Selling a Five Guys Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for Five Guys Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling a Five Guys franchise is a distinctive transaction that requires brand-specific expertise, disciplined valuation, and broad buyer exposure. Five Guys operates under a unique franchise model with strict operational standards and a highly curated franchisee base, making experienced M&A representation essential when pursuing a sale.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing Five Guys franchisees across the United States. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a structured, professional process designed to maximize value and ensure transaction certainty.

Why Selling a Five Guys Franchise Requires Specialized Expertise

Five Guys franchise resales differ from many QSR brands due to:

• Rigorous franchisor approval and transfer requirements

• Buyer experience, net worth, and liquidity thresholds

• Strong emphasis on operational execution and store standards

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and rent economics

• Portfolio considerations for multi-unit operators

These factors directly impact buyer eligibility, valuation, and deal timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands Five Guys.

How Five Guys Franchises Are Valued

Five Guys franchise valuations are driven by cash flow consistency, unit-level performance, and operational scalability, not revenue alone.

Key Valuation Drivers

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical financial performance

• Unit economics, food costs, and labor efficiency

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Management depth versus owner involvement

• Brand compliance and capital expenditure requirements

At Highwater Partners, we apply M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation methodologies, ensuring pricing is credible to sophisticated franchise buyers and lenders.

Who Is Buying Five Guys Franchises Today

Active buyers for Five Guys franchises typically include:

• Existing Five Guys franchisees expanding territory

• Multi-unit, multi-brand QSR operators

• Strategic buyers seeking premium burger concepts

• Institutional operators focused on operational excellence

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

Maximum Exposure Through a National Buyer & Broker Network

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners provides broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the U.S.

• Direct outreach to active Five Guys buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials designed for institutional review

This approach creates competitive buyer demand, stronger negotiating leverage, and higher certainty of close, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Why Five Guys Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

Five Guys franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we offer:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific Five Guys resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• Maximum listing exposure across national buyer channels

• Proven execution on complex franchise transactions

• Professional, discreet representation from start to finish

We are consistently selected by franchise owners seeking the best firm to sell a Five Guys franchise, not a generalist brokerage.

Our Five Guys Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential Valuation & Exit Strategy Assessment

2. Professional CIM & Transaction Packaging

3. Maximum Buyer Exposure & Targeted Outreach

4. Buyer Qualification & Franchisor Coordination

5. Offer Negotiation & Deal Structuring

6. Transaction Management Through Closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.

When Is the Right Time to Sell a Five Guys Franchise?

The strongest sale outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable or improving

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are established

• Buyer demand for Five Guys franchises is active

Preparation and positioning often matter more than market timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your Five Guys franchise—now or in the future—we recommend beginning with a confidential consultation to discuss valuation, timing, and exit strategy.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Franchise Resale & M&A Business Brokerage

Cell: 714.330.9999

Email: mercedes@highwater.partners

Website: www.highwater.partners