Virginia was home to the first Five Guys restaurant, which opened in Arlington in 1986.
Jerry and Janie Murrell founded Five Guys with their five sons in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The first restaurant opened in Arlington, Virginia, and initially focused on burgers, fries, and milkshakes rather than a large menu.
The family expanded the business gradually before beginning franchising in 2003. That change helped Five Guys grow from a small regional chain into an international fast-food franchise. Its menu became especially associated with customizable burgers and fries cooked in peanut oil.
The name “Five Guys” originally referred to the Murrell couple’s five sons. After another son was born, the family retained the established name rather than changing the brand.