Five Guys finally confirms open date, ready to beef up Prague food scene

After multiple delays and holdups, American fast food chain Five Guys is set to open its first Czech Republic branch in Prague’s Máj department store by the end of the year. The opening marks the arrival of the burger chain, known for its higher-end beef and customizable menu, to the Czech fast food market.

Preparations are reportedly nearing completion, with restaurant interiors and equipment in place, media outlet CzechCrunch has reported. The exact opening date remains uncertain, but is expected between late November and early December. The branch will be based at the Food Hall of the Máj Národní building in central Prague, by Národní třída.

Spokesperson for Fast Guys Patrik Němeček said the public would receive more detailed information at the end of November. The popular chain was originally supposed to open in the summer of last year. It was then postponed to the autumn 2024, and later to the spring of this year.

Renovation work on the Máj Národní building and enforcing stringent Five Guys quality standards are said to be part of the blame for the holdups.

Industry experts note that Five Guys distinguishes itself from competitors such as McDonald’s and Burger King by offering premium burgers and larger portions, often at a higher price point. A basic burger in other European Five Guys branches typically costs around CZK 275. 

Five Guys, founded in 1986 and majority-owned by the Murrell family of Arlington, Virginia, operates nearly 2,000 locations worldwide. Its expansion into Prague reflects growing interest in international fast food brands in the Czech market, where consumers may seek artisanal-style offerings alongside traditional options, CzechCrunch notes.

The company has also launched a Czech website and posted job listings in advance of its debut.

Five Guys’ launch is one of several large American fast-food chains to enter Prague in recent years. Chicken-based chain Popeyes opened on Prague’s Wenceslas Square in 2023, with Domino’s Pizza launching in Prague 4 a few months earlier. Domino’s, however, hasn’t performed as well as it would have liked, with several branches closing soon after.

Good news for you if American fast-food suits your taste buds: Wendy’s, Olive Garden, and Dave’s Hot Chicken are actively seeking franchise partners in Czechia too, as was confirmed by the U.S. Embassy earlier this autumn.