food_and_drink
Wendy's vs Five Guys 2026: Price, Quality & Speed
Wendy's offers faster service and lower prices with a broader menu, while Five Guys specializes in premium customizable burgers and hand-cut fries at significantly higher cost. The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and value or quality ingredients and customization.
Wendy's
North American fast-casual burger chain known for fresh, never-frozen beef and customizable menu items with 7,000 locations.
Budget-conscious diners, people in a hurry, those seeking menu variety, and customers prioritizing convenience over premium quality
Score63%
VS
Five Guys
Premium fast-casual burger chain specializing in fresh beef and extensive customization.
Quality-focused diners willing to pay premium prices, customers seeking extensive burger customization, and those who prioritize fresh ingredients and personalized service
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryWendy's offers faster service and lower prices with a broader menu, while Five Guys specializes in premium customizable burgers and hand-cut fries at significantly higher cost. The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and value or quality ingredients and customization.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Wendy's if you prioritize affordability, speed, menu variety, and accessibility—it's ideal for budget-conscious diners seeking a quick meal with diverse options. Choose Five Guys if you're willing to pay premium prices for fresh, customizable burgers and hand-cut fries made to order, and you value quality ingredients and a more personalized experience.
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Wendy's
8.8/10
Five Guys
6.3/10
Choose Wendy's if
Best pickBudget-conscious diners, people in a hurry, those seeking menu variety, and customers prioritizing convenience over premium quality
Choose Five Guys if
Quality-focused diners willing to pay premium prices, customers seeking extensive burger customization, and those who prioritize fresh ingredients and personalized service
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Average Burger Price:✓ Wendy's wins($5.99 vs $15.29)
- Average Wait Time:✓ Wendy's wins(5-7 minutes vs 12-15 minutes)
- Burger Customization Options:✓ Five Guys wins(15+ free toppings per burger vs 3-4 toppings per burger)
Key Facts & Figures
58 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Wendy's | Five Guys | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 7,000+ | — | — |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | -5% | — | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7-9 | Five Guys | |
| Value Meal Price(GBP) | £7.99 | — | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 7,000 | — | — |
| New Menu Items Per Year(items) | 7 items | — | — |
| Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper) | Base comparison point | — | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £7.99 | — | — |
| Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds) | ~25 seconds per Dave's Single | — | — |
| Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices) | 2-3 burger options at £7.99 | — | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 5-7 minutes | 12-15 minutes | |
| Customization Options per Burger(toppings) | 3-4 toppings | 15+ toppings | |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 40+ items | 12 core items | |
| US Locations(locations) | 5,800+ | 1,700+ | |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 76% | 89% | |
| Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD) | $11.49 | $22.99 | |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 7,193 | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024)) | 79 | — | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $2.1 billion | — | — |
| Drive-Thru Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3.8 minutes | — | — |
| Digital/Online Sales Percentage(% of total sales) | 28% | — | — |
| Menu Variety(items available) | 80+ items | — | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7.49 | $15.29 | |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $2.1B (2024) | — | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $3.2M | — | — |
| Market Capitalization(USD Billions) | $8.2B | — | — |
| Brand Recognition (Global)(percent) | 31% | — | — |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 4.5 hours (6AM-10:30AM typical) | — | — |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 8.2M | — | — |
| Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes) | 5-7 minutes | — | — |
| Menu Customization Options(count (estimated)) | Extensive (40+ custom combinations) | — | — |
| International Country Presence(count) | 6 countries (NA-focused) | — | — |
| Average Burger Calorie Content(calories) | 480 cal (Dave's Single) | — | — |
| Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD) | $12.99 | $12.99 | |
| 2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger)) | 1st place - 15.5% | 1st place - 15.5% | |
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 1,500+ | 1,500+ | |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 8-12 minutes | 8-12 minutes | |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | |
| Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz) | $1.95/oz | $1.95/oz | |
| Total Locations(count) | 1,500+ | 1,500+ | |
| States/Regions Present(count) | 40+ states plus international | 40+ states plus international | |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | 15+ customizable options | |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | 12-15 minutes | |
| Drive-Thru Availability(%) | 25% | 25% | |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 2000 | |
| Number of Global Locations(locations) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Founding Year(year) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Average Fries Portion Size(oz) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Menu Item Count(items) | Five Guys | Five Guys | |
| Single Burger Base Price(USD) | $16.00 | $16.00 | |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 1,700+ | 1,700+ | |
| Average Customer Rating(stars (out of 5)) | 4.5/5.0 | 4.5/5.0 | |
| Average Service Wait Time(minutes) | 13 minutes | 13 minutes | |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | 15+ customizable toppings | 15+ customizable toppings | |
| Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations) | 5% | 5% | |
| Price Per Pound of Beef(USD) | $4.80/lb | $4.80/lb |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Wendy's leads
Wendy's
Attribute
Five Guys
- $5.99(winner)Average Burger Price$15.29
- 5-7 minutes(winner)Average Wait Time12-15 minutes
- 3-4 toppings per burgerBurger Customization Options15+ free toppings per burger(winner)
- 40+ items(winner)Menu Item Count12 core items
- Conventional beefBeef SourcingFresh, never frozen beef(winner)
- 5,800+(winner)Locations (US)1,700+
- 76%Average Customer Satisfaction89%(winner)
- Average Burger Price
Wendy's
$5.99(winner)
Five Guys
$15.29
- Average Wait Time
Wendy's
5-7 minutes(winner)
Five Guys
12-15 minutes
- Burger Customization Options
Wendy's
3-4 toppings per burger
Five Guys
15+ free toppings per burger(winner)
- Menu Item Count
Wendy's
40+ items(winner)
Five Guys
12 core items
- Beef Sourcing
Wendy's
Conventional beef
Five Guys
Fresh, never frozen beef(winner)
- Locations (US)
Wendy's
5,800+(winner)
Five Guys
1,700+
- Average Customer Satisfaction
Wendy's
76%
Five Guys
89%(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Wendy's | Five Guys |
|---|---|---|
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 7,000+ | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 7,000 | — |
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 1,500+ | — |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | -5% | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $2.1 billion | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $2.1B (2024) | — |
| Market Capitalization(USD Billions) | $8.2B | — |
| Beef Freshness | Never-frozen fresh beef | — |
| Beef Quality Standard(text) | Never-frozen fresh beef | — |
| Beef Quality Grade(text) | Fresh, never-frozen beef | — |
| Drive-Thru Technology Level | Traditional automated systems | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7-9(winner) | Five Guys |
| Menu Item Customization Options(level) | Extensive customization | — |
| New Restaurant Openings 2026(planned locations) | Closing hundreds | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus | Premium improved recipes 2026 | — |
| Beef Freshness Standard | Fresh, never-frozen beef | — |
| Value Meal Price(GBP) | £7.99 | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £7.99 | — |
| Price Difference(GBP) | — | — |
| Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD) | $11.49(winner) | $22.99 |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7.49(winner) | $15.29 |
Show 2 more attributesClassic Cheeseburger Price(USD) $12.99 — Single Burger Base Price(USD) $16.00 — | ||
| New Menu Items Per Year(items) | 7 items | — |
| Drive-Thru Technology (2026) | Digital menu boards, traditional operation | — |
| New Location Expansion (2026)(locations) | Incremental expansion, undisclosed target | — |
| Restaurant Design Innovation | Future Fresh design with blue aesthetic and digital integration | — |
| Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper) | Base comparison point | — |
| Beef Freshness | Never-frozen fresh beef | Fresh never-frozen daily |
| Beef Sourcing Method | Fresh, never-frozen daily | — |
| Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds) | ~25 seconds per Dave's Single | — |
| Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026) | Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion (new core item) | — |
| Restaurant Design Update | Future Fresh design (2026) with digital ordering | — |
| Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices) | 2-3 burger options at £7.99 | — |
| Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz) | $1.95/oz | — |
| Price Per Pound of Beef(USD) | $4.80/lb | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 5-7 minutes(winner) | 12-15 minutes |
| Customization Options per Burger(toppings) | 3-4 toppings | 15+ toppings(winner) |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 40+ items(winner) | 12 core items |
| Menu Items(count) | 15+ customizable options | — |
| US Locations(locations) | 5,800+(winner) | 1,700+ |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 76% | 89%(winner) |
| Average Customer Rating(stars (out of 5)) | 4.5/5.0 | — |
| Beef Sourcing Quality | Conventional sourced | Fresh, never frozen, daily ground |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 7,193 | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024)) | 79 | — |
| Drive-Thru Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3.8 minutes | — |
| Digital/Online Sales Percentage(% of total sales) | 28% | — |
| Menu Variety(items available) | 80+ items | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $3.2M | — |
| Brand Recognition (Global)(percent) | 31% | — |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 4.5 hours (6AM-10:30AM typical) | — |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 8.2M | — |
| Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes) | 5-7 minutes | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking) | 4.4 | — |
| Menu Customization Options(count (estimated)) | Extensive (40+ custom combinations) | — |
| International Country Presence(count) | 6 countries (NA-focused) | — |
| Average Burger Calorie Content(calories) | 480 cal (Dave's Single) | — |
| 2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger)) | 1st place - 15.5% | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 8-12 minutes | — |
| Customization Options(combinations) | Patty count, proteins, toppings, sauces | — |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | 3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries) | — |
| Total Locations(count) | 1,500+ | — |
| Number of Global Locations(locations) | Five Guys | — |
| States/Regions Present(count) | 40+ states plus international | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 12-15 minutes | — |
| Average Service Wait Time(minutes) | 13 minutes | — |
| Drive-Thru Availability(%) | 25% | — |
| Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations) | 5% | — |
| Founded Year | 2000 | — |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | Five Guys | — |
| Menu Item Count(items) | Five Guys | — |
| Founding Year(year) | Five Guys | — |
| Average Fries Portion Size(oz) | Five Guys | — |
| Alcohol Beverage Offering | Five Guys | — |
| Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes) | Five Guys | — |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 1,700+ | — |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | 15+ customizable toppings | — |
Wendy'sFive GuysGlobal Restaurant Count(locations)
7,000+
—
Global Restaurant Locations(count)
7,000
—
Global Locations(number of restaurants)
1,500+
—
2026 Revenue Growth(percentage)
-5%
—
Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions)
$2.1 billion
—
Annual Revenue(USD Billions)
$2.1B (2024)
—
Market Capitalization(USD Billions)
$8.2B
—
Beef Freshness
Never-frozen fresh beef
—
Beef Quality Standard(text)
Never-frozen fresh beef
—
Beef Quality Grade(text)
Fresh, never-frozen beef
—
Drive-Thru Technology Level
Traditional automated systems
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$7-9
Five Guys
Menu Item Customization Options(level)
Extensive customization
—
New Restaurant Openings 2026(planned locations)
Closing hundreds
—
Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
Premium improved recipes 2026
—
Beef Freshness Standard
Fresh, never-frozen beef
—
Value Meal Price(GBP)
£7.99
—
Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP)
£7.99
—
Price Difference(GBP)
—
—
Average Meal Cost (Burger + Fries + Drink)(USD)
$11.49
$22.99
Average Burger Price(USD)
$7.49
$15.29
Show 2 more attributes
Classic Cheeseburger Price(USD)
$12.99
—
Single Burger Base Price(USD)
$16.00
—
New Menu Items Per Year(items)
7 items
—
Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
Digital menu boards, traditional operation
—
New Location Expansion (2026)(locations)
Incremental expansion, undisclosed target
