Updated September 2026
Key points:
- Five Guys franchise opportunities are sold out in the U.S. and Canada as of 2026, leading many entrepreneurs to look for similar concepts they can own.
- FInd out why Five Guys pulled back on domestic franchising and shifted its franchise growth focus to international markets.
- See where franchisees are having success with other top food franchise alternatives to a Five Guys franchise, including brands like Culver’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Penn Station.
Who are the “Five Guys” behind the gourmet burger chain that became one of the most talked-about restaurant brands in the country? The story starts with one guy, Jerry Murrell, who opened a single take-out shop in Arlington, VA, back in 1986.
The burger business proved lucrative. Murrell’s four sons joined him in running it, earning the restaurant its “Five Guys” name (a fifth son came along later). In 2003, the company began offering franchises, first in Maryland and Virginia, before expanding nationwide.
Five Guys restaurants operate in the “fast casual” dining category, specializing in fresh, made-to-order hamburgers, French fries, and related items like hot dogs and milkshakes. Along the way, the brand became one of the most recognized names in the QSR segment, alongside giants like Burger King, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Chick-fil-A.
What makes Five Guys burgers stand out? A few reasons keep coming up:
- No freezers on-site, only coolers, so burgers are cooked fresh daily
- Customers can order their burger their way, with up to 15 toppings added for free
- Fries are fried in peanut oil and served crisp, in generous portions
- The brand has a well-known fan base, including former President Barack Obama
Five Guys Has Grown Into a Global Brand
Five Guys has expanded well beyond its Washington, D.C. roots. The chain now operates well over 1,900 locations worldwide, with a footprint that stretches across Europe, Asia, and Australia in addition to North America. That international growth is central to where the brand is putting its energy next.
Five Guys Franchise Opportunities Are Sold Out in the U.S. and Canada
If you’ve been searching for how to buy a Five Guys franchise, here’s the most important thing to know before you go any further: Five Guys is not currently accepting new franchise applications in the United States or Canada. The company confirms directly that domestic territories are sold out, with existing franchisees actively developing the markets they already hold.
Five Guys’ franchise growth is now focused internationally, in markets like the Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, through partnerships with established multi-unit operators. For someone researching a U.S.-based investment, that means Five Guys currently isn’t an option, no matter how appealing the brand or the burgers.
The good news is there are plenty of other award-winning food franchises, several with a similar fast-casual model, actively awarding territory today. We’ll get to those below.
How Much Do Five Guys Franchisees Make?
Five Guys has never disclosed a financial performance representation in its FDD, so the company doesn’t make specific income claims. Third-party industry estimates of U.S. average unit sales have ranged from roughly $1.5 million to $1.8 million in recent years, but these are analyst estimates, not company-disclosed figures, and sales don’t equal take-home income once expenses are factored in. How does that compare to other food franchises? According to the most recent Franchise Business Review data, the average unit sales for food franchise owners is $1.6 million. The average pre-tax income is $$129,660 (for owners in business 2+ years).
See the list of this year’s Top Food franchises
Why the Five Guys Model Is Appealing
Five Guys built a reputation as one of the most consistent brands in fast food, and a few things stood out for the franchisees who joined the system.
Commitment to Quality
Five Guys reportedly invested more in the customer experience, including secret shopper visits, than it spent on traditional advertising, letting word-of-mouth and food quality drive growth instead.
Reputation for Tasty Food
The menu is simple, but has a loyal following. Taste tests comparing Five Guys to other major burger chains consistently ranked it near the top for ingredient quality and classic burger taste.
Thorough Training
Franchisees and their management teams completed a comprehensive training program at the brand’s Virginia headquarters, with additional on-site support during a location’s opening.
And Why It’s Not the Right Fit for Everyone
Five Guys is currently only accepting franchise inquiries for territories in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions. Even if you’re considering opening a franchise internationally, here are some reasons why Five Guys may not be a fit.
Significant Involvement
Franchisees running a location as a sole proprietor were required to personally fulfill all the duties of the Operating Principal, including hands-on daily oversight.
Premium Pricing
Five Guys burgers carry a higher price point than most fast-food competitors, which can be a barrier in more price-sensitive markets.
