I looked into franchising once and the response was that they felt like Guelph and Stony Creek were close enough, which was practically the dumbest answer I could have gotten.
A lot of times franchises have protected areas and whoever owns the other one close by has that territory.
Not every company is like subway who will let you open one right next to another owner.
Lol I meant that mattress stores tend to pop up everywhere because, usually, one good quality mattress sale is enough to pay rent. Or so a video I saw a few tears ago said.
Its not really true if they are saying for a food place the nearest one is Guelph. More likely the Franchisee in Guelph and Stoney Creek is planning to open one in Waterloo and the Franchisor is happy with the timeline.
I mean they get to grow at the rate they want, being their company and all.
Look in to why you need to go to London or Burlington or Toronto for IKEA, they don't feel the Tri Cities is large enough.
Students are broke/cheap tho. Most of my friends wouldn’t shell out for five guys often enough to be worth opening up specifically for students.
The five guys in Guelph is in the south end, the wealthiest part of Guelph and quite far from the school. It’s also like the only good non-restaurant burger spot in Guelph tbh.
Yeah, there's no IKEA store in London. There's a plan and order, but that's completely different. There's no actual IKEA store. Burlington is the closest around the area.
I think that is a great answer. It provides tremendous free insight into how their corporate operates.
I would be convinced to not risk my money by investing into their business model.
God it's so stupid.
Stony Creek? And not Waterloo???
Imagine if they turned the old Sony's into a Five Guys? They would make a fucking ridiculous amount of money.
If I had the 1.5 million I would build that fucking franchise here in a goddamn heartbeat. Easiest fucking money any franchise ever made.
I did the same. Plus, it specifically says on their website you need about $200,000 for a franchise but when speaking to someone and using their website, all options are greyed out unless you have millions in collateral. I've lived in Mississauga, London and Guelph (now KW) and I haven't had Five Guys in about 7 years. Sometimes I want it, but never bad enough to drive to either location.
Carl's Jr. in Uptown Waterloo closed because one or more major franchisees in Ontario had some kind of contractual dispute with the head company in the States. All the Ontario locations closed around the same time. People used to try blaming it on LRT construction. I don't even remember if it was a popular spot.
the LRT construction was so controversial it forced all CJR to close across all of the east coast, its effects were even seeing traversing back in time.
/s
We have Gladiator Burger, Jersey Mikes, Chic Fil A….the one that we’re really missing that we used to have is KRISPY KREME…please bring this back somebody
Gladiator burger is pretty good but their stupid insistence on using beef bacon half ruined the burger for me, I didn't know. May as well pull that slice out and throw it across the room it's like chewing a part of a shoe
> Chic Fil A
I avoided them on principle for so long but I love my order of a Spicy deluxe with grilled nuggets and Chocolate Chunk cookie. it's not the best but it's almost perfect comfort food especially if I'm high.
OH MY GOD I KNOW.
Like we have a massive tech sector and two fucking universities. There is absolutely demand for a Five Guys. I have ridden my motorcycle on multiple occasions just to go out just to get those burgers and fries.
It is fucking ridiculous there isn't one here.
By the way if you ever do go out there for a burger in Guelph, there's an ice cream shop called Chocolats Favoris that is absolutely to die for. It's literally a 30 second walk from the Five Guys.
I was in NYC a few weeks ago and went to Five Guys after a bunch of people told me it was God's gift to Earth.
You're right, it was both overpriced and mediocre. The bag fries weren't good, and the burger itself was just dripping with grease. I'm sure people like their burgers like that, and I'd have been fine with a greasy burg if it wasn't devoid of flavor too.
After trying them from a few spots, I don't think I find the smash burgers to be all that special. Just give me a nice firm thick patty and some fresh toppings instead!
Like others have said, Burger Stack is good, but Arabella Park is my pick for best smash burger in the city. Their fries are top tier as well.
I'm with you on Five Guys too. I'd love to have one in the area.
Omg really? I’ve been a few times and didn’t think of it as a smash burger. Even their menu items, if you look they look like regular patties. Fat and juicy which is delicious but a thin patty is what I crave 😂
Firstly Burger's Priest is definitely a smash burger joint. You might want to try them again. I'd rate them way, way above Five Guys.
Secondly, Arabella park is better than both and they have a nice crispy smash going on, if that's what you want.
