Major US fast food chain to open in London Heathrow airport – a European first

Five Guys is making its European airport debut (Picture: Heathrow Airport)

Heathrow Airport has announced plans to open a new Five Guys restaurant, in a European first. 

Set to launch in Terminal 5 – which has been temporarily renamed ‘Terminal Five Guys’ for the occasion – the popular American chain is making its debut at the UK’s busiest airport later in 2025.

Five Guys opened its first UK restaurant back in 2013, but this will mark its first venture into any airport in either the UK or Europe. 

Located on the terminal’s upper level, the 2,500-square-foot burger joint is expected to seat around 90 diners, as well as offering a takeaway service for travellers on the go.

With opening times spanning from the first to last flight each day, it’ll also feature a special menu tailored to passengers dealing with jet lag and navigating time zone shifts. 

Although the exact details have yet to be revealed, the chain has confirmed that breakfast options will be available to order throughout the day, alongside Five Guys’ signature burgers, hot dogs and hand-cut fries.

The American fast food chain opened its first UK restaurant in 2013 (Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The restaurant is expected to create between 80 and 100 new jobs, and will include ordering kiosks in six languages.

‘We are thrilled to be opening a brand new Five Guys at Heathrow Terminal 5 this year,’ John Eckbert, CEO of Five Guys UK said.

‘Having opened over 170 restaurants across the UK since we first launched back in 2013, the brand has established itself as one of the nation’s favourites for premium burgers.

‘Now Five Guys is cementing itself at the UK’s busiest travel hub; we are excited to be providing our delicious menu to travellers as part of their journeys.’

The restaurant will be located on the terminal’s upper deck (Picture: Getty Images)

The American fast food chain was founded in Virginia in 1986 and opened its first UK location in Covent Garden in 2013. 

Travellers can find the restaurant at several major US airports and Dubai International Airport, which opened last year to become the first Five Guys airport location outside North America.

Heathrow saw around 81 million passengers pass through in 2024 and is targeting a record 84.2 million in 2025. Terminal 5, the main base for British Airways, is the busiest airport terminal in Europe, and plans for expansion are already underway. 

Holidaymakers aren’t the only ones being treated to new fast food spots though, so you don’t need a boarding pass to get your fix.

Parisian burger joint Dumbo is opening its first ever UK site very soon, while an Asian dessert chain called Mammy Pancake also hit British shores earlier this month.

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