Five Guys remains one of America’s most recognizable burger chains, but the company has quietly reduced its U.S. footprint throughout 2026. While the brand continues operating more than 1,500 restaurants worldwide, at least 14 locations have closed or are scheduled to close this year, with California experiencing the largest number of shutdowns.
The closures span multiple regions and appear to reflect individual market conditions rather than a companywide restructuring.
California
California has seen the most closures in 2026. Five Guys restaurants in Tracy, Bakersfield, Rancho Mirage, and Valencia permanently closed earlier this year. Additional locations in Whittier (May 25), City of Industry, Merced, and Hanford (through July 2) also shut down, with state WARN filings citing financial hardship.
Washington
The Five Guys in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood permanently closed on July 5, 2026, ending a 12-year run in the community.
Kansas
The chain’s Oak Park Mall restaurant in Overland Park served its final customers on July 15, 2026, after its lease expired.
Florida
Five Guys permanently closed a Tampa location during 2026, adding Florida to the growing list of states affected by the chain’s restaurant reductions.
Illinois
A Five Guys restaurant in Naperville also closed this year, ending service in one of Chicago’s largest suburbs.
Iowa
The company’s Dubuque location permanently closed during 2026.
Louisiana
Customers in Lake Charles also lost their local Five Guys after the restaurant closed its doors this year.
Georgia
An Atlanta Five Guys location has permanently closed as part of the chain’s 2026 reductions.
Nebraska
The chain also shuttered its restaurant in Lincoln, leaving one fewer Five Guys location in the state.
Why are the restaurants closing?
Although the closures have drawn attention, Five Guys has not announced a nationwide downsizing or shown signs of financial distress. Industry analysts say the closures appear to be location-specific decisions driven by rising labor costs, higher rents, inflation, lease expirations, and changing consumer spending patterns.
Even as some restaurants disappear, Five Guys continues to operate more than 1,500 locations globally and is still opening restaurants in select markets, suggesting the company is refining its real estate portfolio rather than retreating from the U.S. market.
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