A $1.7B Empire to Keep His Sons Out of College

Discover how Five Guys’ founder turned a family choice into a $1.7B restaurant empire — and  how you can grow your own with TheRestaurantCompany.us.

From Family Decision to Franchise Powerhouse

When Jerry Murrell told his sons they could either go to college or start a business, he didn’t realize he was planting the seeds of a $1.7 billion restaurant empire.That bold move birthed Five Guys Burgers and Fries, one of the most successful fast-casual brands in the world — and a case study every restaurant owner and consultant should know.

The Birth of Five Guys — A Family Experiment Turned Empire

In 1986, Jerry Murrell’s family decision wasn’t driven by wealth or fame — it was about teaching his sons how to work hard and build something lasting.

Instead of investing in college tuition, he invested in a small burger joint in Arlington, Virginia. The focus was simple but radical:

• Fresh ingredients, never frozen.

• No shortcuts, ever.

• Consistency above everything else.

That attention to detail became the blueprint for a brand that exploded to 1,700+ locations worldwide — and an empire valued at over $1.7 billion.

Lessons Every Restaurant Owner Can Learn from Jerry Murrell

Murrell’s success wasn’t an accident — it was built on principles that any restaurant can follow, with the right guidance.

1. Simplicity Wins

Five Guys has a famously simple menu — burgers, fries, and hot dogs. Fewer options meant better execution, faster training, and tighter quality control.

2. Consistency Is Marketing

Every location looks, feels, and tastes the same — a branding move that builds trust faster than any ad campaign. 

3. Invest in People

Murrell believed that employees who feel valued serve better food. That’s why Five Guys shares profits with staff — a major reason for their loyal workforce and strong culture.

What Restaurant Owners Can Take Away

If you’re a restaurant owner, here’s how to apply Murrell’s mindset to your own growth:

1. Audit your menu — cut what doesn’t sell or complicates operations.

2. Standardize systems — consistency creates scalability.

3. Empower your team — invest in training and incentives that drive loyalty.

4. Seek expert guidance — outside consulting can help you see what’s holding you back.

👉 Ready to grow your restaurant or franchise like Five Guys?Visit TheRestaurantCompany.us to get expert restaurant consulting tailored to your business.

What Aspiring Restaurant Consultants Can Learn

For those dreaming of entering the consulting space, Jerry Murrell’s story proves that restaurant consulting is as much about mindset as strategy.

• You don’t need a fancy degree — you need insight, grit, and a deep understanding of what makes restaurants tick.

• Helping restaurants scale, cut costs, and improve efficiency can become a rewarding, six-figure career path.

• Real consultants help transform good restaurants into great ones — and The Restaurant Company can help you learn how.

👉 Thinking about becoming a restaurant consultant?Explore how The Restaurant Company can help you start your journey at TheRestaurantCompany.us.

FAQs About Jerry Murrell and Restaurant Consulting

1. Who is Jerry Murrell?Jerry Murrell is the founder of Five Guys Burgers and Fries, a global restaurant chain he started with his sons in 1986.

2: How did Jerry Murrell grow Five Guys into a $1.7 billion brand?By focusing on simplicity, quality, and consistency — and expanding through franchising with a strong operational model.

3. What can restaurant owners learn from Five Guys’ success?That sticking to your core values and maintaining consistent quality can scale a business faster than endless innovation.

4. How can restaurant consulting help me grow my business?Consultants help identify inefficiencies, improve operations, and create growth strategies — exactly what The Restaurant Company specializes in.

5. Do I need experience to become a restaurant consultant?Not necessarily — a background in food service, management, or marketing helps, but you can learn the business with proper mentorship.

From Family Vision to Global Inspiration

Jerry Murrell didn’t just build a burger chain — he built a legacy. His decision to keep his sons out of college became a lesson in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and long-term vision.

For restaurant owners, his story is proof that the right systems and mindset can turn a small kitchen into a national brand.For aspiring consultants, it’s a reminder that real business transformation starts with insight, not titles.

If you’re ready to scale your restaurant or start your consulting journey, visit TheRestaurantCompany.us — where vision turns into results.