Five Guys vs. In-N-Out

Socal's beloved burger chain could be in for a fight. The Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers & Fries has just opened in the city of Orange (the local franchisee already has stores in Cerritos and Carson) and so far the reviews are good. Really good. Even long-time In-N-Out customers are impressed with the quality of the burger, choice of toppings, and tastiness of the fries. From the OC Register:

"It's pretty good," [Johnny Nielsen] said with a tone of surprise. "It's like eating a burger made at home. The meat is good like something you would get at a local butcher." Other Five Guys newbies were equally impressed. "The burger was delicious," said Matthew Smitley, 21, of Buellton. "The overall atmosphere of the restaurant, including the food, it's perfect." Some couldn't go out on a limb and declare Five Guys superior to In-N-Out, including Ryan Myers, who drove from Corona to try the burger for the first time. "It tastes pretty good.... more like a [burger from a]� mom-and-pop's shop, where they sell just about everything," said Myers, 30. "You can put it up there with In-N-Out. In-N-Out [is] just a little bit above Five Guys."

Franchisee Phil Ratner owns the rights to open 30 Five Guys in parts of Orange and L.A. counties, so the incursion is only beginning.