Two recent developments on the chain-burger scene:
The latest Capital Region location of the burger-and-fries chain Five Guys opened July 25 at 900 Central Ave. in Albany, taking over the end space in Hannaford plaza that was occupied for more than 20 years by a Bruegger’s Bagels until its 2019 closure. It is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. There are at least a dozen Five Guys in the area, from Glenmont to Queensbury and another in Hagaman, Montgomery County.
Founded in 1986 in a Virginia suburb of Washington by a couple who had five sons, the company remains privately owned. It opened five D.C.-area locations over 15 years, then exploded in popularity after starting to franchise in 2003, adding 300 locations in 18 months. In 2010, it was the fastest-growing quick-serve chain in the country. As of last year, there were more than 1,860 locations in two dozen countries, according to Franchise Times. According to the company, all five sons remain involved. Five Guys arrived locally in 2004 at Mohawk Commons in Niskayuna, followed by locations in Bethlehem and North Greenbush…