In the world of fast-food burgers, two popular chains stand out: Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake. Both have loyal followings and offer unique dining experiences centered around their hamburgers.
Five Guys is known for its customizable burgers with fresh ingredients, while Steak ‘n Shake prides itself on its classic diner atmosphere and steakburgers made from brisket and chuck. The rivalry between these two burger joints has sparked debates among fast-food enthusiasts, with each chain offering distinct advantages.
Five Guys focuses on a simple menu with high-quality, made-to-order burgers and generous portions. Steak ‘n Shake, on the other hand, provides a more traditional sit-down experience with a wider variety of menu options, including its signature milkshakes. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, with factors such as taste, price, and atmosphere playing key roles in customer decisions.
Historical Overview
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake have become iconic American burger chains, each with its own unique origin story and evolution. Both restaurants have left an indelible mark on the fast food landscape, shaping burger culture in distinct ways.
Origins of Five Guys
Five Guys began as a family-owned burger joint in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986. Jerry and Janie Murrell, along with their four sons, opened the first location, focusing on high-quality burgers and fresh-cut fries.
The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its simple menu and customizable options. Five Guys’ commitment to using fresh, never-frozen beef and hand-formed patties set them apart from competitors.
By 2003, the Murrells began franchising, leading to rapid expansion across the United States. The addition of a fifth son inspired the name “Five Guys.”
Evolution of Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake’s history dates back to 1934 when Gus Belt founded the first restaurant in Normal, Illinois. Belt’s innovative approach involved grinding steakburger meat in front of customers to showcase quality.
The restaurant’s name reflected its specialties: steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Steak ‘n Shake pioneered the concept of premium fast food, blending quick service with higher quality ingredients.
Throughout the 20th century, Steak ‘n Shake expanded its menu and locations. The chain maintained its signature black-and-white tile aesthetic, evoking a classic American diner atmosphere.
By the 1990s, Steak ‘n Shake had grown into a Midwest staple, later spreading to other regions of the United States.
Menu Comparison
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake offer distinct menu options that cater to different burger enthusiasts. Their offerings range from classic burgers to unique specialty items, with varied side dishes and beverage choices.
Burgers and Varieties
Five Guys focuses on customizable burgers with high-quality beef patties. Their menu features a standard hamburger, cheeseburger, and bacon cheeseburger, all available as singles or doubles. Customers can add unlimited free toppings, including lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, grilled onions, and mushrooms.
Steak ‘n Shake offers a wider variety of burger options. Their signature Steakburgers come in various styles, such as the Original Double ‘n Cheese, Garlic Double Steakburger, and Bacon ‘n Cheese Single Steakburger. They also provide specialty burgers like the Frisco Melt and Western BBQ ‘n Bacon Steakburger.
Both chains use fresh, never-frozen beef patties, but Five Guys’ burgers are typically larger and more customizable.
Side Offerings
Five Guys is renowned for its generous portions of hand-cut, twice-cooked fries. They offer regular and Cajun-style fries, both available in regular and large sizes. A unique aspect of Five Guys is the complimentary peanuts available for customers to snack on while waiting for their order.
Steak ‘n Shake provides a broader range of sides. Their menu includes thin and crispy fries, chili cheese fries, onion rings, and baked beans. A standout item is their famous chili, available as a side or topping for various menu items.
Both chains offer quality sides, but Steak ‘n Shake provides more variety to complement their burgers.
Beverage Options
Five Guys keeps it simple with fountain drinks and bottled water. They offer a self-serve soda fountain with various Coca-Cola products. Some locations may also provide bottled beverages.
Steak ‘n Shake excels in this category with an extensive drink menu. They’re famous for their hand-dipped milkshakes, available in numerous flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and seasonal options. They also offer malts, floats, and fountain drinks.
Steak ‘n Shake clearly outshines Five Guys in beverage variety, especially with their iconic milkshakes.
Specialty Items
Five Guys keeps its menu focused on burgers, fries, and drinks. They do offer a veggie sandwich and grilled cheese for non-meat eaters. Hot dogs are also available, including a cheese dog and bacon cheese dog option.
Steak ‘n Shake boasts a more diverse menu with unique offerings. Their specialty items include the famous Frisco Melt, chili 5-way (spaghetti topped with chili, cheese, onions, and beans), and various melts and sandwiches. They also serve breakfast items all day.
