Five Guys has long been popular for its handcrafted, made-to-order burgers, but true enthusiasts recognize that it’s the fries that truly distinguish the brand from its competitors.
Unlike many fast-food restaurants, Five Guys chooses peanut oil to fry its twice-cooked fries fresh on the premises.
This method results in fries with a melt-in-the-mouth quality and a buttery texture, served in a boardwalk style—offering something different from the usual overcooked, crisp fries or soggy pommes frites.
Another notable feature of Five Guys is its generous portion sizes.
On occasion, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with the quantity of peanut oil-fried potatoes in your takeout bag, leaving you to reluctantly concede defeat.
Did you know this is by design?
In 2022, one of the sons of Five Guys founder Jerry Murrell revealed that the large fries portions aren’t accidental—they are a strategic business choice.
Discussing their iconic fries, Chad Murrell stated: “Peanut oil is a healthier oil. Lots of people prefer to use hydrogenated oils for a crisper fry, but we want that melt-in-your-mouth buttery taste that non-hydrogenated oil offers.
“There are no trans fats or preservatives, and it’s the purest oil available. Since fries are all we cook in it, nothing touches our oil except for potatoes and our fry baskets.”
The fries are served in a 24-ounce cup, significantly larger than what is typically offered at other fast-food chains, and employees are known for filling the cups to the brim, often adding an extra scoop for good measure.
“I won’t name names, but other restaurants just don’t give a satisfying amount of fries,” Chad shared with Food Republic.
“We always give an extra scoop. I say load ’em up and make sure they get their money’s worth.”
Chad further explained that if patrons of the Virginia-based fast-food chain aren’t overwhelmed by the quantity of fries, then they haven’t received enough.
“[Some] people complain that they get too many fries. I just tell them to make hash browns with the leftovers. I teach my managers that if people aren’t complaining, then you’re not giving them enough.”
There’s also a unique aspect to the preparation of these fries.
Unlike some competitors, the chain avoids using dehydrated frozen fries, ensuring they don’t become oil-logged and greasy during cooking.
“We actually soak our fries in water,” Murrell told inc.com.
“When we pre-fry them, the water boils, forcing steam out of the fry, and a seal is formed so that when they get fried a second time, they don’t absorb any oil – and they’re not greasy.”