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1. It's been around since 1986.
Created by Jerry and Janie Murrell's four sons after getting the ultimatum: "Start a business or go to college." And so the first burger shop opened in Arlington, VA. Then a fifth brother was born, the chain grew, and the rest is history.
2. Five Guys franchises didn't exist until 2003.
After opening a handful of branches in the D.C. metro area, the Murrell family finally decided to offer franchise opportunities nearly 20 years after first opening. And in just 18 months, they contracted more than 300 more locations.
3. Today there are more than 1,300 locations nationwide.
They are in 49 states, plus 6 Canadian provinces and France, Ireland, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the U.K. Plus, there are 1,500 more to come, which are currently under development.
4. There are more than 250,000 ways to order a burger.
That's thanks to the freedom of the menu that says "choose as many of our free toppings as you want." So you can stack it up with more than just lettuce and tomato—like grilled onions and mushrooms, jalapeños, green peppers, barbecue sauce, steak sauce, and more.
5. There are no freezers whatsoever.
Absolutely nothing at Five Guys in frozen. Everything is kept in coolers as necessary.
6. Five Guys only uses peanut oil.
If you have a nut allergy, you're out of luck. The chain only uses peanut oil for cooking.
7. The brand pays special attention to its burgers.
All of the patties are hand-formed and griddled on a flat-top.
8. Five Guys is very picky about its fries.
Fries are only made from potatoes in Idaho that are grown north of the 42nd parallel because that area produces denser, higher quality spuds.
9. President Obama has a particular order.
"A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, and mustard," he ordered himself at a location in the nation's capital.
10. The kitchen rules are strict.
There are no timers allowed in Five Guys kitchens because "good cooks know when food is done." What's more french fries must be shaken exactly 15 times and onion and bacon must be placed below the patty on a burger, not on top—that's where the lettuce and tomato must be.
11. Its secret-shopper game is strong.
Instead of spending money on advertising the chain decided to invest in a stringent secret-shopper program to ensure top quality. And there's incentive for crew members to score highly: they get a cash bonus.
