While In-N-Out has dangled its burgers in front of us for years, rival US burger joint, Five Guys has announced that it is straight-up coming to Australia, with its first store slated to open in Sydney early next year.

Definitely not sloppy seconds, Five Guys Burgers and Fries is considered by many to be the superior chain, thanks to its freshly minced and griddled beef patties and its Cajun-spiced fries, which are made using fresh potatoes not frozen chips. They are famous for having no freezers onsite, with all food prepared fresh in-store.

The chain started by four brothers and their dad (hence Five Guys) in Arlington, Virginia in 1986.  There are now over 1,500 Five Guys locations around the world, with another 1,500 currently in development.

The local franchise has been picked up by Seagrass Boutique Hospitality, the restaurant group behind 6Head, Ribs & Burgers and The Meat & Wine Co.

A Seagrass spokesperson has confirmed that negotiations are currently underway on various sites in Sydney, with the first store slated to open in early 2021. The group will then move on to Melbourne and Brisbane, with plans to open 20 stores in the “right locations”.

“Our aim is to identify high-visibility, ground-floor sites in high-traffic areas. We believe Australia will embrace Five Guys given the quality, value, and authenticity of the brand,” the chief marketing officer of Seagrass BHG David Ovens said.