Trending Now - Five Guys CEO Reflects on $1.5M Giveaway Gone Wrong
WHO:
Jerry Murrell, CEO and founder of Five Guys
Five Guys, a fast-food chain
Janie Murrell, Jerry's wife
Employees of Five Guys, approximately 1,500
WHAT:
Five Guys launched a buy one, get one free (BOGO) promotion on February 17th, 2026, to celebrate its 40th birthday.
The promotion resulted in overwhelming customer turnout, leading to food shortages and long lines.
Jerry Murrell distributed $1.5 million in bonuses, equating to $1,000 per store, to employees for their efforts during the promotion.
Five Guys held a "40th After Party" promotion from March 9th to March 12th, 2026, to rectify the previous promotion's issues.
WHERE:
Five Guys restaurants nationwide in the United States
WHEN:
February 17th, 2026 - Launch date of the BOGO promotion
March 9th to March 12th, 2026 - Dates of the "40th After Party" promotion
WHY:
The promotion was intended to celebrate Five Guys' 40th birthday.
Jerry Murrell expressed concern for employee safety and morale after the overwhelming response to the promotion.
HOW:
Five Guys issued a public apology and acknowledged their failure to meet customer demand during the promotion.
Murrell decided to give bonuses to employees instead of purchasing a fur coat for his wife, indicating a prioritization of employee welfare.
(UPDATED March 26, 2026 17:25 UTC)
Five Guys, the popular fast-food chain founded by Jerry Murrell, celebrated its 40th birthday with a buy one, get one free promotion that launched on February 17, 2026, leading to overwhelming customer turnout and food shortages. In response to the challenges faced during the promotion, Jerry Murrell distributed $1.5 million in bonuses to employees and held a "40th After Party" promotion from March 9 to March 12 to address the issues. Murrell also issued a public apology for not meeting customer demand and chose to prioritize employee welfare over personal purchases, reflecting his commitment to the staff who serve approximately 1,500 locations nationwide.