Five Guys burger chain could be coming to Arroyo Grande

Five Guys — a fast-food chain that sells hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and fries — is in lease negotiations for a site in Arroyo Grande, according to Lauren Lewis, senior communications manager for the company.

A sign hung on a fence outside of the shopping center at East Grand Avenue and South Elm Street in Arroyo Grande wasn’t put up by Five Guys, she said, but rather by the landlord.

Phil Fontes, property manager and owner of the shopping center, said that he hung the sign, but he declined to give details about the restaurant. Fontes said that it is too early to talk about potential tenants and he would discuss that information in a couple of weeks. He added that he’s had lots of interest from national stores for space in the center.

Also opening in the center is the fast food Mexican restaurant Chipotle, slated to open early fall, Fontes said.

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According to a tweet from Five Guys to a customer and The Tribune, the company hopes to open the Arroyo Grande location in 2017. But, Lewis said, that was sent by its social media staff and an opening date has not been set.

Fontes anticipates another restaurant or two, a cellular shop and a dentist to move into the 90,000-square-foot shopping center. He added that he’s in the process of leasing space and choosing tenants.

Already open in the center are Domino’s Pizza (in a new location), a drive-through Starbucks (which opened in March), Rite Aid, Carquest Auto Parts and Arroyo Grande Bakery (which is moving to a new building in the center next week).

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 6:21 PM with the headline "Five Guys burger chain could be coming to Arroyo Grande."