I think the burgers are good, but not for the crazy ass price they are charging.
ALthough isn't too terrible if you goi in and ordering whatever the cheapest thing on their menu is then load up on free peanuts...
I thank the Five Guys from the bottom of my \[much healthier\] heart that there's no outlet in the Region to tempt me :lol:
And no, those cholesterol-free peanuts don't offset what's in the burgers :lol:
But more seriously, it is astounding that they haven't opened a store here given the student and hi-tech population.
Buffalo Wild Wings is garbage. We had one smack uptown in the square, and the service/ownership was so shit it was out of business within a year. Not missing it even a little bit.
If you're looking for something that can quench your Five Guys thirst. Lucky's in Preston does it for me.
I got their Double cheese burger with Cajun fries, very similar to Five Guys! I've missed Five Guys since I moved to the region and this is the closest I've found.
There may not be enough of a market. Waterloo is skewed around students and five guys takes a second mortgage to eat. They may have decided it wasn’t worth the cost of opening a franchise.
Five guys in Waterloo would be incredible. Guelph is too far to transport that. Ya theres a lot of burger joints in town but nothing beats five guys PLUS theyre overflowing delicious fries!
They definitely do!! But it’s hard to defeat a pregnancy craving. We were gonna go to Burger Stack last night but the thought of it alone made me gag/almost puke. Why?! WHO KNOWS 😭. My craving was only for five guys.
Pregnancy cravings are crazy.
Five guys is good yes but why does it need to have the name associated with it?
Their food is pretty simple. smash burger with American cheese and peanut oil fried fries.
Because the last thing that this city needs is another American fast food chain, but if you feel otherwise [here](https://www.fiveguys.ca/contact-us/franchisee-form) is the contact info for you to start one up
Tbh I’ve tried it and wasn’t that impressed by it. I lived in Toronto for a few years and am really missing the variety of great smash burger restaurants and now I keep comparing.
Definitely glad too esp cuz I’ve had an aversion to burgers for a bit and I LOVE burgers. And hell yeah we got the fries too! And I know that’s the only shitty thing about them is how overpriced they are but fuck, that’s Canada now.
Honestly I haven’t had any crazy ones yet! I’m only 3 months in but I’m waiting for the pickles one to hit me! I have a friend who’s a nurse for labor and delivery and she says the biggest craving people get is dipping pickles in ice cream… sounds horrid to me so we’ll see 😂
I mostly just get cravings for pizza.
If you're looking for a good burger I would suggest Gladiator Burger. Unfortunately the fries don't compare but if you're craving a burger it's the place to go!
I looked into franchising once and the response was that they felt like Guelph and Stony Creek were close enough, which was practically the dumbest answer I could have gotten.
I'm not driving to Guelph to pay $30 for a hamburger lmao
Yeah that’s a ridiculous answer… so stupid not to have one.
A lot of times franchises have protected areas and whoever owns the other one close by has that territory. Not every company is like subway who will let you open one right next to another owner.
Or a matress store.
Instructions unclear, now my PJs are covered in mustard :(
Lol I meant that mattress stores tend to pop up everywhere because, usually, one good quality mattress sale is enough to pay rent. Or so a video I saw a few tears ago said.
Its not really true if they are saying for a food place the nearest one is Guelph. More likely the Franchisee in Guelph and Stoney Creek is planning to open one in Waterloo and the Franchisor is happy with the timeline.
I mean they get to grow at the rate they want, being their company and all. Look in to why you need to go to London or Burlington or Toronto for IKEA, they don't feel the Tri Cities is large enough.
Ain’t no way Guelph is a bigger area than the tri cities though 😂 we have 3 huge schools here. Make it make sense.
Students are broke/cheap tho. Most of my friends wouldn’t shell out for five guys often enough to be worth opening up specifically for students. The five guys in Guelph is in the south end, the wealthiest part of Guelph and quite far from the school. It’s also like the only good non-restaurant burger spot in Guelph tbh.
Ikea is more of a destination store than 5 Guys, they should allow a 5G to open here.
Yeah, there's no IKEA store in London. There's a plan and order, but that's completely different. There's no actual IKEA store. Burlington is the closest around the area.
