Five Guys’ master franchisee Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group has signed a deal with the Panthers Group to open the first Five Guys venue in Penrith, Sydney in 2021.
The choice of a Western Sydney location is a switch from the group’s initial plans to open the first store in the CBD.
In response to Covid, Seagrass and Five Guys adopted a dual strategy which ensures major suburban hubs were included in the site selection process.
Matthew Leavey, head of property for Panthers Group, said “Panthers are over the moon to partner with Seagrass to bring the first Five Guys to Australia. After a competitive process, we decided that aligning with a strong hospitality leader like Seagrass BHG to be able to introduce an iconic international brand like Five Guys to Penrith was in the best interest of our members and community”.
Six months of research into the region led to the selection of Penrith as the launch pad for this US brand, with growth in health, education and logistics sectors pointing to the area’s potential.
The restaurant will be adjacent to the first Krispy Kreme store in Australia, next door to the Panthers League Clubs’ entertainment and dining precinct, and in between KFC and McDonalds.
The location is a high visibility free-standing 500sqm site facing Mulgoa Rd, one of the busiest roads in Western Sydney, with traffic of than 40,000 vehicles a day.
Several additional sites are also under review. Seagrass will continue to pursue premium locations in the CBD with high visibility, foot traffic, and the core corridor from Circular Quay, to Darling Harbour and Broadway.
Store construction is due to start in the next few weeks, with a mid-year restaurant opening scheduled.
