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What Franchises Does Phil Mickelson Own?
The professional golfer is part of a group that has purchased the rights for several Five Guys franchises in The Golden State.
Phil Mickelson is regarded as one of the richest golfers in the world. This is not only thanks to his impressive golf career but also to his smart investments — such as franchising. Mickelson famously owns several Five Guys franchises in Orange County, California.
At the 2010 Players Championship, Mickelson made quite the statement when he told the press that he preferred Five Guys over fast-food competitor In-N-Out Burger.
“I grew up on In-N-Out,” said Mickelson, who admitted he had gone to Five Guys for six days in a row. “I thought that was the best burger until I had Five Guys. That is hands down the best burger I’ve ever had.” Shortly after, T.R. Reinman, spokesman for Mickelson's management company, confirmed to CNBC that the player was in fact part of a group that has purchased the rights for Five Guys franchises in Orange County.
Five Guys opened in 1986 and waited 16 years to begin franchising. This allowed the brand to develop a great strategy over time — and the advanced planning has paid off. As of 2022, Five Guys has opened over 1,500 locations in 16 countries.
Mickelson isn’t the only athlete to invest in the burger chain. In fact, Five Guys was basketball legend Shaq’s first serious franchise investment. He first became involved with the company in 2008 when he bought a location in Atlanta, eventually going on to open dozens more around the U.S.
There was even a point in time when Shaq even owned 155 Five Guys restaurants — equivalent to 10% of the burger company’s entire franchise portfolio. In 2018, the athlete told CNBC that he had since sold his stake but reported that the business had been “very good” to him.
It is unknown exactly how many locations Mickelson owns, but Five Guys makes a good multi-unit option as their franchise model is comprehensive enough for all locations to share near-identical qualities and offerings, from menu to design layout.
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