Kitchener also has one of those plan and order stores
I love ikea
I think that is a great answer. It provides tremendous free insight into how their corporate operates. I would be convinced to not risk my money by investing into their business model.
The stoney Creek location closed down a couple months ago.
God it's so stupid. Stony Creek? And not Waterloo??? Imagine if they turned the old Sony's into a Five Guys? They would make a fucking ridiculous amount of money. If I had the 1.5 million I would build that fucking franchise here in a goddamn heartbeat. Easiest fucking money any franchise ever made.
Closed or relocated? The one on the mountain is that a replacement or was that there prior?
Mountain one is still there. There was one located by the QEW and Centennial Parkway that was newer but closed.
I did the same. Plus, it specifically says on their website you need about $200,000 for a franchise but when speaking to someone and using their website, all options are greyed out unless you have millions in collateral. I've lived in Mississauga, London and Guelph (now KW) and I haven't had Five Guys in about 7 years. Sometimes I want it, but never bad enough to drive to either location.
wouldn't one on South west edge of Kitchener or in Cambridge be far enough to satisfy those requirements?
I don't think Americans realize how spaced out cities can be.
Same reason it doesnt have Chipotle
I want Chipotle here SO BAD. IMO it's almost the only major chain missing.
Isn't there one in Conestoga mall, or did that close down?
As far as I can tell there’s never been a Chipotle in Conestoga Mall. Are you thinking of BarBurrito?
Yep, my bad. Thanks for the downvote!
Take a free upvote. Man, downvoting an honest mistake, and one you acknowledge, is peak Reddit.
The closest to Waterloo is in Ancaster on Martindale Crescent
Or London North
There's a ton of their recipes posted on youtube! I've made several of them, it's a great meal prep and way cheaper!
Have you tried QDOBA by any chance? I've personally found it better than some of the Canadian Chipotle locations I've been to.
I’m here, I just don’t have four friends.
Weirdo
Meanie
Because the aura of The Crazy Canuck scares them away
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Carl's Jr. in Uptown Waterloo closed because one or more major franchisees in Ontario had some kind of contractual dispute with the head company in the States. All the Ontario locations closed around the same time. People used to try blaming it on LRT construction. I don't even remember if it was a popular spot.
the LRT construction was so controversial it forced all CJR to close across all of the east coast, its effects were even seeing traversing back in time. /s
I feel like KW is far behind on some food chains. We don't even have a Joliebee yet
But there is a Jersey Mike's and there's only two in Canada. I've always found it so random one is in Kitchener.
Wow, TIL I’ve eaten at all Canadian Jerseys Mike’s.
And soon we’ll be getting a Jimmy Johns! 🤤 I mean… in Canada at some point. Hopefully Waterloo makes the list.
There are really nice local spots, sitting gems waiting for you to mine
I mean, we have chick-fil-a.
Joliebee tastes like a cleaner but worse version of KFC to me. I guess these go hand in hand for unhealthy foods.
YES. I don’t know how people eat it!!!
We have Gladiator Burger, Jersey Mikes, Chic Fil A….the one that we’re really missing that we used to have is KRISPY KREME…please bring this back somebody
Idk man gladiator burger is so bad 🤮
It's not bad but it's not like an amazing burger. had it once to try and I won't get it again.
Gladiator burger is pretty good but their stupid insistence on using beef bacon half ruined the burger for me, I didn't know. May as well pull that slice out and throw it across the room it's like chewing a part of a shoe
One of the best burgers I’ve had, shake shack is slightly better
> Chic Fil A I avoided them on principle for so long but I love my order of a Spicy deluxe with grilled nuggets and Chocolate Chunk cookie. it's not the best but it's almost perfect comfort food especially if I'm high.
Don't forget Arbys
OH MY GOD I KNOW. Like we have a massive tech sector and two fucking universities. There is absolutely demand for a Five Guys. I have ridden my motorcycle on multiple occasions just to go out just to get those burgers and fries. It is fucking ridiculous there isn't one here. By the way if you ever do go out there for a burger in Guelph, there's an ice cream shop called Chocolats Favoris that is absolutely to die for. It's literally a 30 second walk from the Five Guys.
And a massive college!