—
Restaurant Design Innovation
Future Fresh design with blue aesthetic and digital integration
—
Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper)
Base comparison point
—
Beef Freshness
Never-frozen fresh beef
Fresh never-frozen daily
Beef Sourcing Method
Fresh, never-frozen daily
—
Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds)
~25 seconds per Dave's Single
—
Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026)
Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion (new core item)
—
Restaurant Design Update
Future Fresh design (2026) with digital ordering
—
Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices)
2-3 burger options at £7.99
—
Price Per Ounce of Beef(USD per oz)
$1.95/oz
—
Price Per Pound of Beef(USD)
$4.80/lb
—
Average Wait Time(minutes)
5-7 minutes
12-15 minutes
Customization Options per Burger(toppings)
3-4 toppings
15+ toppings
Menu Item Count(items)
40+ items
12 core items
Menu Items(count)
15+ customizable options
—
US Locations(locations)
5,800+
1,700+
Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5)
76%
89%
Average Customer Rating(stars (out of 5))
4.5/5.0
—
Beef Sourcing Quality
Conventional sourced
Fresh, never frozen, daily ground
Total Global Locations(stores)
7,193
—
Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024))
79
—
Drive-Thru Average Transaction Time(minutes)
3.8 minutes
—
Digital/Online Sales Percentage(% of total sales)
28%
—
Menu Variety(items available)
80+ items
—
Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions)
$3.2M
—
Brand Recognition (Global)(percent)
31%
—
Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day)
4.5 hours (6AM-10:30AM typical)
—
Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions)
8.2M
—
Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes)
5-7 minutes
—
Customer Satisfaction Rating(relative ranking)
4.4
—
Menu Customization Options(count (estimated))
Extensive (40+ custom combinations)
—
International Country Presence(count)
6 countries (NA-focused)
—
Average Burger Calorie Content(calories)
480 cal (Dave's Single)
—
2026 YouGov Quality Ranking(Percentile (% voting for top burger))
1st place - 15.5%
—
Average Service Time(minutes)
8-12 minutes
—
Customization Options(combinations)
Patty count, proteins, toppings, sauces
—
Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus)
3 (burgers, hot dogs, fries)
—
Total Locations(count)
1,500+
—
Number of Global Locations(locations)
Five Guys
—
States/Regions Present(count)
40+ states plus international
—
Average Wait Time(minutes)
12-15 minutes
—
Average Service Wait Time(minutes)
13 minutes
—
Drive-Thru Availability(%)
25%
—
Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations)
5%
—
Founded Year
2000
—
Topping Customization Options(toppings)
Five Guys
—
Menu Item Count(items)
Five Guys
—
Founding Year(year)
Five Guys
—
Average Fries Portion Size(oz)
Five Guys
—
Alcohol Beverage Offering
Five Guys
—
Service Speed (Avg Wait)(minutes)
Five Guys
—
Number of Global Locations(restaurants)
1,700+
—
Topping Customization Options(toppings)
15+ customizable toppings
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Wendy's
+5-3
Pros
- Average burger price of $5.99, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers
- Quick service with 5-7 minute average wait times during peak hours
- Diverse menu with 40+ items including salads, chicken, and breakfast options
- 5,800+ US locations providing maximum convenience and accessibility
- Fresh, made-to-order items rather than pre-made inventory
Cons
- Beef is conventionally sourced rather than fresh and never frozen
- Limited customization compared to competitors—typically 3-4 toppings per burger
- Lower average customer satisfaction rating of 76% vs Five Guys' 89%
Five Guys
+5-3
Pros
- Fresh, never-frozen beef sourced and ground daily in-house
- Extensive customization with 15+ free toppings per burger and unlimited fries
- High average customer satisfaction rating of 89%, indicating strong brand loyalty
- Hand-cut fries made fresh from potatoes daily in each location
- Premium quality ingredients and transparent sourcing practices
Cons
- Average burger price of $15.29—approximately 2.5x more expensive than Wendy's
- 12-15 minute average wait time, making it less suitable for quick meals
- Only 1,700+ US locations, limiting accessibility compared to Wendy's' 5,800+ outlets
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Wendy's is significantly cheaper. An average burger costs $5.99 at Wendy's compared to $15.29 at Five Guys—approximately 2.5 times less. A complete meal (burger, fries, drink) costs about $11.49 at Wendy's versus $22.99 at Five Guys, making Wendy's the clear value choice for budget-conscious diners.
Resources & Learn More
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