Five Guys Burgers and Fries to open at Arborland shopping center
A Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant is opening in Arborland Center off Washtenaw Avenue this spring.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
Franchise owners Michael Abrams, Brian Adelman and David Pittaway signed a lease in January for a 2,579-square-foot space in the outlot portion of Arborland near Starbucks Coffee, a space most recently occupied by America’s Best Contact & Eyeglasses.
America’s Best moved two storefronts down in August to expand.
Renovations are currently underway at the new Five Guys location, and a sign announces the restaurant is “coming soon.” Abrams said the goal is to open by the end of May or early June.
This is the 16th Five Guys restaurant the three business partners have opened in Michigan, and they are quickly adding more. One is set to open in Portage, Mich. a month after the Arborland location opens, with the ultimate goal of opening 30 or 40 restaurants.
The reason, Abrams said: “I think it’s the best burgers and fries you can get anywhere.”
The Five Guys on State Street opened in January 2011 in the former Shaman Drum Bookshop.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
Virginia-based Five Guys has more than 750 locations throughout the country. The restaurant keeps things simple by offering a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, grilled cheese, a vegetarian sandwich and Coca-Cola products.
The product, Adelman said in 2011, “sells itself.”
“Wherever we open, as long as there are people, we will be successful,” he said.
The State Street restaurant opened in January 2011 in the former Shaman Drum Bookshop, and Abrams said its performance level is in the upper half of their 15 open locations.
“It’s a good store, with a good presence,” he said. “It’s not crazy busy, but it’s good.”
Although he called it a “headache,” he said they might consider keeping the State Street restaurant open until 2 a.m. on weekends in order to cater to college students.
Abrams said he decided to open a restaurant at Arborland after seeing the success of Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery and Noodles & Company in the retail center.
He called the parking situation at Arborland “a little suspect,” but he said he hopes that when the outlot parking is full, people will park in the larger Arborland lot and walk over.
“That’s a very busy area, and with all the big stores behind us, I think that helps,” he said. “Everything in there does well.”
Michael Lippitt and Richard Shlom of Landmark Commercial Services marketed the space. Amcap Inc. owns the Arborland Center.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
zanzerbar
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 11:19 a.m.
Went to the State location, but all the screaming and hollering made me lose my appetite .
nicole
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
I don't think people are complaining about parking so much as safety. Have you ever tried walking from the big lot to that smaller one? You are taking your life in your hands. People driving in the lot do NOT look for pedestrians. They'd need a better cross walk or something.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
My experience is that the traffic is far from nonstop. My experience is that its not hard to find a sufficient break in traffic to cross safely. But I admit i am reasonably fit and mobile.
Goofus
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 10:58 p.m.
Krazy Jims is way over-priced. This is the dirty little secret of this town. The nickel and diming on the separate ingredients and toppings really adds up.
MAS
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
I'm from DC and Five Guys has the best burgers hands down. Blimpie's is overrated and you get yelled at so why bother?
Tag
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Krazy Jim's is better than Five Guys, but the new Arborland location will be super easy to get too. Buyer beware though, check out Five Guys calories. WOW
MAS
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
I would guess Krazy Jim's burgers have about the same calorie count as Five Guys.
gofigure
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
Over priced and over-hyped
craigjjs
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
I have lived in Ann Arbor for only two years. Does anyone know why there is no Boston Market? I have heard that there used to be on on Washtenaw.
townie54
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 2:34 a.m.
there was a boston market on west stadium where KFC is now but lit was dirty and nasty inside and never had people in it.I went there twice and that was enough.The food wasnt that great
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
Tag, your correct. When they filed bankruptcy is when McDonald's acquired them. Boston Market still exists as a privately owned corporation.
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
there was one where the McDonald's now is just east of Huron Parkway. That Boston market disappeared when McDonald's sold the Boston Market name to Sun Capital Partners. McDonald's originally bought Boston Market out of bankruptcy for the real estate. So when they sold the name they knew all along they were going to turn that spot in to a McDonald's.
Tag
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
Didn't Boston Market file for bankruptcy years ago?
mun
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
Boston Market on Washtenaw near Huron Parkway wasn't doing well. Their prices were high, so people went to the KFC up the road for cheaper chicken. Obviously, the McDonalds, which replace Boston Market, is doing fine.
