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Five Guys Franchisee Expands Burger Sites

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By MICHAEL SASSO

msasso@tampatrib.com

Published: January 27, 2009

TAMPA - With seven restaurants already open in Hillsborough County, the local franchisee of Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries is expanding his burger empire to Houston and Columbus, Ohio.

Robert Dorfman, 58, of Tampa, bought into the Five Guys chain three years ago and opened three restaurants in the county by himself. Sensing a hot concept, investors signed on and began partnering with Dorfman to open more locations across the county.

Today, he and his partners operate seven local stores, including one at the Skypoint condominium building downtown, which had a soft opening for friends, family and some downtown workers Monday. A line stretched out the new store's front door at 12:30 p.m. because Five Guys was serving up free food.

The restaurant opens to the public today, serving lunch and dinner.

Aside from the Tampa market, Dorfman has acquired the franchising rights for Columbus, where he has one store, and Houston, where he will open two stores by June. He hopes to continue expanding in all three markets, Dorfman said.
Parent company Five Guys Enterprises is based in Lorton, Va. The company offers a limited menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries and drinks. It boasts that it has no freezers in its stores and that everything is cooked fresh.

Reporter Michael Sasso can be reached at (813) 259-7865.

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