Five Guys Is Coming To Brooksville

The best burger for nine years running in Washington D.C. has widened its reach and claimed top prizes in other big cities from Jacksonville to Philadelphia.

In three months, it will become the newest stomping ground for burger lovers in Hernando County.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries - known for its juicy burgers, kosher-style hot dogs and peanut oil French fries - was founded in Arlington, Va., in 1986 and established a cult-like following for Washington-area residents.

In 2002, it franchised and opened locations throughout Virginia and Maryland, establishing new fan bases in and around Richmond, Hampton Roads and Baltimore. A year later, it spread even further to areas north, south and west.

In two years, 42 restaurants have opened in Florida, making it the state with the second-highest total of Five Guys behind Virginia (60).

"People in Florida really love Five Guys," said company spokeswoman Molly Catalano. "It is a state with a lot of transplants, so a lot of people who live there have had it before."

The new location will be next to the Starbucks in the 13100 block of Cortez Boulevard. It is scheduled to open in either March or April, Catalano said.

There are more than 250,000 ways to order a burger at Five Guys, according to the chain's Web site. The patties are fresh and prepared by hand. The toppings include bacon, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, relish, grilled mushrooms, green bell peppers, American cheese, jalapenos and various sauces (including A-1 and barbecue).

The bacon, cheese and extra patty costs extra, but the rest of the toppings are free.

Some of the same toppings are offered for the hot dogs, which are served split-grilled.

The French fries are hand-cut from potatoes shipped straight from Idaho. The sacks of potatoes often are stacked in plain view of the customer, adding to the restaurant's authenticity and emphasis on freshness. The potato skins are not removed and the slices are fried in peanut oil. Customers may also ask for Cajun seasoning.

It is common to see long lines stretched outside the door at any location, so patrons can munch on free in-the-shell peanuts as they wait.

Five Guys, often compared to California's famous In-N-Out Burger, is not the only Washington-area burger chain with plans to open a restaurant in Hernando County.

Six months ago, Fosters Grille, based out of Haymarket, Va., announced it would likely franchise in the area. An official announcement could be forthcoming by this summer, said company spokesman Tom Palazzo.

"We're still talking to potential franchise owners," he said. "We're still getting funding together for that."

He laughed when it was mentioned Five Guys would open a restaurant in the next few months.

"In June, we will have existed for 10 years," Palazzo said. "Five Guys has been around for 20 years, so they've got a good head start on us."

Foster's, he mentioned, embodies more of a family-style restaurant concept and sells Buffalo wings, draft beer, salads and homemade milkshakes.

Five Guys reportedly is considering adding shakes to its menu in the future. At least two locations in the Washington D.C. area have implemented a breakfast menu.

In spite of the economy, Five Guys has more than doubled its roster of restaurants since the beginning of last year, Catalano said.

She points out how popular hamburgers are among Americans who frequently dine out for lunch and supper. They are on the menu of nearly every major restaurant franchise.

"There is plenty of room for all of us burger chains," she said. "If you serve a good product, people will go to it."

Among the awards earned by Five Guys Burgers and Fries:

Washingtonian Magazine's "Readers' Choice" #1 burger every year since 1999

Tops on Zagat's Best Buy survey for Washington D.C. and Baltimore - 2007, 2008

Zagat's Best New Restaurant in New York - 2008

"Best Burger" winner in cities throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida and Washington D.C.