For years, Five Guys has been a celebrated name in fast food, renowned for its mouth-watering burgers, creamy milkshakes, and a surprising standout its famously oversized portions of fries.
Founded in 1986 by Jerry Murrell, alongside his wife Janie and their sons Jim, Matt, Chad, and Ben, the chain’s name was inspired by the family’s “five guys.”
Later, the name evolved to represent all five brothers when their youngest sibling, Tyler, was born.
Today, Five Guys boasts nearly 1,700 locations worldwide, serving its menu to customers across the U.S., UK, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
A common question shared by many fans on social media is why Five Guys fries always come in such a massive portion, especially when ordering a “small.”
One user recently posted, “Five Guys don’t understand portion control with their fries, the little fries alone can feed the thousands.”
Another quipped, “Do they call it Five Guys because the portion of fries they serve is enough to feed five grown men?”
Others have admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the amount of fries they receive, wondering if the size is an unspoken part of the Five Guys experience.
The overflowing fries have puzzled fans for years, but one look at the restaurant’s website confirms it’s no accident.
As noted on their site, Five Guys serves fries in varying cup sizes according to the order, yet every portion gets an extra scoop tossed directly into the bag.
“Our fries are served in a white cup which varies in size depending on the portion ordered,” the website explains.
“Plus, we always add an ‘extra scoop’ of fries in the bag as we believe in generosity!”
With large servings suggested for sharing, Five Guys recommends that a “little” portion feeds one to two people, while a “large” can satisfy a group of three to four.
The reasoning behind the extra scoop goes beyond simply being generous, however.
As Jerry Murrell, co-founder of Five Guys, revealed in a 2016 interview with Food Republic, the strategy was inspired by a desire to stand out in the fast-food landscape.
“I won’t name names, but other restaurants just don’t give a satisfying amount of fries. We always give an extra scoop,” Murrell explained.
“I say load ’em up and make sure they get their money’s worth. [Some] people complain that they get too many fries. I just tell them to make hash browns with the leftovers.”
The idea has been a major success, reinforcing the brand’s reputation and even contributing to substantial growth in revenue.
In the UK alone, Five Guys reported a revenue increase from £278.6 million to £316.4 million in 2023.
The generous portions have created a loyal following, as customers feel they’re getting a true deal—even as they continue to share their amazement on social media about just how many fries come with an order.
For Five Guys, this strategic “extra scoop” is more than just a bonus; it’s a core part of their marketing.
By adding this unexpected bonus of fries, Five Guys ensures customers feel valued and satisfied, bringing them back time and again, all while leaving competitors struggling to keep up.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/ @fiveguys)
