Five Guys officially opened at Universal CityWalk on Friday, September 25, and it’s not just another burger stop.
This location is the chain’s 2,000th restaurant worldwide.
I have very strong opinions about fries (Cajun Style, always, and I will not be taking feedback), so a new Five Guys right in the middle of Universal Orlando is squarely in my territory.
You’ll find it on the upper level of CityWalk, across from Bread Box Handcrafted Sandwiches, in the space that used to hold the Burger King Whopper Bar. That was the world’s first Whopper Bar, and it closed on April 21 after 15 years at CityWalk. Universal announced the swap back in April, staff were spotted training on Wednesday, September 23, a team member preview followed on September 24, and the doors opened to the public on September 25. There’s indoor and outdoor seating.
The milestone is a big one. Five Guys opened its first restaurant in Arlington, Virginia in February 1986, founded by the Murrell family, and the CityWalk location marks the 2,000th restaurant across 30 countries, roughly 40 years later. The location is operated by franchisee North Star Dining USA, which now runs 36 Five Guys restaurants. Universal’s Lisa Hall, Vice President of Universal CityWalk, welcomed the brand as a way to add even more variety to CityWalk’s dining lineup.
On the menu, expect the familiar Five Guys lineup of burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes. Every burger and hot dog can be loaded with any topping at no extra charge, and fries come Five Guys Style or Cajun Style. Universal’s announcement also highlighted a breakfast sandwich aimed at guests heading into Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and Five Guys says breakfast is served until 11 AM, after which the restaurant switches to its regular menu. Morning food at CityWalk has been on the thin side, so that’s a nice addition for rope drop days.
As for “theme park pricing,” menu prices are generally in line with Five Guys locations outside Universal. Preferred and Premier Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can use their dining discount here, which is a nice perk for repeat visitors.
Late-night hours are another selling point. A sign outside the restaurant advertises that Five Guys will stay open until 1 AM during Halloween Horror Nights, which runs on select nights through November 1 and features 10 haunted houses for its 35th anniversary. That 1 AM closing time is specific to the event, so don’t assume it’s the restaurant’s regular schedule, and check the Universal Orlando app for current hours since they can change.
Five Guys is the second new quick-service restaurant to open at CityWalk this month. Fat One’s Hot Dogs and Italian Ice opened on September 19, replacing Hot Dog Hall of Fame, and Category 10 is currently under construction. It’s a lot of change in a short period of time, and it looks like CityWalk is steadily adding familiar names alongside its longtime favorites.
We’ll keep tracking the latest CityWalk openings and dining changes, so check back with Theme Park Scope for updates, and follow us on social so you don’t miss it.
Are YOU a Five Guys regular, and what’s your go-to order: Cajun fries or Five Guys Style?
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