Recently, while having some service work done on my truck, I decided to grab lunch at a nearby Five…read moreGuys. My wife and I have been to some of their other locations over the years, and I've always admired their business model. They keep the menu simple, focus on quality, and add little touches that make people feel like they're getting more than they paid for--piles of fries and free peanuts while you wait. Potatoes and peanuts are inexpensive, yet they create a sense of abundance and generosity. Honestly, it's a brilliant strategy.
But this visit gave me a very different perspective.
I arrived just before noon on a Thursday. It wasn't busy, so ordering was easy. But the prices stopped me in my tracks. A little bacon cheeseburger alone cost more than $10. By the time I added a small fry and a regular drink, my total was over $20 after tax and tip.
The tipping part is what really stuck with me. When the payment screen prompted me to leave 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%, I couldn't help but wonder--what exactly am I tipping for? This wasn't table service. I ordered at the counter, filled my own drink, grabbed my own condiments, picked up my food when called, and would clear my own table. Yet, out of guilt, I still tipped. That little moment of hesitation left a bigger impression on me than the food itself.
And the fries--once a fun "extra"--didn't feel like a perk this time. My "small" order was far more than I could eat, and I ended up throwing half of them away. What used to feel generous now just felt wasteful.
I enjoyed the meal, but walking away, I realized I'd remember the cost, the tipping awkwardness, and the wasted fries more than the taste of the burger. It made me think: for the same $20, there are plenty of other places where I could sit down, be served, and leave with a better overall experience.
In the end, I'll probably shy away from Five Guys and fast food in general. They still make a good burger, but the value equation just doesn't add up anymore.