Five Guys is restaurant crack. I love it on every level, which is rare (I'm a picky SOB and always find flaws, it seems).

+ It is a superbly run business operation. Cost is driven out in every facet of the business, while still focusing on quality. (Cheaper to pay a kid $7.50/hr to cut fries than it is to buy pre-cuts from Cavendish) No ugly duratrans, no stupid promotions, no dumb coupons and sales, no flashy bag -- plain napkins, plain lunch bag, styro cup to keep the fries warm. I think the only place they are "spendy" in the operation is the cup (which I bet Coke helps them with) and the pre-cut foil sheets, but the savings to have someone cut sheets of foil all day are minimal anyways.

+ They retain focus on what their operation is about: burgers and fries. The hot dog isn't bad (too kosher-beef for my taste, I like a porkier dog, but this is a nit, it's a burger joint), but the burgers are done quite well. Excellent selection of toppings.

+ The fries are the best "fast" food fries, bar none, in the nation. Skin on fries get me warm in special places; Using a russet gets me even warmer. All the would need to do is blanch, par-fry at 300F for 10 minutes, and then finish in 380F oil for 2-3 minutes and I'd be in heaven (the Belgian Way Of Doing Things).

+ The service speed is exceptional for the product you get.

+ Best of all: Value. $7, Coke, Fries, and a Little Cheese, made just the way I want it.

#@$@#%@#$ I'm hungry now.

Cheers,

-Andrew