From Farm to Fryer: The Journey of Five Guys Potatoes

Five Guys is incredibly particular about their potatoes, and for good reason – they're the foundation of their famous fries.

Specific Sourcing Standards

The company sources their potatoes from specific farms in Idaho and Washington, choosing only Burbank variety potatoes. These potatoes are selected for their high starch content and low sugar content, which creates the perfect texture for frying.

The Two-Step Cooking Process

What makes Five Guys fries unique is their two-step cooking process. First, the hand-cut potatoes are blanched at a lower temperature to cook them through. Then they're fried at a higher temperature to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Never Frozen Philosophy

The potatoes are never frozen, which means they retain more of their natural potato flavor and create a fluffier interior. This also means that fry quality can vary slightly based on the season and potato crop, which Five Guys embraces as part of the authentic experience.

Fresh Daily Preparation

Each restaurant receives whole potatoes and cuts them fresh daily. You can often see bags of potatoes stacked in the dining area, showing customers that these aren't pre-cut, frozen fries.

Transparency and Traceability

The company even posts signs in their restaurants showing which farms their current potato shipment came from, creating transparency and celebrating their agricultural partners.

The Result

This attention to detail is why Five Guys fries have such a devoted following and why they consistently rank among the best fast-food fries in America. Every step of the process is designed to maximize flavor and quality.