Michelle09
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
I know people hate having a mass amount of chain restaurants in one area but I sure wish Texas Roadhouse would buy that space where Borders used to be in ArborLand. Thats one of my favorite restaurants and I wish there were one in town. Back to the story though, Five Guys is okay but its hard to beat Krazy Jim. I'm sure it will do well in that space though, and I'll probably be a somewhat regular visitor considering I live down the street from the plaza.
Marie Willnow
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
I am hoping a Texas Roadhouse or Famous Dave's could take over the Borders or Circuit City buildings.
Goofus
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
Why are people allergic to merely crossing the gap from the plentiful parking at the former Borders area to this corner of Arborland?
LaMusica
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
My thoughts exactly! Anytime I go over there I always park in the lot across the road from that little strip of stores. It's not a big deal at all, but people aren't happy unless they can complain about something, I guess.
SMC
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Because there's isn't a crosswalk with day-glow signage and flashing lights?
LaMusica
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
Ack, there goes my waistline! 5 Guys right next to Coldstone, eek!
DBH
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 3:26 a.m.
But unlike the Bermuda Triangle, you'll know exactly where that cholesterol is going (and staying).
LaMusica
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
@SMC that's funny, Bermuda Triangle of cholesterol, haha!
SMC
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
With Chili's across the way, it's like the Bermuda Triangle of cholesterol.
SMC
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Summary of comments so far: Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger is better (7) The parking in that part of Arborland sucks, and I'm too lazy to park the same distance away from the restaurant that I would have if I were eating at a downtown restaurant, or one with a large parking lot (8)
SMC
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 3:09 p.m.
I was hoping they would buy the old Circuit City location. Just imagine how many burgers they could serve out of that place!
Sara Minh
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.
I'd still rather contend w/campus parking...but go to Blimpy's.
revras
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
Any new restaurant is welcome on the north side of town, someone could make a bundle if they actually opened a quality spot anywhere on Plymouth road or Washtenaw.
alarictoo
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 1:57 p.m.
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger will still rule as the best burger in Ann Arbor! And, as much of a pain as it can be parking there, it will still be better than the parking for the new 5 Guys. ;^)
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.
I might add that I like a good whine as much as the next guy, but I think complaining about parking there is a bit over the top.
Diane
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Great, didn't know about the first one:)
Craig Lounsbury
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 12:59 p.m.
as parking goes it may not be the best in Arbor Land but it sure beats downtown. Heck, I've been known to hit Hillers and Petco from the same parking spot.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Feb 21, 2012 : 12:35 a.m.
I guess I'll have to hit Old Navy and Toys-r-us from the same spot just to keep my mojo.
Ann English
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
I've hit Hiller's and Michael's from the same parking place.
fjord
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Truly amazing, the things people find to complain about. If you can't walk an extra twenty yards or so from the larger parking lot, maybe you shouldn't be eating at Five Guys in the first place.
Arieswoman
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
This is wonderful news! The parking is just awful for that section of the center! Why there? Why don't they re-design the parking? I love Noodles but seldom go there due to the parking.
jellyfish
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
I love Noodles & Co., too. I also have used America's Best and have gone to Starbucks while waiting for my car at Firestone. I agree, the parking in that tiny strip is awful. Which is why I never even look for a space there. I always assume it will be full, and am happy to park my car on the other side of the divide. It actually saves time to park and walk rather than wrestle around with other drivers for one awkward spot. If anything, Arborland could try to redesign the entrance at the light. Glad to see a new business setting up shop!
cinnabar7071
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Unless your disabled, or lazy the parking is fine.
Turd Ferguson
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 11:19 a.m.
Woot Woot
dading dont delete me bro
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 11:13 a.m.
five guys is awesome! too bad parking really $(/)@#s at that portion of arborland. parking = fail
Hmm
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 6:58 p.m.
Can't be any worse than the current location though! Try and find parking over there on a Friday or Saturday night, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack
Barb
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
I don't even bother with that strip of parking if I'm over there. There's no point. I just hoof it and pray some moron trying to get as close to Starbucks as possible doesn't run me over as I cross.
dading dont delete me bro
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 11:22 a.m.
no.
jinxplayer
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 : 11:19 a.m.
Just park in the Boarders lot and walk the extra 20 feet. You are going to need to after eating there anyways.