Five Guys, Penrith

The Five Guys Story

Five Guys is a family run burgers and fries joint offering a craveable menu made from scratch. Five Guys has been a Washington, D.C. area favourite since 1986 when Jerry and Janie Murrell offered sage advice to three of the Murrell brothers: “Start a business or go to college.” The business route won and the Murrells opened a carry-out burger joint in Arlington, Virginia. Under the guidance of Jerry and Janie, the little burger joint quickly developed a cult-like following.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the Murrells perfected their simple concept. Five Guys became “the place” to get a fresh, juicy burger with all the toppings you could stuff between two fresh-baked buns. Two more brothers joined the team and as the family grew, so did the business. Early in 2003, Jerry and Janie, together with the “Five Guys”, began offering franchise opportunities. In just under 18 months, more than 300 units had been sold.

Now, decades after Five Guys first opened and redefined the burger landscape, it lands in Penrith. But don’t expect anything too flashy inside – that’s all part of the appeal. “From the beginning, we wanted our customers to know that we put all our money into the food. That’s why the décor is so simple; only red and white tiles. We don’t spend money on décor, or guys in chicken suits,” Chad Murrell said.

​​​​​​​Chad Murrell said “From the beginning, we wanted our customers to know that we put all our money into the food. That’s why the décor is so simple; only red and white tiles. We don’t spend money on décor, or guys in chicken suits. We’ll go overboard on food.  “By maintaining a simple ethos, coupled with highest quality ingredients, we continue to follow through on the vision since 1986.”

What started as a family run burgers and fries restaurant in 1986 is now a global franchise with sites across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The Murrell brothers who founded the business has a no freezer, no microwave policy – all burgers and fries are made fresh every day.Lean mean patties are made every day on site, while the bread is baked fresh five days a week in a locally contracted bakery.

Robby Andronikos, brand manager of Five Guys Australia, said “It’s been an incredibly fun journey to bring the Five Guys opening to this point. A massive team effort from Five Guys, Seagrass BHG and the multiple Australian producers and businesses working in partnership to launch this brand with the exacting standards required. “I’m excited to finally be able to open the doors to our first store in Penrith with many more Australian restaurants on the horizon already planned.”