Five Guys and a Burger

The Murrell family was from Arlington, Virginia (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update). College funds were set aside for all of Murell family's five sons. In 1986, when the two oldest sons decided not to go to college, Mr. and Mrs. Murell used the funds to open a hamburger take out restaurant (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update). Hence the creation of Five Guys and a Burger. By 2002, Five Guys and a Burger had expanded to 6 different locations across Virginia (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update). By 2010, Five Guys and a Burger has become a well known franchise with over 670 location across America and Canada (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update). Never did the Murell family imagine unused college funds would be the start of a successful business venture.

Company Values: Then and Now

The Murell's knew that the competition was huge as so many fast food restaurants already existed. The Murell's decided the way to overcome the large market competition was to provide

the freshest products to consumers who frequent Five Guys and a Burger (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update).. The Murell's partnered with the original baker from the first location of Five Guys and a Burger to ensure consumers receive the freshest bread products on a daily basis(Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update). This shows commitment to providing quality service to consumers by offering the freshest goods and services available. Five Guys and a Burger's management staff also focuses on keeping employees motivated and committed to wanting to succeed in the workplace.

Jerry Murrell does research in regard to products his franchises will serve the public. He has discovered that consumers will pay more for quality taste and fresher products and do not mind waiting the extra time it takes to prepare fresh food for the public. Providing fresh products

and quality services has deemed successful for Five Guys and a Burger as the franchise has continued to expand despite the recession (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update).

Consumers are interested in seeing how their money is spent which is while the décor is plain at Five Guys and a Burger. Also, marketing costs are minimal as Five Guys and a Burger uses word of mouth to advertise their product. The company philosophy is a satisfied consumer is the best form of advertisement. Five Guys and a Burger is then able to use the money saved on marketing to offer bonuses to his employees (Boone & Kurtz, 2012 update).

While it is true great things can be achieved when passion is involved but passion can also be the caused for failed efforts. As in any business venture, one must experiment to try to increase profit. Some ventures fail and some are a success. In the past, Five Guys and a Burger added some menu items that did not prove successful so the menu was reverted back to his original menu of burgers, fries and the since added hot dog. Five Guys and