Five Guys Targets Boardrooms in Major ezCater Catering Partnership

BOSTON, MA – January 13, 2026 – In a significant move that bridges the gap between popular consumer brands and the corporate world, burger chain Five Guys announced it is bringing approximately 800 of its U.S. locations onto the ezCater platform. The partnership marks a major strategic push for Five Guys into the lucrative corporate catering sector, leveraging ezCater's #1 ranked food tech platform to reach thousands of workplaces nationwide.

This collaboration is more than a simple delivery deal; it signifies a powerful convergence of trends shaping the modern workplace. As companies navigate the complexities of hybrid work schedules, many are turning to high-quality food perks as a primary tool to encourage office attendance, boost morale, and foster collaboration. By joining forces, Five Guys and ezCater are placing a strategic bet that customizable burgers and fresh-cut fries can be a cornerstone of the new office culture.

The New Corporate Perk: Burgers and Fries

The post-pandemic workplace has seen a dramatic shift in employee expectations and employer strategies. With remote and hybrid models becoming standard, the office is no longer a default destination but a place for intentional gathering. To make on-site work more appealing, companies are investing heavily in amenities, and food consistently ranks at the top of the list.

Research powerfully supports this strategy. A recent survey from ezCater revealed that a staggering 75% of hybrid employees would be more likely to work from the office if their employer provided a free lunch. Further data indicates that 93% of managers report higher employee turnout on days when the company serves free food. This partnership directly taps into that demand, replacing traditional, often uninspired, catering trays with a beloved and highly customizable meal experience.

“A good meal can turn an ordinary workday into a great one. Employers are looking for ways to get their teams excited about coming together, and there's something special about a Five Guys burger bar where everyone gets exactly what they're craving—whether that's a burger, hot dog, or sandwich,” said Molly Catalano, Chief Marketing Officer at Five Guys. “ezCater helps us bring that experience to more teams, making it easy for everyone to build their meal their way at the office.”

A Strategic Play for Market Dominance

For both companies, this alliance is a calculated move to capture significant market share and reinforce their respective leadership positions. For Five Guys, it represents a formal and scalable entry into the U.S. corporate catering market, an industry valued at over $72 billion in 2023 and projected to climb past $124 billion by 2032. While the chain has offered limited catering options directly, the partnership with ezCater provides the technological infrastructure and market access needed to build a national program targeting high-value corporate orders. This new B2B revenue stream is a significant diversification from its traditional direct-to-consumer model and offers the potential for more profitable, pre-scheduled orders that allow for better labor management.

For ezCater, which has solidified its position with a $1.6 billion valuation and a network of over 100,000 restaurants, adding a powerhouse brand like Five Guys is a major competitive advantage. It enhances the platform's appeal to its corporate clients, who are increasingly demanding familiar, high-quality food options for their employees. This move not only satisfies existing demand but also helps ezCater defend its market-leading status against competitors like Fooda and Cater2.me.

“Workplaces are hungry for a brand like Five Guys. We are seeing a 16% jump in orders for the burger category in 2025, making this the perfect time to bring their menu to our customers,” stated Cindy Klein Roche, Chief Growth Officer at ezCater. “We are thrilled to help Five Guys grow their catering business, while also helping employers build a more productive, connected workforce through food.”

Optimizing the Menu for the Modern Office

Successfully transitioning a fast-casual menu to a large-scale corporate setting requires more than just logistics; it demands a thoughtful re-imagining of the ordering and dining experience. A key element of this partnership was the collaborative effort to optimize the Five Guys menu specifically for workplace catering. The solution moves beyond simple pre-packaged meals to embrace customization at scale.

The centerpiece of the offering is a series of build-your-own bars. This format allows employees to construct their own burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, catering to a wide array of dietary preferences and individual tastes within a single order. This approach directly addresses a primary challenge in corporate food service: satisfying a diverse group of people. By empowering employees to choose their own toppings and ingredients, companies can ensure higher satisfaction and reduce food waste. The availability of small group bundles alongside larger formats provides the flexibility needed for everything from team meetings to company-wide events.

This operational adjustment highlights a sophisticated understanding of the B2B market's needs, demonstrating that the best consumer brands must adapt their service models to succeed in the corporate environment. The inclusion of the chain's signature fresh-cut fries ensures the full Five Guys experience is delivered to the boardroom.

The ROI of a Well-Fed Workforce

Beyond the immediate appeal of a free lunch, companies are recognizing the tangible return on investment (ROI) that comes from a well-executed food program. Industry studies consistently show that providing meals is not merely an expense but a strategic investment in human capital. An overwhelming 94% of employees report that taking a proper lunch break improves their afternoon performance and mental clarity.

These programs directly impact a company's bottom line through increased productivity, higher employee engagement, and improved talent retention. With the cost of replacing an employee estimated to be as high as $10,000, perks that foster loyalty and satisfaction are more critical than ever. Shared meals also promote social interaction and team cohesion, which are especially valuable in a hybrid setting where opportunities for spontaneous connection are limited. By providing a platform that makes ordering from popular restaurants like Five Guys seamless, ezCater is enabling companies to easily deploy a proven strategy for building a stronger, more connected, and more productive workforce. This partnership is a clear indicator that in the future of work, company culture may very well be built one catered meal at a time.