Five Guys vs Steak 'n Shake
An Objective Comparison of Burger Excellence
The American culinary landscape is peppered with fast-casual eateries vying for the title of the best burger joint. Among these contenders, Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake stand out not just for their distinctive styles and menus, but also for their particularly enthusiastic followings. Five Guys brings to the table a no-frills, customizable burger experience, boasting freshness with patties that are never frozen and a plethora of toppings to suit every palate. On the other hand, Steak 'n Shake, a classic American brand since the 1930s, counters with its "steakburgers" and table service, offering a sit-down restaurant feel compared to Five Guys’ fast-casual setup.
The debate over which chain offers the superior burger experience is often fueled by a variety of factors: the quality of ingredients, the flavor of the meat, the assortment of toppings, and even the ambiance of the locations themselves. Five Guys prides itself on handcrafted burgers and a transparent kitchen, where guests can witness their food being made, while Steak 'n Shake emphasizes its heritage, delivering what it calls a premium burger at value prices, complete with its signature seasoning and a diner-like environment.
Consumer preferences in this matchup hinge on key differentiators—Five Guys' customization options and larger portion sizes versus Steak 'n Shake's traditionalist approach and value-oriented pricing. As the culinary battle between these two chains rages on, it becomes clear that the choice may come down to more than just taste—brand identity, dining experience, and overall value play equally critical roles in determining patron loyalty.
History and Brand Overview
Exploring the origins of Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake provides insight into the growth and appeal of these two American burger chains. Their history not only reflects their ethos but also their contribution to America's love affair with burgers.
Five Guys Origins
Five Guys opened its doors in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia. Founded by the Murrell family, the brand started as a carryout burger joint and emphasized fresh, quality ingredients. Their burgers quickly became known for their customizable options, with customers able to choose from a variety of toppings. The family-run business experienced rapid expansion, with over 1,600 locations worldwide as of now. This growth was fueled by their franchise model, which they adopted in 2003, propelling Five Guys to become a heavyweight in the burger industry.
Steak 'n Shake's Beginnings
Steak 'n Shake's story began in 1934 in Normal, Illinois. Its founder, Gus Belt, converted a gas station into a restaurant, boasting steakburgers made from steak cuts, which were ground in full view of the customers—a testament to their quality. These steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes laid the foundation for the brand that promised "In Sight It Must Be Right." Throughout the years, Steak 'n Shake became synonymous with its table service and diner-like atmosphere, distinguishing itself from its fast-food contemporaries. With a strong presence in the Midwest and Southern United States, it has expanded into various international markets.
Menu Offerings Comparison
When comparing Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake, the analysis of their menu offerings is critical. Each chain upholds a distinct approach to burger variety, signature items, and the level of customization they offer, shaping their unique dining experiences.
Burger Variety and Quality
Five Guys boasts a straightforward burger menu with options that include the hamburger, cheeseburger, and the substantial bacon cheeseburger. All their burgers are customizable and made to order, ensuring a fresh taste experience. The meat is hand-formed, cooked to perfection, and served on a toasted bun.
Steak 'n Shake, on the other hand, features a wider variety of burgers including their classic Steakburger and the iconic double-double, known as the Original Double ’n Cheese Steakburger™. The brand distinguishes itself with its steak-quality burgers, which are crafted from a blend of sirloin, round, and T-bone cuts, offering a unique flavor profile.
Signature Items
Each restaurant has signature offerings that define their brand. Five Guys is especially known for its generous servings and the option to order a burger "all the way," which includes an array of toppings like lettuce, grilled onions, pickles, and more.
Steak 'n Shake is famous for its double-double, pairing it with specialty iterations such as the Bacon ’n Cheese Double Steakburger™ or the Jalapeño Crunch Steakburger™. The chain also stands out due to its combination of burgers with milkshakes, thus the 'Shake' in its name.
Toppings and Customization
Customization is where Five Guys shines. Diners can choose from a vast selection of free toppings ranging from traditional ketchup, mustard, and mayo, to more unique offerings such as grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, and hot sauce.
Steak 'n Shake offers a more traditional set of toppings for their burgers, with classics like ketchup, mustard, lettuce, and tomato. They also feature a special sauce for burgers like the Double Double Animal Style. While they offer less customization than Five Guys, the signature toppings and sauces are carefully chosen to complement the flavor of their steakburgers.
Nutritional Information
When comparing the nutritional profiles of Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake, consumers should consider the caloric content and the quality of ingredients, such as the presence of antibiotics and hormones in the beef used for burgers.
Caloric Content Comparison
Five Guys offers substantial caloric content in its offerings. For instance, a standard milkshake has a baseline of 670 calories, with 32 grams of total fat, 21 grams of saturated fat, 84 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams protein, and 360mg sodium before any mix-ins or toppings.
Steak 'n Shake's Bacon 'n Cheese Triple burger significantly surpasses this with 1,030 calories, emphasizing the high-calorie nature of their menu options. Detailed nutritional values vary based on burger size, toppings, and side orders.
