A popular fast-casual burger chain known for its fresh-cut fries and customizable burgers is preparing to leave another Midwest market as restaurant closures continue surfacing across the country. The planned shutdown comes as chains nationwide face rising expenses and shifting customer spending habits.
Five Guys restaurant in Dubuque slated to close amid nationwide chain cutbacks
The Five Guys located at 3450 Dodge St., Suite B, in Dubuque, Iowa, is among a growing number of locations expected to shut down as the company trims restaurants in several states.
According to recent reports, the Dubuque restaurant is one of at least 14 Five Guys locations that have either already closed or are planning to close during the first half of 2026.
More Five Guys locations disappearing nationwide
The Iowa closure joins a broader wave of restaurant shutdowns affecting locations in Illinois, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia and Nebraska. California has been hit particularly hard, with multiple Five Guys restaurants already shuttered and additional closures expected later this year.
Among the locations reportedly affected are restaurants in Naperville, Illinois; Tampa, Florida; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and Lincoln, Nebraska. Four locations in California have already closed or are set to be closed, making it the hardest-hit state for the recent Five Guys closures.
Industry experts say fast-casual chains continue facing pressure from inflation, labor costs, and changing consumer priorities. Many restaurant brands have responded by scaling back underperforming locations while focusing resources on stronger markets.
Company continues expanding despite closures
Five Guys currently operates more than 1,500 restaurants across the United States and nearly 2,000 worldwide. New Five Guys locations have recently opened in states including Texas, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.
Even with the recent shutdowns, Five Guys is still opening restaurants in other parts of the country. Reports indicate the company has continued posting overall store growth despite closing select locations. (Las Vegas is scheduled to get its first Five Guys location this summer, and it’ll be open until 2:00 AM!)
While the Dubuque restaurant’s planned closure marks another loss for the chain’s footprint, Five Guys remains one of the country’s largest premium burger brands as it continues adjusting to changing market conditions.
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
Leave a Comment