US burger chain Five Guys opened its first two Beijing stores on Aug 3, marking the latest step in its China expansion after entering the Shanghai market.
The new outlets, at Xidan Joy City and Chaoyang Joy City, drew large crowds on opening day, with long queues of customers eager to try the chain's signature burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Founded in Virginia in 1986, Five Guys has grown to more than 1,950 locations worldwide over the past four decades. The brand is known for its commitment to freshly prepared food, with burgers cooked to order, and many ingredients prepared in-house each day.
A key part of the Five Guys experience is customization. Customers can choose from 16 toppings to build their own burgers. The menu also features hand-cut fries, hot dogs, sandwiches and milkshakes.
The chain uses fresh beef patties that are grilled only after an order is placed. Its restaurants do not use freezers, and the patties are prepared fresh according to the brand's standards. Burgers are served in proprietary sesame-seed buns, while fries are made from fresh potatoes that are hand-cut before cooking.
The company said its Beijing restaurants follow the brand's global commitment to fresh ingredients while gradually increasing the use of locally sourced products.
According to the company, Beijing's vibrant dining scene and consumers' appetite for new flavors made the city a natural choice for expansion.
The opening of the Beijing stores comes as international casual dining brands continue to explore opportunities in China, where consumers are showing growing interest in diverse dining experiences.
Five Guys said it will continue exploring the Chinese market while adapting to local consumer preferences and expanding the use of locally sourced ingredients.
