK despite customers complaining about burger prices
While one foodie CEO may be taking bites of their ‘product’ another one has long faced backlash for their bites being pricey.
I mean, it really can feel like your splashing out half a food shop to pay for a meal at Five Guys. But I guess that comes down to if you see it as a low-level restaurant meal or expensive fast-food.
Posts often go viral of customers complaining about ‘out of control’ receipts (with a shed load of fries) as they can’t believe they’re spending so much money at the famous burger chain.
And CEO Jerry Murrell stands by it, having explained just how the pricing works at Five Guys. The US-born business has been in his family since back in 1986 and named for Jerry and wife Janie’s five sons.
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But sure, a family story is all nice and whatever but people aren’t thinking of that when they’re set back £18.58 ($24.10) for a meal for one.
Taking to X to lash out, the customer explained was left stunned by how much a Bacon Cheeseburger, small portion of fries and a regular soda had cost.
The burger made up the majority of the bill, coming in at £9.83 ($12.49), while the chips were £4.08 ($5.19) and the drink £2.27 ($2.89).
They added: "I was expecting about $12 to $15 per person for Five Guys. $22 (without tip) just seems to cross a line. What is the right amount these days?"
While there’s no denying Five Guys is pricey compared to other fast-food and burger chains, Jerry reckons their prices are justifiable.
"Our food prices fluctuate," the CEO previously told Inc Magazine. "We do not base our price on anything but margins.
"We raise our prices to reflect whatever our food costs are. So, if the mayonnaise guy triples his price, we pay triple for the mayonnaise!
"And then we'll increase the price of our product."
But he does make a point of listening to his diners, as he reckons the ‘best salesman is our customer’.
"Treat that person right, he'll walk out the door and sell for you," Jerry added.
"From the beginning, I wanted people to know that we put all our money into the food.
"That's why the décor is so simple -- red and white tiles. We don't spend our money on décor. Or on guys in chicken suits. But we'll go overboard on food."
Even if people are moaning about the prices pretty often, there’s no denying Five Guys is popular. In the UK alone there is over 180 restaurants knocking about.
Well, anyone got a spare £20 they can lend me for lunch?
Topics: Five Guys, Food And Drink
Jess Battison