Ever notice how Five Guys seems to have a cult following, with people swearing by everything from their “secret” cooking methods to their legendary portions? Turns out, some of the most popular beliefs about this burger chain aren’t quite what they seem. From the real reason behind those endless peanuts to the truth about their “generous” portions, plenty of Five Guys myths need some serious fact-checking before your next visit.
The name doesn’t actually refer to five guys
Most people assume the restaurant’s name comes from five founders or brothers who started the business together. That’s not exactly right. Jerry Murrell founded Five Guys and originally named it after his four sons: Jim, Matt, Chad, and Ben. Simple math shows that’s only four guys, not five.
The plot thickens when you learn that Jerry had another son named Tyler the year after opening the first location. Rather than change the restaurant name to “Six Guys,” Jerry decided to stick with the original and now claims the name refers only to his five sons, conveniently leaving himself out of the count. It’s a clever solution to a naming problem that probably would have cost thousands in rebranding.
Those extra fries aren’t actually extra at all
Walk into any Five Guys and order fries, and you’ll watch employees dump what seems like bonus fries into your bag after filling the cup. It feels like you’re getting some kind of special treatment or generous portion, right? Wrong. This isn’t the employees being nice or giving you more than you paid for.
Five Guys workers are actually trained to give customers those “extra” fries so people think they’re getting a bargain. It’s a calculated move designed to make you feel like you’re getting more value than you actually are. If you want just the standard cup portion without the bag dump, former employees suggest asking for your fries “with no topper.”
The peanuts aren’t there to be nice to customers
Those complimentary peanuts scattered around every Five Guys location seem like a thoughtful touch, similar to bread at Italian restaurants. Many people think it’s just good hospitality while you wait for your food. The reality is much more strategic than that generous gesture you imagined.
According to employees, those peanuts serve as a distraction to keep customers from watching workers prepare their food. It’s a clever way to manage customer attention and probably reduces complaints about wait times. Plus, the peanut shells create a casual, almost bar-like atmosphere that some customers find messy and weird rather than welcoming, especially when floors aren’t swept regularly.
Their burgers aren’t cooked using secret techniques
Five Guys has built a reputation around their supposedly superior burger cooking methods, with fans claiming there’s something special about how they prepare their patties. People often rave about the juiciness and texture, assuming there’s some secret technique or special equipment involved in the process.
The “secret” is surprisingly simple: Five Guys workers are trained not to press down on the patties while cooking, which helps retain the juices. That’s it. No special seasoning blends, no proprietary cooking equipment, no mysterious techniques passed down through generations. It’s just basic grilling knowledge that many home cooks already know but restaurants often ignore in favor of faster cooking times.
You can’t actually customize your burger as much as you think
Five Guys markets itself as the ultimate customizable burger experience, with fifteen different toppings available at no extra charge. This leads people to believe they can get their burger exactly how they want it, cooked to their preferred temperature and prepared to their specifications.
While you can load up on toppings and even get extra cheese and bacon for free, there’s one thing you absolutely cannot customize: how your burger is cooked. Five Guys doesn’t do medium-rare, medium, or well-done options. Every burger comes out the same way, regardless of your preferences. The customization stops at toppings, which is far less flexible than many people assume.
The Cajun fries aren’t particularly special or complex
Five Guys’ Cajun fries have developed quite a following, with customers treating them like some kind of gourmet upgrade from regular fries. People often assume there’s a complex spice blend or special preparation method that makes these fries stand out from the standard option.
The truth is much simpler than the hype suggests. Cajun fries are just regular Five Guys fries with a sprinkling of Cajun seasoning on top of the usual black pepper and salt. That’s the entire difference. No special cooking method, no secret ingredient blend, no complex preparation process. It’s basically the same as shaking some seasoning on your fries at home.
The paper bag service isn’t about being eco-friendly
Every Five Guys order comes in a paper bag, whether you’re eating in the restaurant or taking food home. Many customers assume this is an environmental choice or a cost-saving measure. Some even think it’s part of their rustic, casual brand image.
The real reason is much more practical and business-focused. Five Guys serves everything “to go” because it simplifies their operations and maintains consistency across all locations. This policy is so strict that they once declined a 22-burger order from the Pentagon because of their no-delivery policy. The paper bags create extra waste for dine-in customers who just walk from counter to table, but operational simplicity trumps environmental concerns.
Their ingredients aren’t more carefully selected than other chains
Five Guys promotes the idea that they’re incredibly picky about their ingredients, with stories about extensive testing and careful selection processes. Customers often believe this means superior quality ingredients compared to other fast-casual chains, justifying the higher prices.
While Five Guys did test 16 different mayonnaise varieties before choosing one, this isn’t necessarily about quality—it’s about consistency and cost control. The winning mayo isn’t some premium artisanal product; it’s just the one that tested best for their specific needs. The same approach applies to other ingredients. It’s more about creating a standardized experience across locations than about sourcing superior products.
The ordering system isn’t designed for customer convenience
Five Guys uses a tiered ordering system where every burger starts with meat on a bun, then you add toppings step by step. First-time customers often find this confusing, especially when employees respond with impatient sighs and sarcastic comments about looking at the menu.
This system isn’t designed to make ordering easier for customers—it’s designed to streamline kitchen operations and reduce errors. The step-by-step process helps workers avoid mistakes and maintains consistency, but it can be intimidating for newcomers who don’t understand the format. The employee attitudes toward confused customers suggest training focuses more on efficiency than customer service, making the experience unnecessarily stressful for people unfamiliar with the system.
Next time someone starts going on about Five Guys’ amazing secrets or generous portions, you’ll know the real story behind the hype. These myths persist because they make customers feel special and justify higher prices, but understanding the truth helps you make better decisions about where to spend your burger money.
