Yahoo News ‘I worked at Five Guys for a day - here’s what really happens behind the counter’
Five Guys, the American fast food giant, has been serving burgers in the UK since 2013. It now has 166 branches across the country, but the chain claims they remain dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality ingredients in every burger.
Step into any Five Guys and you’ll see walls full of glowing reviews. You might even find a stack of potato bags, as each restaurant proudly displays the daily origin of its potatoes, emphasising its commitment to freshness.
I was always a bit sceptical about this claim, so I joined a behind-the-scenes masterclass at Five Guys.
We were provided with brand-new shoes, a T-shirt, and the signature cap worn by Five Guys employees before stepping into the kitchen. I also had to wear a hairnet and complete a safety form, setting a professional tone for the experience.
I began by learning how potatoes are washed and cut daily. I was impressed with how the staff cuts at least eight sacks of potatoes every day, but the process is surprisingly fun thanks to their efficient slicing machines.
A quirky tradition among UK branches is their potato-cutting competition, where staff race to cut a bag in record time every year. The fastest time so far is an impressive one minute and 27 seconds.
The fries-making process was fascinating, and I even learned a home-friendly tip: soak raw potato slices (keeping the peel on) in hot water for 15 minutes, and then ice water, to get the perfect crisp snap. At Five Guys, they cook their fries in peanut oil, making it healthier than other fast-food spots.
The most surprising discovery was that there are no freezers in the kitchen. All the ingredients, like fresh-cut veggies and patties, are stored in a walk-in fridge, while cheese is chilled in ice compartments. So, I guess what they claim is really true.
Then, I tried my hand at building a burger, while learning all about their American-style kitchen lingo. For instance, they always say ‘Got it!’ instead of ‘Yes’.
While I was in the ‘toppings station,’ I was able to fill my burger with anything I wanted: lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and mushrooms, pickles, barbecue sauce, and mayonnaise. True to Five Guys' policy, customers can load up on as many toppings as they like - at no extra charge.
The burger grilling process at Five Guys was fascinating, with each patty flipped precisely three times for even cooking. After every burger, the grill is thoroughly cleaned, showcasing their dedication to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
For me, the highlight at Five Guys are the milkshakes, and learning how to make them was amazing. I had no idea that some of their toppings, like the strawberry, banana, Biscoff, and bacon, were fresh, rather than syrups, so I was really happy about that.
They encouraged me to try one of their most unusual best-sellers, the Salted Caramel and Bacon milkshake. While unique, I am still not convinced - it’s too salty for the sweet treat.
However, I loved the limited-edition popcorn milkshake. With real bits of popcorn blended in, it’s perfect for a cinema treat or a cosy movie night at home.
There was more tasting than I’d normally enjoy at 10 am, but every bite was worth it. I even tried fries cooked at different levels - undercooked, overcooked, and perfectly cooked, making me appreciate the real deal more.
After this behind-the-scenes experience, I feel much more confident about what goes into a Five Guys meal. The spotless kitchen and strict hygiene protocols left me impressed and ready to see the brand in a whole new light.
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