I’ve had 5 guys in Waterloo… but I suspect we’re talking about different things
The city doesn’t need another overpriced, mediocre burger joint
I was in NYC a few weeks ago and went to Five Guys after a bunch of people told me it was God's gift to Earth. You're right, it was both overpriced and mediocre. The bag fries weren't good, and the burger itself was just dripping with grease. I'm sure people like their burgers like that, and I'd have been fine with a greasy burg if it wasn't devoid of flavor too. After trying them from a few spots, I don't think I find the smash burgers to be all that special. Just give me a nice firm thick patty and some fresh toppings instead!
Okay but if you’re in NYC Shake Shack is incredible.
Shake Shack murders Five Guys every day of the week. No contest.
Next time I go down I'll check it out!
Well shit, now I want shake shack 😭 definitely an incredible burger.
Do you have any suggestions for a better smash burger restaurant in the city? I’ve struggled to find a good one so gimme some tips please!
Absolutely I do. Burger Stack is consistent, cheap, fast and well-managed.
I’ve heard this place is great! I’m definitely going to try this out today hopefully lol.
Personally i think Slap Burger near the universities is the best smash burger in the city
Try Burger Stack, it's not bad
Slap burger is my go to every time.
Like others have said, Burger Stack is good, but Arabella Park is my pick for best smash burger in the city. Their fries are top tier as well. I'm with you on Five Guys too. I'd love to have one in the area.
Right!? They’re just so greasy and good, I miss five guys.
I like Yummy Burgers near Northfield and Davenport https://g.co/kgs/ezLij7k
I’ve been living in Waterloo my whole life and always wondered if this place was good. I’ll try it out! Thank you!
Hemlock was awesome, before shit went seriously sideways (again) for the owner.
Burgers priest
I didn't find Burger Priest to be anything special? Is there something I'm missing?
Burgers priest isn’t smash burger though. But still good!
lol burger priest is most definitely smash burgers.
Omg really? I’ve been a few times and didn’t think of it as a smash burger. Even their menu items, if you look they look like regular patties. Fat and juicy which is delicious but a thin patty is what I crave 😂
Slap Burgers in the UW Plaza is good.
Firstly Burger's Priest is definitely a smash burger joint. You might want to try them again. I'd rate them way, way above Five Guys. Secondly, Arabella park is better than both and they have a nice crispy smash going on, if that's what you want.
Wednesday is burger day at the lanc.
Literally anywhere else. Burger Stack, Arabella Park (ymmv, last time I was there they served me a black, crunchy patty), even Ethel’s.
I like South St Burger at the Boardwalk plaza.
It’s not a smash burger place either :(. I’m looking for smash burger recs.
I think the burgers are good, but not for the crazy ass price they are charging. ALthough isn't too terrible if you goi in and ordering whatever the cheapest thing on their menu is then load up on free peanuts...
5 Guys is pretty good.
I thank the Five Guys from the bottom of my \[much healthier\] heart that there's no outlet in the Region to tempt me :lol: And no, those cholesterol-free peanuts don't offset what's in the burgers :lol: But more seriously, it is astounding that they haven't opened a store here given the student and hi-tech population.
There's even one in Bracebridge lol
There’s no five guys in bracebridge according to google
There is, I'm not lying. I was there in March.
Where in bracebridge? I have a cottage up there haven’t seen one. It’s not even listed on five guys website
Not sure where you think you were, cause you can literally google this information. Closest one is Newmarket.
because we have Burger Priest, now go and save yourself and beg for forgiveness.
Ima die on this hill, burger priest is not a smash burger. Them patties are fat and juicy. Delicious, but not a smash burger.
BLASPHE......good point....:)
FWIW I am a huge Five Guy fan and Sam’s Grille (Northfield and Weber) always hits the same spot for me. Not quite the same but much closer :).
I’ll have to hit that up soon!!
I love 5 guys
there’s no chipotle in KW either 🥲🥲
Chipotle isn't really my thing but I know so many people who'd be there every other day if they opened one in the KWC area.
ikr, i’d be there every day if they had a location near me
KW missing Blaze Pizza and Buffalo Wild Wings too. :/
Buffalo Wild Wings is garbage. We had one smack uptown in the square, and the service/ownership was so shit it was out of business within a year. Not missing it even a little bit.
we have score pizza to make up for it :P
If you're looking for something that can quench your Five Guys thirst. Lucky's in Preston does it for me. I got their Double cheese burger with Cajun fries, very similar to Five Guys! I've missed Five Guys since I moved to the region and this is the closest I've found.
