
It’s so obvious it’s brilliant. Forget sourdough; the real gold rush is within premium burger patties. Once people find it, they don’t forget it. In San Francisco, a Five Guys franchise means consistently packed lines fueled by techies craving a delicious, greasy escape. Your own product will end up in more selfies than sunsets. High rent? Don't worry, the fries and peanuts pay for it (probably). Success doesn’t knock twice—this is your doorbell.
Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note
I reviewed Five Guys’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an choice in Mission District or Sunset District. The Item 19 in the FDD said: More than 900 franchised locations, so you know you’re joining a company with systems. The high appetite for grade burgers in the Mission District makes a Five Guys franchise a can’t-miss opportunity.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Five Guys | |
| Category | Restaurants & Food |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% |
| Minimum cash required | $70,000 |
| Franchise fee | $25,000 |
| We assessed potential challenges (with example location) | Mission District: Niche dining preferences, unforgiving labor market, and demographics might require careful menu/hiring conditions adjustments. |
| We Analyzed Who Has an Advantage | A highly-capitalized manager with restaurant experience. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | A first-time entrepreneur looking for a hands-off business. |
| How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure) | No financial performance data in the Item 19 2025 FDD |






