The debate over Five Guys’ pricey menu has resurfaced once again, leaving many customers wondering: why does a burger and fries cost so much?
One disgruntled diner recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent about their bill, which came to a staggering $24.10 for a single meal.
Their order?
- Bacon Cheeseburger – $12.49
- Small Fries – $5.19
- Regular Soda – $2.89
“I was expecting about $12 to $15 per person for Five Guys. $22 (without tip) just seems to cross a line,” they wrote. “What is the right amount these days?”
While it’s no secret that Five Guys is more expensive than other fast food chains, CEO Jerry Murrell insists that the pricing is justified.
The real reason Five Guys costs more
Murrell, who founded the chain in 1986 and named it after his five sons, says the company bases its prices solely on food costs and margins.
He 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.”
With nearly 1,700 locations worldwide and another 1,500 in development, the strategy seems to be working—even if customers aren’t thrilled about it.
A budget-friendly Five Guys meal?
For those feeling the financial sting, there’s some good news—Five Guys has finally introduced a meal deal.
In January, the company began trialling a “Classic Combo” deal at 177 locations in the US, offering:
- Little Burger or Little Cheeseburger
- Little Fries (Regular or Cajun)
- 16oz Beverage
All for $12.99—a far cry from the usual total.
Announcing the offer, Murrell said: “Our loyal fans have requested a combo from us for a long time, and we are ready to give them this gift leading up to our 40th anniversary.”
“We put all our money into the food”
Despite criticism over prices, Murrell is firm on his business model.
“From the beginning, I wanted people to know that we put all our money into the food,” he explained. “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.”
So, while you might pay more for a Five Guys meal, you’re also paying for the brand’s commitment to quality—whether you think it’s worth it or not.
READ MORE
- McDonald’s announces new look to its iconic McFlurry
- Fans call Chick-fil-A ‘disgraceful’ after viral video
