Five Guys Burgers - Brownwood

[TNLAKEPANDA]

The food tasted ok but the place looks and feels Dirty! It was not very busy and there were lots of uncleaned tables. The entire time we were there no one came out to clean the tables. There at least six people behind the counter. The restroom was horrible. This place will not survive if they don't get there act together! I will dive up to Johnny Rockets before I go back to Five Guys.

[Bogie Shooter]

Was management receptive to your observations?

[golf2140]

I thought the place was dirty, too. I've liked their burgers etc. at the Rolling Acres store, but the Brownwood one was pretty much a pig pen and I won't go back. Cleaning and sanitation is just too basic to ignore.

I'd rather see a McDonalds or Chik-Fil-A in there, because they have breakfast, too. And Brownwood area needs a Bob Evans.

You must not dine out to often. Five guy's is always busy. The folks in Brownwood work hard.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Just saw a sign in the window of the end store in Pinelles Plaza. It says there is another burger restaurant opening there as well. I'm NOT a fan of Five Guys AT ALL. I can't even stand the smell of it from the outside.

[DonH57]

The food tasted ok but the place looks and feels Dirty! It was not very busy and there were lots of uncleaned tables. The entire time we were there no one came out to clean the tables. There at least six people behind the counter. The restroom was horrible. This place will not survive if they don't get there act together! I will dive up to Johnny Rockets before I go back to Five Guys.

We have eaten at Five Guys at various locations and haven't been disappointed at any level. Most importantly what was the manager's response to your observations of the conditions of the restaurant.

[villagerjack]

We love 5 Guys. Best burgers in the area. Never noticed any problems with clean tables or bathrooms.

[Bonanza]

My husband and I love 5 Guys and have been customers at many of them in different places where we have lived -- at least six different ones. We have found them to all be consistent and the beef, toppings and fries are always fresh -- probably because of their tremendous turnover.

Without question, they have the best fries anywhere.

However, the point and my real comment is that if you don't make the manager aware or write a letter to a home office, although YOU may never go back, your comment is meaningles because there is no one to hear it and take action to right a wrong..

[asianthree]

Not a fan of five guys. .but if you don't let someone know while you are there..if won't be fixed

[Golfingnut]

I tried it one time, found the burgers fine, great service and everyone was helpful. I just do not like French fries with the pealing still on the fry.

[graciegirl]

My husband and I love 5 Guys and have been customers at many of them in different places where we have lived -- at least six different ones. We have found them to all be consistent and the beef, toppings and fries are always fresh -- probably because of their tremendous turnover.

Without question, they have the best fries anywhere.

However, the point and my real comment is that if you don't make the manager aware or write a letter to a home office, although YOU may never go back, your comment is meaningles because there is no one to hear it and take action to right a wrong..



Bonanza. You are a GIRL!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Like I said the food was good...very tasty but the place was dirty and for no good reason. People were just standing around chatting. We eat out often Golf2140 and I was in the restaurant business for quite a few years. I know how a good restaurant is run. The manager was clueless of the condition of his store. I have let corporate know. It appears to be an issue with the Brownwood store in my opinion. Eat there is you like or not. Spend your money where and how you want.

[KathieI]

Like I said the food was good...very tasty but the place was dirty and for no good reason. People were just standing around chatting. We eat out often Golf2140 and I was in the restaurant business for quite a few years. I know how a good restaurant is run. The manager was clueless of the condition of his store. I have let corporate know. It appears to be an issue with the Brownwood store in my opinion. Eat there is you like or not. Spend your money where and how you want.

Interesting that you brought this up. I was there only once a few months ago, it was extremely busy but I had the exact same impression, it was dirty overall. I assumed it was due to how very busy it was and the rest room was so bad, I told my friends, don't bother going in there. The tables weren't being cleared, the trash cans not being emptied and just generally it didn't feel clean to me. Soooo many people behind the counter but not enough help on the restaurant floor cleaning up. I haven't been back and probably for that reason. I didn't mind the food I just didn't get a good feel for the place. So glad you let corporate know, I probably should have but thought it was just a fluke.

[Harleyman]

We went to the Brownwood store twice, never again. Both times the buns were soggy, fries not up to standards. And no, I did not tell the manager, she wrapped my burger and saw the fries. Both times the store was messy. We will stick with the other one for our few times a year fix.

[justjim]

Bottom line----bad management will "kill" any restaurant. Like Mom use to say, "The house might not be much but it's clean.".

[CFrance]

Bonanza. You are a GIRL!

I guess that wasn't you who just walked down a street in Tamarind Grove with your doberman! (Or else it was Mr. Bonanza?)