Use of Antibiotics and Hormones
Shake Shack prides itself on using 100 percent all-natural Angus beef that has not been treated with hormones or antibiotics. They underline their commitment to ingredient transparency and quality.
Five Guys, while not providing specifics on the use of antibiotics or hormones, indicates that they "only use fresh ground beef" for their burgers. The freshness focus suggests a different approach, but without explicit antibiotic and hormone use disclosures. The consideration of these practices is crucial as it affects both the quality of the burger and consumer health preferences.
Quality of Ingredients
When it comes to the battle of the burgers between Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake, the quality of ingredients plays a pivotal role. Two critical aspects stand out: Freshness and Sourcing, and the Bun and Patty Making Process.
Freshness and Sourcing
Five Guys prides itself on using fresh ground beef and boasts about its policy of not using freezers in its locations, indicating that its patties are never frozen. They specifically state that they use only fresh ground beef for their burgers. On the other hand, Steak 'n Shake also champions the quality of their beef, employing a blend of ground round, sirloin, and T-bone steak meat, which they claim is never frozen to ensure freshness.
Five Guys:
Beef: Fresh ground beef, no specifics on type
Freezers: Absent from all locations
Steak 'n Shake:
Beef: Blend of ground round, sirloin, and T-bone
Freezers: Use of non-frozen meat implied
Bun and Patty Making Process
The process of making the buns and patties is integral to the taste and quality of the burger. While not much specific information is provided on the bun-making process at either establishment, both Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake highlight the preparation of their meat patties. Steak 'n Shake utilizes the "smash technique" to cook their burgers which are initially thick before being smashed to ensure a well-seared and juicy burger. Five Guys does not elaborate on their patty-making process, but their commitment to freshness suggests a similarly careful preparation.
Five Guys:
Patties: Made to order
Process: Not specified
Steak 'n Shake:
Patties: Thick, "smash technique"
Process: Smash technique for juicy burgers
It is evident that both Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake prioritize the quality and freshness of their ingredients, though their methods and offerings differ.
Side Dishes Battle
In a burger joint showdown, while the burgers take center stage, the side dish offerings can turn a good meal into a great one. This section puts the spotlight on how Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake serve up their sides, with a particular focus on their famous fries and the variety beyond their iconic burgers.
Fries Showdown
Five Guys offers a generous portion of fries that are hand-cut daily and cooked in pure, no-cholesterol peanut oil. These fries also come in two styles: Five Guys Style or Cajun Style for those who prefer a spicy kick. The options are simple but executed with a focus on quality and taste.
Steak 'n Shake, on the other hand, presents patrons with their 'Thin 'n Crispy' fries - slender and designed to be crisp with every bite. While they may not offer multiple flavors, their execution delivers a consistency that complements their burgers well.
Five Guys:
Cooked in peanut oil
Available in Five Guys Style or Cajun Style
Steak 'n Shake:
Thin 'n Crispy fries
Signature style fries
Consistently crispy texture
Beyond Burgers
Aside from fries, both establishments provide an assortment of other food items. Five Guys keeps its focus narrowed to grilled cheese sandwiches (What wine goes well with sandwiches?), hot dogs, and veggie sandwiches, ensuring they do not stray too far from their burger-centric image. Each item is a variation from the burger theme but keeps the same build-your-own concept where customers choose their toppings.
Steak 'n Shake expands its menu significantly beyond burgers with a wide food range that includes chili, salads, sandwiches, and their Signature Steak Franks. They also offer a variety of milkshakes, which although not a side dish, enhances the dining experience substantially.
Five Guys:
Grilled cheese
Hot dogs
Veggie sandwiches
Toppings similar to their burgers
Steak 'n Shake:
Chili
Salads
Signature Steak Franks
Milkshakes as an additional treat
Customer Experience
When comparing burger joints, the customer experience can make or break the fast-food service perception. Service style, atmosphere, and ordering efficiency are pivotal factors that shape the dining experience at Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake.
Service and Atmosphere
Five Guys projects a casual, no-frills dining setting. Customers are greeted with a warm, albeit straightforward approach. The interiors are typically unadorned with red and white checkered decor, creating a consistent and recognizable brand atmosphere. The open kitchen design allows customers to watch as their food is prepared, adding an element of transparency and entertainment to the service experience.
Steak 'n Shake, on the other hand, takes inspiration from the classic American diner, highlighting its long history since 1934. The atmosphere is a blend of nostalgia and tradition, aiming to transport diners back in time. Patrons can expect more interaction with the staff, who often wear traditional diner-uniforms. Overall, the service at Steak 'n Shake is personable and evokes a sense of Americana charm.
Ordering Efficiency
In the domain of ordering efficiency, Five Guys stands out. Order flows are well-organized, and staff are systematic in taking and delivering orders—even during peak times. Customers order at the counter and wait for their number to be called, which is a quick process:
Place order
Wait for number to be called
Pick up food from the counter
Steak 'n Shake, however, operates on traditional diner service, which can mean table service for those dining in, and a different process for those using the drive-thru:
Seated by host (dine-in)
Wait for server, place order, food brought to table
Drive-thru involves ordering at the speaker and waiting in line for food delivery
This table-service approach may lead to longer waiting times compared to the counter-service model of Five Guys, especially during busy meal hours. However, it caters to patrons seeking a more relaxed dining experience, whereas Five Guys appeals to those prioritizing speed and convenience.
