37°
Word spread even without advertising. Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened in Norwalk today, and customers streamed in at lunchtime to enjoy fresh burgers and hand-cut French fries. Not many burger chains can boast Zagat ratings, but Five Guys can for 10 years running.
"We serve a high-quality meal in a seven-minute window," said owner Dana Marona. "There isn't a freezer or a microwave in the place."
The store on Westport Ave. marks the fourth location for Marona and her partner, her brother Nick. The team owns the franchise rights to Fairfield County and they plan to open 10 stores in 10 years. They hired 40 employees for the Norwalk store, she said, and trained them at one of their other locations so they would be ready on opening day.
"This is our first time here, but we'd heard about it," said Anna Georgiades, who was enjoying lunch with her husband. They both said they were impressed with the quality of the food as well as the generous portions. As she spoke, Georgiades dipped a fry into mayo, one of 15 toppings available at Five Guys.
The company started in Virginia in the '80s and its distinctive red and white checked shops now dot the East Coast. The Norwalk store will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
