US burger chain Five Guys' first Australian store opens on Monday

The impending opening of cult US burger brand Five Guys in Sydney has fuelled hysteria among its devotees on par with the arrival of The Fab Four on our shores in 1964. Now B-Day is here for burger fans – almost.

On Monday, Five Guys' first Australian outlet opens in Penrith. Burger-obsessed citizens from western Sydney lucky enough to have it in their lockdown catchment are expected to form a sizeable socially-distanced welcome queue.

When Good Food revealed last year Five Guys was Australia-bound, the story went viral online. So, what's all the fuss about?

The American chain prides itself on doing things properly: there are no freezers or microwaves, and burger patties and fries are made fresh every day. Lettuce is hand-shredded and the level of detail to the operational procedure documents is NASA-like.

Earlier this year the company switched to a suburban-led strategy amid the pandemic. A Penrith site next to Panthers entertainment and dining hub was chosen, but outlets closer to the Sydney CBD will soon follow.

Seagrass Boutique Hospitality – the group behind venues such as 6 Head and Ribs & Burgers – has picked up the local master franchise for the brand.

The Penrith store has a simple interior, with more red and white than a Where's Wally convention, and while an entry-level burger is $17 ("little" hamburgers start at $14), all toppings are free. So, go for it – the 15-item extras list brims with the likes of grilled mushrooms, onions and jalapeno peppers.

123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith, fiveguys.com.au

Open daily 11am-10pm