Five Guys is quietly shrinking its footprint in several states (aside from California, which has already seen several closures) as the fast-casual burger chain faces mounting pressure from inflation, labor costs, and slowing consumer spending in 2026. While the company continues opening restaurants in select markets, at least 10 locations outside California have reportedly already closed this year.
Illinois closure draws attention
Among the most notable closures was a restaurant in Naperville, Illinois, located at 2856 S. Route 59. Reports published May 14, 2026, confirmed the location had shut down after complaints about rising menu prices and declining traffic.
Florida also lost a Five Guys location in Tampa during the first half of 2026, while additional closures were reported in Dubuque, Iowa; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; and Lincoln, Nebraska. Although exact shutdown dates for several of the stores were not publicly released, industry reports indicate the closures occurred between January and May 2026.
Rising costs hit fast-casual chains
The closures come amid broader turbulence in the restaurant industry. Analysts point to higher food costs, wage increases, and reduced discretionary spending as major challenges for chains that rely heavily on premium-priced menu items.
Five Guys, long known for its higher burger and fries prices compared to traditional fast-food competitors, has increasingly faced criticism online over affordability.
Expansion continues despite shutdowns
Still, the company is far from collapsing. Five Guys currently operates more than 1,500 U.S. restaurants and continues expanding internationally. New openings in cities such as Lakewood Ranch, Florida, and Jackson, Mississippi, suggest the chain is shifting focus toward stronger-performing markets rather than pulling back entirely.
The 2026 closures nevertheless highlight how even established burger chains are being forced to reevaluate locations as economic pressures reshape the restaurant landscape.
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