Despite over a month’s delay in opening, Five Guys Buffalo owner Steve Christensen remains in good spirits.  Planning to open the week of Sept. 19 (initial hopes were for a late July start date), Five Guys remains in the construction phase on the northwest corner of the Maple and Transit intersection—if you have a powerful yearning to see photos of it being built, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page. 

“We’re still very excited, especially about the location,” Christensen said.  “The traffic on the north side of Transit is great.”

Although Five Guys’ founder Jerry Murrell doesn’t believe in coupons or major promotions, the local chain isn’t concerned about a slow start.  (Murrell also drops an awesome quote about his workers that cut potatoes: “All the girls who work in our restaurants have muscles like Popeye.”)

“Discounts and coupons can cheapen the quality of the food,” Christensen said.  “At Five Guys, you can eat a massive burger and fries without feeling terrible afterwards.”  As we know from the occasional fast food trip, giant greasy burgers can leave the customer feeling like there’s a brick of congealed fat at the top of their throat and a battle between starved wolverines in the stomach. 

The chain prefers to connect with the community by hosting a range of fundraisers—from working with boy scouts, local sports teams and churches.  As expected, the fundraising organization would take a cut of the food proceeds from their event.  Plans for a high school basketball tournament is also on Christensen’s wish-list, and Five Guys should be settled by the time local basketball tips off in late December, early January.

Five Guys’ second Buffalo area location will be announced shortly, and we have a hunch that Lancaster is a potential destination.  A Niagara Falls joint appears to be a sure-thing for 2012.  Though nothing has been finalized yet, Christensen expects to have the second restaurant open in November.  Stay tuned!