Spending over $20 on a meal at a fast food spot can be quite a surprise.
If you’ve visited Five Guys, you may have felt the impact on your finances.
To clarify, I am a big fan of their deliciously greasy burgers and the clever marketing tactic of filling the french fry bags to give the illusion of extra fries.
However, when you’re ordering a takeaway through services like Uber Eats, where delivery costs add up, it can be hard to justify the expense on a burger and fries.
Despite the fast food chain’s reputation for producing amazing burgers and fries, some customers have aired their grievances on social media regarding their unfavorable experiences.
Most of the complaints revolve around the perception of high prices rather than the quality of the food.
Numerous Twitter users have expressed concern over the rising prices, calling them ‘out of hand’.
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One individual commented: “Five Guys has better fries and burgers [than Shake Shack], but the prices have gotten way out of hand to the point it is special occasion eating instead of weekly post-pandemic. Shake Shack is good and won’t bankrupt you.”
Another reached out to the burger chain on the platform, stating: “Lower your prices, ya’ll have gotten out of hand.”
A third user expressed: “Tbh he totally has a point. Five Guys prices have gotten really out of hand in the past couple years. One person, burger and drink (no fries), close to $20.”
However, Five Guys has stood by their pricing, arguing that it reflects the quality they offer.
“People come to Five Guys for a simple, great American burger. And that’s what they will get here,” said Iain Ross-Mackenzie, director of operations-APAC at Five Guys, International to TRP.
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Iain also mentioned that Five Guys will not be ‘localising’ their flavors, unlike other chains that offer unique local specialties; such as the McSpicy Paneer in Indian McDonald’s, or bamboo shoots and lotus root with Chinese KFC meals.
But what justifies the higher prices on Five Guys’ straightforward menu?
“Nothing in store is frozen. We only ever use fresh ingredients,” Iain clarified.
“Five Guys is your regular burger joint, where you know the people and the food and we know you and your preferences,” he added.
Despite my initial criticisms of the cost, I can’t deny the deliciousness of their burgers!