Monterock International, private equity holding, with a focus on investment in hospitality, real estate, and food & beverage among other industries, closes its acquisition deal to take over FG Central Europe S.A, Luxembourg-based holding company, with the development and franchise rights to establish numerous Five Guys outlets in five major countries within the Central Eastern European (CEE) region. Monterock will be taking over the two existing locations, already operating in Vienna, Austria and have secured to ambitiously develop many more restaurants across capitals and metropolises in Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary by 2028. The aim of this strategic decision is to diversify Monterock’s existing portfolio of investments by entering the QSR sector as well as capitalising on Five Guys’ globally renowned brand equity.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, is one the fastest growing, globally recognised, American premium-level, QSR brand which has 1850 stores around the world, with locations in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with a multitude of further restaurants under development. Five Guys was founded in 1986, in Arlington, Virginia in the United States, by Janie and Jerry Murrell, with the help of their five sons, the very original “Five Guys”, by 2002 they started franchising locally, by 2009 Five Guys had over 500 locations across the US, and by 2013 international expansion was initiated. From the iconic red and white tiles, newspaper prints for decoration to the upbeat music and cheerful staff, Five Guys has become globally celebrated not just for their fresh ingredients and high-quality burger, fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes, but for its lively atmosphere and retro diner setting. The success of the brand holds by its irrevocable core convictions, imbued within the DNA of the company, which every Five Guys employee and franchisor aim to emulate:
- Remain humble (it means you’re never “above” doing the dishes),
- Exceed Expectation (consistently give them more than they asked for),
- Always do the right thing (make the customers happy no matter what it takes and have fun doing it),
- Lead by example (inspire others through your leadership).
Founder and Chairman of Monterock International, Petros Stathis comments: “We are really excited to commence this journey with Five Guys and for Monterock to enter the QSR sector. My family and I are huge fans of the brand and have been loyal consumers for a while. The quality of its products and menu is a true testament to the success of Five Guys globally, and this acquisition aligns well with our ambition to develop and optimise leading F&B and hospitality brands around the world with unique and exceptional locations.”
Monterock International will undertake the two currently operating restaurants, the flagship store located in one of Vienna’s most prime districts, Graben – just steps away from Stephansplatz, as well as another one in Millennium City Mall, one of Vienna’s most prominent shopping and entertainment centres. The rigorous development pipeline plans to add several more store locations in Austria in 2024 with an expansion into Prague as a next step. Monterock International’s undertaking of the CEE Five Guys Franchise aligns ideally with its vision to collate and grow a portfolio of premium, globally renowned F&B concepts.
About FIVE GUYS
Five Guys is a family owned and operated franchise restaurant group that focuses on serving high quality burgers and fries in a clean, no frills atmosphere. Five Guys was established in 1986 in Arlington, VA. In 2003, Five Guys opened its first franchised location and with the help of loyal franchisees, Five Guys has expanded from five to over 1850 locations around the world. For more information, visit www.fiveguys.com.
