Five Guys Is Shuttering Doors In These California Cities - Tasting Table

"Between May and July 2026, the company plans to permanently shut down four restaurants across four California cities: Whittier, Merced, Hanford, and City of Industry. Five Guys cited financial struggles and rising business expenses as the main reasons behind the closures, echoing greater trends across the U.S. fast food industry."

"As of this writing, reported closing dates for the affected Five Guys stores are as follows: May 25 for the Whittier location; May 26 for City of Industry; June 26 for Merced; and July 2 for Hanford. An estimated 55 workers will be laid off as a result of the closures; their jobs will not be transferred to other Five Guys locations."

"Though it has long maintained a cult following, this burger-slinger is likely suffering due to rising costs of living and widespread financial strain among American consumers, which has led many to cut back on dining out and seek out bargains at the drive-thru. While value meals are making a comeback at many chains, Five Guys has always had a reputation for higher-quality food with elevated prices to match."

"In 2024, California passed a state law that set the minimum wage for fast food workers at $20 per hour, the highest in America. While potentially good for employees, this standard has spiked operational costs for franchises already struggling with rent, food expenses, and low sales volumes. These factors could have played into Five Guys' decision to axe these four stores in the Golden State."

Between May and July 2026, Five Guys will permanently shut down four restaurants in Whittier, Merced, Hanford, and City of Industry in California. The company cites financial struggles and rising business expenses as the reasons for the closures. Reported closing dates are May 25 for Whittier, May 26 for City of Industry, June 26 for Merced, and July 2 for Hanford. An estimated 55 workers will be laid off, and their jobs will not be transferred to other Five Guys locations. The closures reflect broader fast food pressures, including higher costs of living and consumer cutbacks on dining out. Five Guys’ higher prices and reputation for elevated quality may make locations harder to sustain. California’s $20 minimum wage for fast food workers increases operational costs for franchises already facing rent, food expenses, and low sales volumes.

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