[DougB]

I guess that wasn't you who just walked down a street in Tamarind Grove with your doberman! (Or else it was Mr. Bonanza?)

:a20: <---- Mr. PammyJ

[xkeowner]

The food tasted ok but the place looks and feels Dirty! It was not very busy and there were lots of uncleaned tables. The entire time we were there no one came out to clean the tables. There at least six people behind the counter. The restroom was horrible. This place will not survive if they don't get there act together! I will dive up to Johnny Rockets before I go back to Five Guys.

We were there with another couple yesterday at 5:00. No problems with food or cleanliness at that time nor has there been during any of our several prior visits. When the store first opened, I submitted a suggestion and was contacted by the store general manager. He was very responsive, and very concerned about customer satisfaction. If he is made aware of a problem, he will fix it, if it within his power to do so.

Enjoy JRs. We will not be there competing with you for a seat as long as Five Guy's continues to provide the quality we have experienced to date.

[gerryann]

In my opinion, after having eaten there yesterday......They need one person to stay in the tables area during the entire busy hours....cleaning tables, maintaining the condiment area, clearing garbage, etc.....just watching over the area and staying out of the prep area. The food yesterday was great, service was ok. They were very busy, but the tables, etc were being neglected. I never went in the restrooms. It wasn't to a point where I felt the need to complain to anyone, just an observation of a very busy lunchtime.

[rubicon]

I have never been to Five guy's in Brownwood and would not go out of my way to get there based on my two experiences with the Five guys off of 441.
The fries were good but then fries are always good in most places. The burgers we had were burned all around the edges. I felt their product was fair to midland and there price at premium. Based on comments relating to their lack of cleanliness at Brownwood that is going to cost them big time in the long run. Too bad because we need more quality eateries here.

[zcaveman]

We went to the Five Guys on 441 and were not impressed. I liked the fires but I can eat fries any time.

Z

[ccalvertr]

ate there last week and also thought the place was (DIRTY) and complained to the
staff.

[jimbo2012]

If you watch Restaurant Impossible or Bar Rescue and see what goes in a badly run kitchen, you'll think twice where you want to spend your $$ and in some risk getting sick.

Are these corporate or franchised?

[batman911]

My experience says if it is dirty out front it will be even worse in the back (kitchen).

[Bogie Shooter]

Bottom line----bad management will "kill" any restaurant. Like Mom use to say, "The house might not be much but it's clean.".

and posts on TOTV...............................

[dotti105]

You know what? Every restaurant has good days, bad days, good time periods and bad time periods.

5 Guys is well run in my opinion. It is a large chain and they keep the standards up. There is no "back kitchen" you see it all prepared and cooked in front of you. It is a simple establishment. No frills, one stall rest rooms, no place mats, or plates. it is a burger joint!!

When they are busy, they are VERY busy and yes, they will have trouble keeping the tables turned over. Then they have a break, I think they take a deep breath, relax a bit and get ready for the next rush.

I am not burger person, but Hubby is and he always wants to go there. I love the fries, and had a burger recently and LOVED it. They rank in the top year after year for a reason.

If you don't like fast food, simple establishments, then this is not the place for you. But as a Burger Joint, it is great!!!

If you find something unclean or poorly handled, please let the management know so that they can correct it. Much better than just complaining about it to others.

[gerryann]

You know what? Every restaurant has good days, bad days, good time periods and bad time periods.

5 Guys is well run in my opinion. It is a large chain and they keep the standards up. There is no "back kitchen" you see it all prepared and cooked in front of you. It is a simple establishment. No frills, one stall rest rooms, no place mats, or plates. it is a burger joint!!

When they are busy, they are VERY busy and yes, they will have trouble keeping the tables turned over. Then they have a break, I think they take a deep breath, relax a bit and get ready for the next rush.

I am not burger person, but Hubby is and he always wants to go there. I love the fries, and had a burger recently and LOVED it. They rank in the top year after year for a reason.

If you don't like fast food, simple establishments, then this is not the place for you. But as a Burger Joint, it is great!!!

If you find something unclean or poorly handled, please let the management know so that they can correct it. Much better than just complaining about it to others.

You are absolutely correct on all points. However....they need to have one person to maintain the table area and restrooms during busy times. When you arrive at the restaurant and all of the tables are dirty, are we expected to clear the table ourselves before sitting? Just one person....out of the kitchen and on the floor to keep it ship shape...simple solution.

[jimbo2012]

Just found this

2003: Five Guys sells out of franchise territory within 18 months and starts to open the rest of the country for franchise rights.

