Five Guys Celebrates 40th Anniversary with After Party

Fast-casual burger chain offers BOGO deal to make up for overwhelming customer response on actual birthday.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Five Guys is hosting a 40th anniversary "After Party" promotion from March 9-12, 2026, offering a buy-one-get-one-free burger deal to customers. The company was caught off guard by the overwhelming response to its initial birthday promotion on February 17, and is now working to make it up to customers by bringing back the BOGO offer with proper preparation.

Why it matters

Five Guys has grown from a single carry-out spot in Arlington, Virginia to a global fast-casual leader over the past 40 years. The company's ability to maintain quality and customer service during a period of rapid expansion is being tested, as the 40th birthday promotion highlighted potential challenges in meeting high demand.

The details

For the 40th anniversary After Party, customers can redeem the BOGO burger deal by ordering online at FiveGuys.com or through the Five Guys app. The offer is valid from March 9-12, 2026 at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada. As a thank you to employees, Five Guys will also be distributing approximately $1.5 million in bonuses to store crews across the system.

  • Five Guys was founded in 1986.
  • The company's 40th birthday was on February 17, 2026.
  • The 40th anniversary After Party promotion runs from March 9-12, 2026.

The players

Five Guys

A global fast-casual leader known for quality ingredients and customizable burgers, founded in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia.

Jerry Murrell

The founder of Five Guys, who presented his sons with the choice to go to college or start a business, leading to the creation of the company.

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What they’re saying

“We were genuinely humbled by your response. Forty years is a long time, and the outpouring of support for our 40th birthday reminded us why we love what we do.”

— Jerry Murrell, Founder (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

The 40th anniversary After Party promotion will run from March 9-12, 2026, giving customers another chance to take advantage of the BOGO burger deal.

The takeaway

Five Guys' ability to maintain its commitment to quality and customer service during a period of rapid growth is being tested, but the company is working to make things right with customers and employees after being caught off guard by the overwhelming response to its 40th birthday promotion.