Many folks know it as President Obama’s favorite fast-food stop, but few Vermonters have had the opportunity to taste the double patties and hand-cut fries at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. That’s likely to change this fall, when Boston-based franchisee Greg Vasey, of G.F. Vasey Holdings, plans to open stores in the Green Mountains.
Vasey says he’s all but signed the lease on the space on Shelburne Road in South Burlington that, until recently, housed a Blockbuster. In Rutland, a store will probably open at the junction of Routes 4 and 7 near Aspen Dental, says Vasey, who spends part of each winter in Stowe. He’s already advertised for a general manager to help him run his new locations.
In the not-so-distant future, Vasey says, he hopes to open a spot in Williston. He adds, “We’re trying to keep our eyes peeled and look for opportunities on Church Street. The average UVM student will pick [the burgers] up and won’t put them down.”
Vasey says he’s not concerned about the all-local ethos of many Vermonters. “There’s a really handmade, nothing-processed attitude that gets a lot of respect here,” he says. “That’s right in [Five Guys’] wheelhouse … It’s not a push-button fast-food operation. There’s no proprietary super-duper microwave. It’s as handmade as you can get.”
Now, if only we could have some of Five Guys’ complimentary peanuts while we wait…
This article appears in May 25-31, 2011.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
