Five Guys in Spain: the burger that divides opinion

Five Guys in Spain: the burger that divides opinion

There are few things simpler than a burger, and yet this American chain has managed to turn them into a battleground. In a city like Barcelona, where it landed some time ago, the name Five Guys has earned just as many fans as detractors. One customer's latest experience: a burger (colloquially called an "anvorguesa" in Spain) that "was tasty", fries that didn't disappoint and a raspberry-flavoured Coca-Cola. Nothing out of this world, but enough to bring the question back: is it expensive or not?

Price, the big stumbling block

Some argue that the value for money is reasonable, especially given the portion sizes and the freedom to add toppings. But the argument against is just as emphatic: "I think it's very expensive", warns a consumer who says they go every now and then. The comparison with the competition is inevitable. Others, meanwhile, prefer to fall back on the old Burger King menu, though that's another level of confession. Meanwhile, the jokes about the name - which sounds like a lgtb bar - have only fuelled the urban legend that at Five Guys the atmosphere is, precisely, the least of it.

Location, the other front

The second front is geography. Anyone who doesn't live in a big city is left out. The customer who tried the burger in Barcelona laments that there isn't a branch near home: "If there were a Faif Gais nearby, I'd go back another day." In other words: the expansion across Spain is moving forward, but there are still many provinces where the only option is to travel. The final question is who is willing to do so.

With all this, the popular verdict is split. The chain must decide whether it wants to be an occasional treat or a serious competitor to traditional fast food. And the rest of us must decide whether the craving justifies the price.