LORTON, Va. – Starting with a single location in Arlington, Va., in 1986, Lorton-based Five Guys burgers has grown to 750 stores in more than 40 states and Canada.

According to Stores Magazine’s annual Hot 100 ranking, Five Guys is tops in the American restaurants category. Many chains were able to boost systemwide sales through domestic growth, while others, like Five Guys, saw significant increases in franchise operations last year.


Behind Five Guys, other hotspots were Jimmy John’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill, BJ’s Restaurants and Wingstop.