NEWPORT — The cheeseburger chill is over. Five Guys is back in the 02840. Cows cheered, but Newporters cried when the original Five Guys location on J.T. Connell Highway closed in May 2020 after ten scrumptious, cholesterol-packed years.
City officials, determined to return Newport to its glory days, began working behind the scenes in early 2023 to orchestrate the chain’s return, making multiple taxpayer-funded trips to Five Guys’ corporate headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, to negotiate with the executive team.
According to officials familiar with the talks, Five Guys insisted on a location with significantly more foot traffic. The Queen Anne Square site was ultimately deemed the best choice, largely because it would not displace any Airbnbs.
“I think residents and visitors alike will enjoy sitting in the park, taking in the view of historic Trinity Church while enjoying a yummy, greasy burger and fries,” said one official involved in the project. “Also, during the icy winter months, the discarded peanut shells will provide good traction for pedestrians. It’s a win-win.”
“I just called my wife and said I was bringing home Five Guys for her,” said local Timothy John O’Connell. “She sounded really excited and said she would charge up the camcorder. Guess she wants to document it.”