Entrepreneurial Leadership

e Guys is to “sell the best quality burger possible…we focus on Quality, Service, and Cleanliness (sic).” The mission statement of Five Guys that precedes its business philosophy: “We are in the business of selling burgers.” (www.fiveguys.com) Other fast food restaurants such as Wendy’s, Arby’s, and Carl’s Jr. (Hardee’s) all have some form of claiming to have quality food for a good value as part of their philosophy. What really separates Five Guys philosophy from its competitors is the simplicity of its mission statement executed perfectly in its stores. Wendy’s mission statement, known as its “What We Believe” guides include: “‘A Cut Above’… that’s Wendy’s … we stand for honest food … higher quality, fresh, wholesome food … prepared when you order it … prepared by Wendy’s kind of people … people that believe this is My Wendy’s … we do it Dave’s Way … we don’t cut corners.” (Wendy’s, 2011) A comparison of Wendy’s philosophy with that of Five

2

Running head: ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP Guys is not really that different. Wendy’s has a menu that is more diverse than Five Guys’ menu. As a business, Wendy’s is similar in that is desires to give quality food with good customer service, while treating their employees fairly. The mission statement of Carl’s Jr. (Hardee’s) is a quote from the president of the parent company CKE, Andrew Puzder, ”CKE’s brands, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, craveable fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” (Hardee’s, 2008) Again, this is not a bad mission statement. CKE wants to sell quality food, have clean restaurant, and give good customer service. In-N-Out’s philosophy is the closest to Five Guys. Or rather, Five Guys seems to have modeled its philosophy after In-N-Out Burger. The philosophy at In-N-Out Burgers has always been “Give customers the freshest, highest...