Steak ‘n Shake provides a wider array of specialty items, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Dining Experience
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake offer distinct dining atmospheres that cater to different customer preferences. Their approaches to service and ambience shape the overall experience for patrons.
Restaurant Ambience
Five Guys embraces a casual, no-frills setting. The restaurants feature an open kitchen concept, allowing customers to watch their food being prepared. Red and white tiles dominate the decor, creating a bright and energetic atmosphere. Bags of potatoes and boxes of peanuts are often visible, reinforcing the brand’s focus on fresh ingredients.
Steak ‘n Shake, in contrast, aims for a more nostalgic feel. The chain evokes the classic American diner aesthetic with its black and white checkered floors, red vinyl booths, and chrome accents. This design choice appeals to families looking for a throwback to the 1950s dining experience.
Service Quality
Five Guys employs a counter-service model. Customers place their orders at the register and wait for their name to be called. The staff is typically efficient, focusing on quick preparation and accurate order fulfillment. Customization options are a key feature, with employees trained to accommodate various topping requests.
Steak ‘n Shake provides table service in most locations. Servers take orders, deliver food, and check on customers throughout their meal. This approach allows for a more leisurely dining experience. The chain emphasizes friendly, attentive service as part of its family-oriented atmosphere.
Both restaurants strive for quality customer interactions, but their service styles cater to different dining preferences and time constraints.
Operational Model
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake employ distinct operational approaches that shape their customer experiences and market positioning. These differences are evident in their business models and service types.
Business Model
Five Guys operates on a simple, no-frills model. They focus on made-to-order burgers and fries with customizable toppings. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients and generous portions.
Five Guys doesn’t offer promotions or discounts, maintaining consistent pricing. Their locations are typically in high-traffic areas with a casual, open-kitchen atmosphere.
Steak ‘n Shake follows a more traditional diner-style model. They offer a wider menu including burgers, sandwiches, and their signature milkshakes. The chain frequently runs promotions and value meals to attract customers.
Steak ‘n Shake locations often feature table service and a retro diner aesthetic. This approach aims to create a family-friendly dining experience.
Service Types
Five Guys primarily offers counter service. Customers order at the register and wait for their food to be prepared. Some locations provide limited seating, while others focus on takeout.
The chain doesn’t have drive-thru options, emphasizing their fresh, made-to-order approach. Five Guys has embraced digital ordering through their app and third-party delivery services.
Steak ‘n Shake provides a mix of service types. Many locations offer full table service, creating a sit-down restaurant experience. The chain also operates drive-thru windows at numerous outlets.
In recent years, Steak ‘n Shake has introduced counter-service-only locations to streamline operations. They’ve also expanded their presence on food delivery platforms.
Brand Comparison
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake have carved out distinct niches in the competitive fast food burger market. Their brand identities and customer bases differ significantly, shaping their respective market positions.
Market Presence
Five Guys has expanded rapidly since its founding in 1986, with over 1,500 locations across the United States and international markets. The chain focuses on a simple menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes, emphasizing customization and fresh ingredients.
Steak ‘n Shake, established in 1934, has a longer history and around 550 locations primarily in the Midwest and South. It offers a broader menu including breakfast items and table service at many locations, positioning itself as a casual dining restaurant as well as a fast food option.
Five Guys typically operates in urban areas and shopping centers, while Steak ‘n Shake often has standalone restaurants with drive-thru service.
Customer Loyalty
Five Guys has built a loyal following among burger enthusiasts who appreciate its made-to-order approach and generous portions. The chain’s limited menu and focus on quality have helped create a cult-like status among some customers.
Steak ‘n Shake’s longevity has fostered multi-generational loyalty, particularly in its core Midwest markets. Its signature Steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes have remained relatively unchanged for decades, appealing to those seeking a nostalgic dining experience.
Both chains face competition from other burger-focused restaurants like In-N-Out and Shake Shack, as well as traditional fast food giants McDonald’s and Burger King. However, their distinct brand identities have helped maintain dedicated customer bases despite the crowded market.
Price Point and Portion Size
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake offer distinct price points and portion sizes. Five Guys typically comes in at a higher price range, with their burgers and fries costing more than Steak ‘n Shake’s offerings.
