Five Guys Plans Downtown Raleigh Location
The burger chain submitted proposals to renovate a space on Fayetteville Street for a new restaurant.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Five Guys Burgers and Fries has filed official plans to open a new location at 442 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The proposed site is located within a building owned by the real estate investment trust Highwoods Properties, Inc.
Why it matters
This expansion represents a continued growth for the burger chain in the Raleigh market, following the recent opening of a site at Crabtree Valley Mall. Downtown residents and office workers may see additional fast-casual dining options if the municipal plan review confirms the project.
The proposed restaurant will occupy 442 Fayetteville Street, with submitted plans detailing an interior renovation to include a new walk-in cooler and storage space. The property is currently held by Highwoods Properties, Inc., a publicly traded real estate investment trust.
The players
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
This American fast-casual restaurant chain specializes in hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries.
Highwoods Properties, Inc.
A real estate investment trust traded on the New York Stock Exchange that owns the property at 442 Fayetteville Street.
The details
The company submitted sketch plans to the city to facilitate the interior layout changes necessary for the new storefront. These plans focus on repurposing the building interior to accommodate the equipment and storage requirements for the fast-food chain.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Five Guys filed renovation plans with the city of Raleigh.
November 4, 2026: The city is scheduled to conduct a review of the proposed project plans.
Market Landscape
This development reflects a shift toward expanding fast-casual footprints in downtown corridors as brands seek to capture foot traffic from urban workers. The move positions the company to compete more directly for market share against other established food providers in the central business district.
Local shoppers and employees in downtown Raleigh may soon have access to a new dining option following the successful completion of the municipal review process. The restaurant's arrival adds to the variety of food services available within the central city business district.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates the ongoing trend of national retail chains establishing secondary sites within dense urban centers. Residents can monitor municipal planning calendars for updates on the construction timeline following the November hearing.
What happens next
The city of Raleigh is scheduled to hold a formal review of the renovation plans for the Fayetteville Street property on November 4, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on new businesses entering the area, visit the Raleigh Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News&Observer.
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