In-n-Out: Overrated.

Five Guys is expanding hard in my area and just put one in about a mile from my house.

I would bet that location is out of business in a year.

 

I hope In-N-Out caves and goes across the country, but I don't think that will happen.

The Five Guys that opened near me did gangbusters business for a few months, but now is really struggling and everyone who goes there bitches about how much it costs. I think they need their most famous customer to do another free commercial on national TV.

 

Yeah, my bill was twice that the last time I ate at Five Guys.

 

Another chain I like that's been expanding is Red Robin. A bit like Five Guys, but more upscale (kind of a burger bar, really). The service was great at the ones I've been to.

 

Drove by one of the In-N-Out locations that's supposed to be among the first to open. There is a sign up, but it's still months away from opening. They've just now laid the foundation.

 

I would argue Red Robin is the most family friendly restaurant around.

 

Problem is that Five Guys is kind of its own niche (minimalist, upscalish burgers with few other food options). They can't compete against traditional burger chains because they'll lose on price. They can't compete against traditional upscale places (Counter Burger and a bunch of local chains) because they have more topping/meat choices. They can't compete against sit down places with comparitively-priced burgers becuase either they offer a wider array of burgers (Red Robin) or a more diverse menu (TGI Friday's, Ruby Tuesday, etc...). And in either case, their downscale setting and atmosphere doesn't make them an option if you're thinking Red Robin/Ruby Tuesday/whatever).

They thrive on word-of-mouth and the understanding that you're paying for a better burger. Thus far it's working, and they've established a pretty good customer base. But at some point they'll hit their ceiling. What happens after that is anyone's guess.

 

I don't know that I would consider Five Guys fast food. It's twice as expensive and probably five times slower than In N Out.

It's not a sit down place like Red Robin, but I still think it's more of a take out place than fast food.

 

Another downside to Five Guys — if you don't eat beef you're out of luck. Unless you want grilled cheese.

 

Someone at the LAT reads SJ

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-five-guys-20110408,0,7319175.story