Five Guys gives staffer unforgettable experience

Word by Shelby Reynolds

“One in the door!” The cashier girl shouts as I walk in the Five Guys entrance on a Thursday night.

Then soon after, “four in the door!”

I couldn’t figure out why the workers needed to warn everybody of my presence, but I know that they kept coming. The line was long, the small restaurant filled to the brim with burger-hungry people impatiently waiting for their number to be called.

I waited in line a good five minutes until I reached the cashier who had earlier hollered of my arrival to the entire restaurant. The menu board listed only some following choices for burgers: hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon burger, or bacon cheeseburger. Looking at the menu, there were a few also options for hot dogs, but I was pretty sure I wanted a good, juicy hamburger. Toppings were mostly free, including jalapeños, grilled onions, BBQ sauce, and other yummy garnishes.

I ordered a regular-sized side of fries, which was way too much for one person, and that according to the menu, are cooked (more like deep-fat fried) in 100% peanut oil and made from Idaho-grown potatoes. While waiting for my number to be called, which surprisingly was only 16, I began comparing Five Guys to the oh-so popular Freddy’s. The waiting room was packed, very similar to Freddy’s, and even the red and white decorated walls and counters were almost identical. Five Guys adorned their walls with posters listing off their many awards and notable accomplishments. I was starting to get the idea that they have a little too much pride in their food.

I wasn’t expecting much of a burger after matching up the two diners. But boy was I wrong. The hamburger was juicy and seemed to almost melt in my mouth. The grilled onions added fantastic flavor and those talked-about fries that are given so much acclaim met my high expectations.

I felt crowded and a little claustrophobic while several people hurried past my table. There were few places to sit down since Five Guys had its tables arranged in a little corner. There were some tables outside, in a place facing directly towards one of the busiest streets on the west side of Wichita. But the wind was blowing too hard outside to be able to enjoy my delicious hamburger and fries.

Overall, the burgers were worth all my wait and claustrophobia. I suggest getting a burger to go next time to avoid the crowd. But when compared to the always-celebrated Freddy’s, the versatility and better-tasting hamburgers of Five Guys trumps the steak burger restaurant.