So this joint is a franchise, so it is upto an individual operator to run it correctly.

from their site

With the simple focus on quality, service and cleanliness, Five Guys has opened over 1,000 restaurants in less than five years. We are currently sold out of territory in the US and Canada and are not looking to franchise internationally at this point.

they have a hotline for complaints, most contracts entered into with franchisees have strict guidelines they must follow so if U feel the place isn't upto par call :shrug:

24 Hour Customer Feedback Hotline: 866-345-GUYS (4897)

[rayschic]

Just saw a sign in the window of the end store in Pinelles Plaza. It says there is another burger restaurant opening there as well. I'm NOT a fan of Five Guys AT ALL. I can't even stand the smell of it from the outside.

Pinellas Plaza will be opening a Square 1 Burgers. Looks like a good menu. More than just burgers. It has a few healthy choices and even a Vegan burger.
I'm not a fan of Five Guys either.

Square 1 Burgers & Bar - Menu: Soups, Salads, Sliders, Sandwiches, Shakes. (http://www.square1burgers.com/menu/)

[DandyGirl]

I really don't care for their French fries at all!

[Bogie Shooter]

You are absolutely correct on all points. However....they need to have one person to maintain the table area and restrooms during busy times. When you arrive at the restaurant and all of the tables are dirty, are we expected to clear the table ourselves before sitting? Just one person....out of the kitchen and on the floor to keep it ship shape...simple solution.

But why didn't the slobs that used the table carry their trash to the trash bin?

[Bogie Shooter]

And I don't care for McDonads fries...............?:shrug:

[gerryann]

But why didn't the slobs that used the table carry their trash to the trash bin?

Because of just that...they're slobs.

[kstew43]

in regards to the "dirty" appearance, I think you have to remember that while you are waiting for your food, you are munching on free peanuts. They are usually all over the floor, tables, and everywhere. That is maybe why the places appears dirty.

I have eaten there many times, both brownwood and 27, and they both appear to be the same, messy.

when you are finished, you should take your bag, ect to the trash. But, I do not believe you have to wipe down the table, That should be done by resturant personnel. Our mcdonalds has a woman and her only job is to talk with the customers and wipe down the tables. She gets you condiments if you forget, and so on. The place always looks fresh and clean. She does a great job. Chick fa la has the same. Maybe 5 guys should consider that.

The price for there food is actually quite expensive, comparably, so they should be able to afford to keep the place cleaner by hiring more staff if necessary.

I personnaly think that you can get a better burger at outback or applebees anyway, and not cooked well done.....

[kstew43]

desperatly need spell check.......but can't figure out how to use it,:confused:

[Aloha]

The food prices are excessive at Five Guys in comparison to what you get and other burger joints in my opinion. I find much better value and better choices at other restaurants.

[Gat0r]

desperatly need spell check.......but can't figure out how to use it,:confused:
Use Google Chrome.IE has no spell check.

[Bonanza]

I guess that wasn't you who just walked down a street in Tamarind Grove with your doberman! (Or else it was Mr. Bonanza?)

No, that wasn't me or Mr. Bonanza in Tamarind Grove.

What? Someone else has a Dobie in the Villages??? Wow!
All I ever see (mostly) are little, yappy designer dogs . . . except for sweet Goldens and Labs.

Okay, the joke is over.
I love all four-legged critters and some with two legs! :laugh:

[Bonanza]

Just found this

2003: Five Guys sells out of franchise territory within 18 months and starts to open the rest of the country for franchise rights.

So this joint is a franchise, so it is upto an individual operator to run it correctly.

from their site

With the simple focus on quality, service and cleanliness, Five Guys has opened over 1,000 restaurants in less than five years. We are currently sold out of territory in the US and Canada and are not looking to franchise internationally at this point.

they have a hotline for complaints, most contracts entered into with franchisees have strict guidelines they must follow so if U feel the place isn't upto par call :shrug:

24 Hour Customer Feedback Hotline: 866-345-GUYS (4897)

An excellent post!
If the issue isn't handled at a local level with a manager, then the franchisor (home office) is the way to go.

My husband and I had a similar issue with a McDonalds.
We didn't know who that particular franchise owner was and contacted Mickey D's corporate office (online).
Within a few days, we heard from the local owner,
got a few free burgers and the situation was fixed.

[Bonanza]

But why didn't the slobs that used the table carry their trash to the trash bin?

You answered your own question. Because they are slobs!

They are the same people who leave the clothes they tried on, in a heap in the dressing room.

They probably leave their dirty clothes on the floor at home until someone else picks them up.

They are the same people who order lobster when you order a hot dog and then want to "split" the check.

