Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
May 13 , 2026
LOS ANGELES — Fast-casual restaurant chain Five Guys has announced plans to close all of its locations worldwide and transition into a technology company focused on artificial intelligence, marking a significant shift for the brand known for its burgers and fries.
In a statement released Tuesday, company executives said the decision comes after “extensive evaluation of long-term market trends” and a desire to position the company within what it described as “the next major phase of global innovation.”
“Our brand has always been built on customization, efficiency, and customer experience,” said CEO Jerry Murrell in the announcement. “We see a natural evolution of those values in the AI space, where personalization and responsiveness are key.”
The company did not provide a precise timeline for the closures but indicated that restaurant operations would wind down in phases over the next 12 to 18 months. Five Guys currently operates more than 1,500 locations globally.
Industry analysts say the move reflects broader shifts in both the restaurant and technology sectors. Rising labor costs, increased competition in the fast-casual market, and growing investor interest in artificial intelligence have all contributed to companies reevaluating their long-term strategies.
“It’s an unconventional pivot, but not entirely surprising in today’s environment,” said Maria Chen, a retail and technology analyst at Westbridge Consulting. “We’re seeing more companies look beyond their core industries to capture value in AI-driven services.”
Five Guys has not yet disclosed specific details about its planned AI products, though the company stated it intends to develop “scalable platforms focused on consumer personalization, logistics optimization, and digital ordering ecosystems.”
Employees across its restaurant network are expected to be affected by the closures. The company said it will offer transition support and explore opportunities to retrain some workers for roles within its new technology division.
The announcement places Five Guys among a growing list of companies seeking to redefine themselves amid rapid technological change. Whether the brand can successfully translate its identity from food service to artificial intelligence remains to be seen.
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