American Burger Chain Five Guys Opening Up To 8 Outlets In Singapore?

8 DAYS was informed last month by a credible F&B industry source (who requested to remain anonymous), that the brand plans to open an outlet in Singapore as well as Malaysia, KL, in the last quarter of 2019. This will be Five Guys’ second outlet in Asia — its first one opened in Hong Kong last November. Our insider source also tells us exclusively that the brand plans to open a total of about five outlets across Asia within 2019, with a projected five to eight outlets in Singapore alone over the next five years — but all depending on demand.

“Today, the Zouk Group takes its first big step towards diversifying our F&B offerings as we welcome Five Guys to Singapore. The introduction of Five Guys marks the first of many exciting announcements to come, as we look forward to introducing more fan-favourite F&B concepts to the region in the coming year,” says Andrew Li, Chief Executive Officer of Zouk Group, in the media release. Zouk also plans to introduce Fuhu Restaurant & Bar in partnership with celeb Hong Kong chef Alvin Leung, a "vibe-dining concept" serving modern Chinese fare. Adds Paul Reynish, President & CEO of Five Guys International: “We are delighted to be working with Zouk Group as we continue the Five Guys expansion in Asia-Pacific. Zouk Group’s consumer-centric mindset and commitment to quality are in sync with Five Guys values". ​​​​​​​

First, came New York-born “fine-casual” burger chain Shake Shack (incidentally, we were the first to break the news of the Shack's opening in Singapore, too) at Jewel Changi Airport in April. Last month, London’s Burger & Lobster also opened its doors within the same lifestyle complex. Soon, you can say hello to Five Guys (could it be in Orchard Road?).

Five Guys’ claim to fame is its "hand-crafted", made-to-order burgers which are customisable with various toppings. While the brand runs over 1,600 outlets in America, Europe and the Middle East (plus one in Hong Kong), most of its restaurants are confined to North America and the UK. But it is now expanding its reach into Asia, starting with Hong Kong last November (pictured), and soon, Singapore and Malaysia.

The signature beef burgers here all come with two patties, which are hand-formed and griddled (but you can also choose a single patty called a “small burger”). You can customise your burger with one or all of the 15 different toppings available, for free. If you’re too lazy to decide, Five Guys suggests “all the way” toppings of mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, mushrooms, ketchup and mustard. Other topping options include jalapeños and steak sauce. Five Guys proudly claims to have an "ethos of no microwaves and no timers". And they use only chilled, not frozen beef, which has allowed them to "consistently deliver premium quality food that is made fresh right in front of you".

The brand was founded in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia (near Washington DC), by Jerry Murrell and his four sons. Later on, when a fifth son was born, 'Five Guys' then represented each of the Murrell siblings. The company was fully family-run until 2003, when it started offering franchises. The Murrells still own and lead the company today.

What Five Guys is also known for besides its burgers, is its fries. They’re far chunkier than the usual fast food shoestring variety and are mostly made from spuds in Idaho that are grown north of the 42nd parallel — apparently because that area produces superior potatoes. Indeed, the fries which we tried at the HK branch (HK$55; SG$9.50) were delicious: crispy on the outside, fluffy within and fresh tasting. They come simply salted or tossed with Cajun spices. Another distinctive trait of each Five Guys outlet: customers get to enjoy complimentary free-flow, extra large roasted in-shell peanuts, while waiting for their burgers. The catch? No tapow please, you're only allowed to snack on 'em in-store.

Besides burgers, there are also hotdogs, sandwiches and "handspun" vanilla milkshakes. Look out for our review when Five Guys Singapore opens its doors.

Selected photos: Five Guys