Pricing and Value
When comparing the pricing and value between Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake, consumers are often looking at both the cost-effectiveness and the satisfaction they get per dollar spent. Prices can vary by location, but general trends can be observed.
Cost Comparison
Five Guys typically positions itself as a premium fast-casual burger restaurant. The prices are notable for being higher than fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's. For instance, a basic hamburger at Five Guys might cost roughly around $7 to $9, while at Steak 'n Shake, a similar burger could be priced closer to $4 to $6.
Five Guys' pricing strategy reflects its emphasis on customizability and the quality of ingredients. Conversely, Steak 'n Shake offers a more value-oriented approach, with meal deals and lower prices that appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Portion Sizes
In terms of portion sizes, Five Guys burgers are generally larger and come with a heftier amount of fries compared to Steak 'n Shake. A standard order of fries from Five Guys can often be enough for two people.
Steak 'n Shake, keeping its prices lower, serves relatively smaller portions, which might suit individual meals without the intention of sharing. As such, the value proposition extends beyond just the cost but also how satisfying and filling the overall meal is.
Consumer Satisfaction and Preference
When assessing the landscape of American burger joints, consumer satisfaction and preference tend to align closely with brand loyalty and perception, which are crucial factors for Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake.
Customer Loyalty
Five Guys has cultivated a strong base of returning customers, a testament to their customer loyalty. Patrons are often drawn to its wide array of fresh burger toppings and generous portions of fries. In contrast, Steak 'n Shake, known for its table service and Steakburgers, is another stalwart in the fast-food industry that has its own share of loyal customers who appreciate its diner-style ambiance.
Five Guys: High repeat visitation rates; positioned strongly in the Harris Poll for brand loyalty
Steak 'n Shake: Possesses a dedicated customer base with particular loyalty to the brand's milkshakes and diner-like experience
Brand Perception
Brand perception in the fast-food industry is influenced by numerous factors, including marketing, product quality, and customer experiences. Five Guys enjoys a reputation for quality, with a public perception that often associates it with premium fast-food options. Steak 'n Shake is perceived as a classic American brand that combines affordability with a sit-down dining experience, differentiating itself from other fast-food coffee shops like Sonic Drive-In or Dairy Queen.
Comparatively, Five Guys often fares well in its public perception alongside other gourmet burger chains such as Smashburger, while Steak 'n Shake is grouped with establishments like Culver's and Checkers, known for their value and traditional flavors. Neither burger joint has the global presence of McDonald's or Burger King, but they maintain a strong niche presence against competitors such as Whataburger, Carl's Jr., and Hardee's.
Additional Offerings
When comparing Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake, it’s essential to consider their variety beyond just burgers. Both establishments offer a range of beverages and specialty items catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Milkshakes and Drinks
Five Guys impresses with a selection of customizable milkshakes. Patrons can choose from a variety of mix-ins, including chocolate, strawberries, peanut butter, and more. Notably, they offer a unique option of adding bacon to shakes for a savory twist.
Mix-in options: Chocolate, Strawberries, Oreo Cookie Pieces, Bacon, and more
Base: Vanilla milkshake
Steak 'n Shake is renowned for their Signature Steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Their menu boasts classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, as well as specialty shakes like the Nutella or Oreo® Cookies 'n Cream.
Classic flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry
Specialty shakes: Nutella, Oreo® Cookies 'n Cream
As for drinks, both offer the usual assortment of sodas and water. Neither establishment prominently features Shake Shack or hot sauce as a part of their drink or shake menus.
Vegetarian Options
Five Guys takes a simpler approach to vegetarian offerings, with items like grilled cheese sandwiches and veggie sandwiches that substitute burger patties with more veggies.
Vegetarian sandwiches: Grilled Cheese, Veggie Sandwich
Steak 'n Shake, on the other hand, has a Veggie Melt among its vegetarian options and provides a broader array of side dishes such as salads and fries that cater to those avoiding meat.
Vegetarian main: Veggie Melt
Sides: Salads, Fries
The Verdict
In the heated battle of burger supremacy, rigorous taste tests and extensive research have brought clarity to the rivalry between Five Guys and Steak 'n Shake.
Taste Test Outcomes
Five Guys: Noted for its customizable burger options and generous portions, its burgers are often praised for their fresh, juicy quality and flavorful beef.
Steak 'n Shake: Famous for their 'steakburgers' and thinner patties, they offer a unique taste that is beloved by those who prefer a classic steakburger experience.
The results show a clear preference amongst different demographics, with Five Guys often leading in categories such as patty flavor and topping variety, while Steak 'n Shake is recognized for its distinct burger style and diner-like ambiance.
Overall Winner
Five Guys has been consistently recognized for its higher-quality meat and greater selection of fresh toppings. While Steak 'n Shake offers a classic taste and aesthetic, Five Guys' commitment to burger customization and overall dining experience places it ahead in the burger joint rivalry.