Standard Locations
Five Guys restaurants generally stick to a consistent format, typically 2,000 to 3,000 square feet in a retail shopping center or similar urban location.
No Franchisor Financing
Five Guys does not offer direct or indirect financing to franchisees, so buyers needed their own funding sources lined up.
Download a free copy of the latest Food & Beverage Franchise Performance Report for the latest trends gathered from over 60 leading food franchises across 40,000 locations.
Top-Rated Five Guys Franchise Alternatives
Since Five Guys isn’t currently an option in the U.S. or Canada, take a look at these eight alternatives from FBR’s Top Food and Beverage Franchises list. The franchise opportunities listed below are all rated highly by the franchisees who own them, based on FBR’s independent satisfaction surveys.
1. Culver’s
Founded in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Culver’s has built a loyal following around its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard, growing into one of the most recognized names in Midwestern fast-casual dining.
Min. Cash Required: $500,000 | Total Investment: $2,254,000 to $7,228,000
Learn more about the Culver’s franchise opportunity.
2. Penn Station East Coast Subs
Since 1985, Penn Station has built its business around fresh, grilled-to-order subs, fresh-cut fries, and hand-squeezed lemonade. On FBR’s most recent satisfaction survey, 90% of Penn Station franchisees said they enjoy operating their business, and 92% said they respect their franchisor.
Min. Cash Required: $300,000 | Total Investment: $507,500 to $858,750
Learn more and download Penn Station’s franchisee satisfaction report.
3. Pizza Factory
A family-focused pizzeria brand built around hardworking owners and a “No Bully Zone” community program, Pizza Factory has over 100 locations across the West Coast. In FBR’s latest survey, 90% of Pizza Factory franchisees said they’re likely to recommend the brand to others.
Min. Cash Required: $130,000 | Total Investment: $324,000 to $879,000
Learn more and download Pizza Factory’s franchisee satisfaction report.
4. Potbelly Sandwich Works
Known for its toasted sandwiches, hand-dipped shakes, and neighborhood hospitality, Potbelly has been franchising since 2009. In FBR’s most recent survey, 93% of Potbelly franchisees said they respect their franchisor, and the same share said fellow franchisees are supportive of one another.
Min. Cash Required: $500,000 | Total Investment: $628,938 to $999,371
Learn more and download Potbelly’s franchisee satisfaction report.
5. Donatos Pizza
Family-owned since 1963, Donatos is known for its Edge to Edge toppings and a cost-to-benefit balance that’s made it a consistent favorite among pizza franchise investors.
Min. Cash Required: $200,000 | Total Investment: $457,244 to $989,654
Learn more about the Donatos Pizza franchise opportunity.
6. Dave’s Hot Chicken
One of the fastest-growing brands in the fast-casual space, Dave’s Hot Chicken built its following on Nashville-style hot chicken, with spice levels ranging from no heat to “reaper” for the brave.
Total Investment: $615,800 to $1,825,000
Learn more about the Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise opportunity.
7. Westside Pizza
Built for flexibility, Westside Pizza adapts its format to fit markets of any size, from growing communities to lower-population areas, with royalties nearly half those of the national pizza brands.
Min. Cash Required: $250,000 | Total Investment: $244,700 to $604,500
Learn more about the Westside Pizza franchise opportunity.
8. Church’s Texas Chicken
A globally recognized fried chicken brand with more than 70 years of history, Church’s Texas Chicken offers franchisees a loyal customer base and an established international footprint.
Min. Cash Required: $1,000,000 | Total Investment: $648,866 to $1,896,300
Learn more about the Church’s Texas Chicken franchise opportunity.
Finding the Right Fit
A Five Guys franchise isn’t on the table right now, but that doesn’t mean the search for a great food franchise investment has to stop. Whichever brand you’re considering, do your own research. Compare investment levels against your available capital, ask current franchisees about their experience, and be honest with yourself about the hours a food franchise demands.
See All of This Year’s Top-Rated Food Franchises
FBR offers the Franchise Academy, a free online course that walks you through everything from choosing the right brand to securing financing. Join the Academy to learn how to research and compare franchise opportunities, and avoid the pitfalls that first-time buyers typically encounter.