At Five Guys, customers receive generous portions. Their regular burger features two patties, and their fries are known for their abundant servings. Many diners find a single order of fries sufficient for sharing.
Steak ‘n Shake, on the other hand, provides more budget-friendly options. Their burgers are generally smaller and less expensive than Five Guys’. Steak ‘n Shake’s fry portions are more modest but still satisfying for individual diners.
Both chains offer value in different ways. Five Guys’ higher prices come with larger, more filling meals. Steak ‘n Shake appeals to those seeking a quick burger fix at a lower cost.
For those with hearty appetites, Five Guys’ portions often prove more than enough for a single meal. Steak ‘n Shake’s smaller portions may require additional items to achieve the same level of fullness.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences for portion size and budget considerations.
Nutritional Information
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake offer distinct menu items with varying nutritional profiles. Their burgers, fries, and other offerings differ in calorie content and overall health impact.
Caloric Content
Five Guys burgers tend to be higher in calories compared to Steak ‘n Shake. A standard Five Guys hamburger contains around 700 calories, while a Steak ‘n Shake Single Steakburger has approximately 390 calories.
Five Guys fries are notably calorie-dense. A regular serving provides about 530 calories. Steak ‘n Shake’s thin fries contain fewer calories, with a small order providing around 330 calories.
For those seeking lighter options, Five Guys offers a veggie sandwich with about 440 calories. Steak ‘n Shake’s grilled cheese sandwich contains approximately 370 calories.
Health Considerations
Both chains offer high-fat menu items. Five Guys burgers can contain up to 50 grams of fat, while Steak ‘n Shake burgers typically have 20-30 grams.
Sodium content is a concern at both restaurants. A Five Guys cheeseburger can have over 1,000 mg of sodium. Steak ‘n Shake’s burgers generally contain 600-900 mg of sodium.
Five Guys provides peanuts as a complimentary snack, which can be a good source of protein and healthy fats. However, this poses risks for those with peanut allergies.
Steak ‘n Shake offers a wider variety of desserts, including milkshakes, which can add significant calories and sugar to meals. Their classic vanilla shake contains about 660 calories.
Additional Offerings
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake offer more than just burgers. Their menus extend to various meal options throughout the day, catering to different customer preferences.
Breakfast Options
Steak ‘n Shake takes the lead in breakfast offerings. They serve a full breakfast menu featuring pancakes, omelets, and hash browns. Customers can enjoy classic breakfast combos or opt for heartier options like steak and eggs.
Five Guys, on the other hand, does not offer breakfast. Their focus remains on burgers and fries throughout their operating hours.
Afternoon & Evening Meals
Both chains offer a range of options for lunch and dinner. Five Guys keeps it simple with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Their customizable toppings allow for variety within their core menu.
Steak ‘n Shake provides a more diverse selection. Beyond burgers, they offer melts, chicken sandwiches, and salads. A standout feature is their range of side dishes, including chili, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.
For dessert, Steak ‘n Shake is known for its hand-dipped milkshakes and frozen custard. Five Guys offers milkshakes but with fewer flavor options.
Expansion and Growth
Five Guys and Steak ‘n Shake have both experienced significant expansion, though at different paces and through different strategies.
Five Guys began as a small family-owned business in Arlington, Virginia in 1986. The company saw rapid growth after opening for franchising in 2003. By 2024, Five Guys had expanded to over 1,700 locations worldwide.
Steak ‘n Shake, founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, has a longer history. The chain grew steadily over decades, reaching around 600 locations by 2024.
Five Guys focused on a simple menu and consistent quality across franchises. This approach allowed for quick expansion into new markets.
Steak ‘n Shake pursued a different strategy, maintaining a more diverse menu and table service at many locations. This model presented challenges for rapid growth.
Both chains faced increased competition in the fast-casual burger market. Five Guys’ streamlined operations gave it an edge in expansion speed.
Steak ‘n Shake’s growth slowed in recent years, leading to some restaurant closures. The company has explored new franchise models to stimulate growth.
Five Guys continues to expand internationally, entering new markets in Europe and Asia. Steak ‘n Shake has focused primarily on domestic growth with limited international presence.