Enter the obnoxious Ugly American!

[CFrance]

No, that wasn't me or Mr. Bonanza in Tamarind Grove.

What? Someone else has a Dobie in the Villages??? Wow!
All I ever see (mostly) are little, yappy designer dogs . . . except for sweet Goldens and Labs.

Okay, the joke is over.
I love all four-legged critters and some with two legs! :laugh:
First time I ever saw this dog, so perhaps it is a visitor. But he sure looked like a Dobie to me.

[zcaveman]

desperatly need spell check.......but can't figure out how to use it,:confused:

Use Google Chrome.IE has no spell check.

For Spell Checker on the internet:

In TOTV, click on Reply. Click on the ABCcheckmark in the upper right hand corner. Click on OK. Download and Install IeSpell. Shutdown all IE windows and restart IE. Click on Tools on the IE task bar and click on IeSpell Options to configure it for your use.

Bring up TOTV and do a reply. Click on Tools on the IE task bar and click on IeSpell to check the spelling.

During the first reply you will get a request to download an active X control. Click okay. Before you click OK save what you were typing because it will go bye-bye.

After it is loaded, you can right click on any note that you compose and click on Check Spelling.

You can also use this spell check on other internet sites. That is why I like it so much.

Z

[kshunt]

Disagree with comments about this place not being clean and a good place to eat. Their food was awesome! Brownwood's new Five Guys restaurant was larger than most, very clean, and the help went beyond what they needed to help out anyone!! Don't miss it!

[NottaVillager]

Love 5-Guys although the prices have risen a bit much. Not just locally but all over. However, we go there much less now because of those new fancy-dancy Coke machines. We do NOT want to play video games to get our soda! Hate them!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Now that is a new one!

[scarecrow1]

I went to the Burger King on 466 one time and their kitchen that I could see from the counter was filthy. I said something to the manager and was told that they were awful busy just before I came in and hadn't had a chance to clean it up. I went back a week later and saw the same filth. Talked to the same manager, got the same excuse. I was rather loud as there were other people around and walked out. Will not go there again.

[travelguy]

5 guys is awesome; the best place ever for french fries. and the burgers are great also. the new beverage machines enable you to make so many choices....custom-made sodas!

[NottaVillager]

5 guys is awesome; the best place ever for french fries. and the burgers are great also. the new beverage machines enable you to make so many choices....custom-made sodas!
I'm sure that the majority of people in their target demo (25-54) LOVE these new soda machines. While I fall into that demo both my wife and I just HATE having to wade through that menu and then hope the machine works well. (It often does not) I had a chat with one of the Coke guys who told me that while Coke is very high on these new machines, they are a P-A-I-N to take care of because the computer system has a slew of problems and they are constantly having to service these cranky beasts. Glad you enjoy them. Next time we're both in 5-Guys you can get my Coke for me! :laugh:

[buggyone]

I have not heard of these computerized Coke machines. How do they work for custom made soda? Is it the amount of Coke syrup that you adjust with the soda water or what?

[jhrc4]

I like many others like going to 5 Guys, however one very Small request. While waiting in line (queue) look at the Huge menu that is Displayed it is plain and obvious. Make Your Selection BEFORE >>>you get to the person who is going to take your order. Instead of " What Would You Like " ? and your reply...ummmmmaaaaaaa,ummmaaaaaaa,gee hmmmmmm, so many selections, ummmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Act like you graduated from Grade School.

[BarryRX]

Love 5-Guys although the prices have risen a bit much. Not just locally but all over. However, we go there much less now because of those new fancy-dancy Coke machines. We do NOT want to play video games to get our soda! Hate them!!

I felt the same way the first time I used one. In fact, I somehow got cherry coke instead of diet coke. But, it really is very easy to use after a second or two of figuring it out.

[NottaVillager]

I have not heard of these computerized Coke machines. How do they work for custom made soda? Is it the amount of Coke syrup that you adjust with the soda water or what?
In a way they are like the old Sunoco "custom blending" gas pumps. With them there were only two grades of gas. A low-octane Regular and a very high-octane premium and you selected the type you wanted and the pump put in the right amount of the two gas grades to get you your choice.

These new Coke machines have an on board computer that selects the syrups, water & CO2 and mixes them. To get it you have to make your choice thru a series of touch screens and then fill your cup with start button. Too much work for me to get a simple Coke.

[Bill32]

Wife and I went twice to the five guys in SS and didn't care for the burgers or fries, If we want a good burger we will go to Mallory, Ruby Tuesday or Cane. For fast food Wendy's, BK or Micky-d will do.