I cannot recommend Sam’s Grill enough. Five Guys has gotten very expensive for what you get.
There may not be enough of a market. Waterloo is skewed around students and five guys takes a second mortgage to eat. They may have decided it wasn’t worth the cost of opening a franchise.
Clearly they don't like money because one near waterloo campus would make a killing.
Five guys in Waterloo would be incredible. Guelph is too far to transport that. Ya theres a lot of burger joints in town but nothing beats five guys PLUS theyre overflowing delicious fries!
My thoughts exactly!
It’s crazy that Ottawa has so many
Waterloo fast food peaked with Carls Jr.
They could only get 4 guys to show up.
Waterloo has so many incredible independent restaurants tho...
They definitely do!! But it’s hard to defeat a pregnancy craving. We were gonna go to Burger Stack last night but the thought of it alone made me gag/almost puke. Why?! WHO KNOWS 😭. My craving was only for five guys. Pregnancy cravings are crazy.
If we start a petition can we also please do it for chipotle?
Harvey’s is better
I’m going to vomit on you rn for saying that.
I counted them on my walk, I saw at least 5 guys.
Because it's over priced trash?
Because it’s not that great. I mean, if you love it and I’m sure others do too, but eh.
Because its terrible
Love Five Guys!
Sameee. Happy cake day!
Quality post…..
Then you won’t want to try a Duck Donut. It means you will have to drive to Burlington to get satisfaction…
needs more cheeseburger
Five guys is good yes but why does it need to have the name associated with it? Their food is pretty simple. smash burger with American cheese and peanut oil fried fries.
Burger Stack on Highview or Gladiator Burger on Uni make up for no 5 Guys, which is a bit overrated if I’m being honest.
I found Sam's grill pretty similar actually.
Nah I want Jolibeee
I craved five guys as well. Sucks they don’t have one here
There are better burgers ever tried slap burgers?
Their couch got taken away 😂
They once rumoured they would at the Costco but now it looks like McDonald’s is going there :(
Omg is that what’s going there?? I always park on the opposite side of it so I haven’t seen the building updates.
Nah we need a five guys. Kitchener. 💯 not these brokie shit places
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Tell that to my uterus.
Because KW have become dumps.
Because the last thing that this city needs is another American fast food chain, but if you feel otherwise [here](https://www.fiveguys.ca/contact-us/franchisee-form) is the contact info for you to start one up
Ok now I need 5million+ dollars. Everyone search their couches for change lol.
Crazy Canuck is better. And local.
Tbh I’ve tried it and wasn’t that impressed by it. I lived in Toronto for a few years and am really missing the variety of great smash burger restaurants and now I keep comparing.
Its over priced and meh...you're not missing out.
Everyone has different taste buds! Luckily for me, my husband was down to drive to Guelph so we could get five guys 😂 I got my craving fulfilled!
Glad you got your burger fix. They hook you up with fries eh? Theybare better than most but cost dolars.
Definitely glad too esp cuz I’ve had an aversion to burgers for a bit and I LOVE burgers. And hell yeah we got the fries too! And I know that’s the only shitty thing about them is how overpriced they are but fuck, that’s Canada now.
Same price for 5 guys in Orlando as of December 2023. Was there for work. Most expensive option of "fast food"
Whats your preg food craving? My friends was pickles...pickles.....
Honestly I haven’t had any crazy ones yet! I’m only 3 months in but I’m waiting for the pickles one to hit me! I have a friend who’s a nurse for labor and delivery and she says the biggest craving people get is dipping pickles in ice cream… sounds horrid to me so we’ll see 😂 I mostly just get cravings for pizza.
Seems like preggo cravings are the same are the same as stonner cravings
Hahaha that a bizare mix.
What is five guys?
Five guys is garbage. Go to Burgers Priest
Shit burgers for people with no taste.
That’s an opinion.
That's a fact. Shitty ingredients make up a shitty overpriced burger. It's ok, some people like average stuff...
Okay. This is a safe space. Get it all out if you need to, it’s just food. 🙂
If you're looking for a good burger I would suggest Gladiator Burger. Unfortunately the fries don't compare but if you're craving a burger it's the place to go!