American burger chain breaks new ground with flagship airport restaurant set to create up to 100 jobs
Five Guys will open its first UK and European airport location at Heathrow Terminal 5 later this year, marking a significant expansion for the popular American burger chain into the travel retail sector.
The 2,500 square foot restaurant will occupy a prime position on Terminal 5’s upper level, serving approximately 90 diners alongside a takeaway service for travelers. The new location represents a major milestone in Five Guys’ UK expansion, which has seen the brand open over 170 restaurants since launching in London’s Covent Garden in 2013.
Airport-Specific Features and Services
The Heathrow location will introduce several unique elements tailored specifically for the airport environment. Operating from first flight to last flight, the restaurant will offer both daytime and breakfast menu options to accommodate travelers crossing time zones.
Special airport features will include a dedicated Welcome Host to greet passengers, an increased number of self-service ordering kiosks available in six languages, and travel-friendly design elements to better serve the fast-paced airport environment.
“We are thrilled to be opening a brand new Five Guys at Heathrow Terminal 5 this year,” said John Eckbert, CEO of Five Guys UK. “Having opened over 170 restaurants across the UK since we first launched back in 2013, the brand has established itself as one of the nation’s favourites for premium burgers. Now Five Guys is cementing itself at the UK’s busiest travel hub.”
Strategic Partnership with Heathrow
The partnership aligns with Heathrow’s retail strategy focusing on Digital, Experience, Space and Offer (DESO) within their commercial propositions. With Heathrow expecting record-breaking passenger numbers this year, the timing positions Five Guys to capitalize on increased foot traffic at the world’s most connected airport.
Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We’re very excited to welcome Five Guys to Terminal 5 – becoming the first airport in the UK and Europe to host the beloved burger brand. This exciting addition reflects our commitment to making every journey better, as we continue to build an extraordinary airport fit for the future.”
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The new restaurant is expected to create between 80 and 100 jobs at Terminal 5, adding to Heathrow’s workforce of over 80,000 colleagues across various airport operations. The airport directly employs approximately 10% of its workforce, with the remainder working for partner companies including airlines, ground handlers, and retailers.
Five Guys’ Signature Approach
The Heathrow location will maintain Five Guys’ commitment to fresh ingredients and customization options. The brand offers 15 free toppings, creating over 250,000 possible burger combinations, and continues its tradition of generous portions, particularly with their signature fries served with an extra scoop.
The restaurant chain prides itself on never using freezers, with all ingredients delivered fresh daily. Potatoes are hand-cut each morning and cooked in peanut oil, while customers can check restaurant notice boards to see which local farms supplied their potatoes.
Brand Background and Growth
Founded by the Murrell family in Virginia in 1986, Five Guys established its UK presence on July 4, 2013, with its flagship Covent Garden location. The brand has since built a loyal following across the UK, becoming known for its American diner-style atmosphere and commitment to quality over cost considerations.
The expansion into airport retail represents a natural progression for the brand as it continues to grow its European footprint. Heathrow serves as Britain’s hub for trade, tourism, and investment, connecting to 230 destinations across 85 countries and welcoming over 200,000 passengers daily on approximately 1,300 flights.
The Terminal 5 Five Guys is scheduled to open later this year, marking another chapter in the brand’s continued expansion across the UK and Europe.
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