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Five Guys CEO Offers $1.5M Bonus After Promotion Fiasco

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Five Guys CEO Jerry Murrell announced a $1.5 million bonus after a failed promotion during the chain's 40th anniversary.
The failed promotion overwhelmed staff, crashed the app, and caused early shutdowns, prompting online backlash.
Murrell joked about not wanting to be "shot in the back," alluding to UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination.
Five Guys apologized and relaunched the promotion for four days in March, acknowledging failure to meet customer demand.

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Story summary

Five Guys CEO Jerry Murrell announced a $1.5 million bonus after a failed promotion during the chain's 40th anniversary.
The failed promotion overwhelmed staff, crashed the app, and caused early shutdowns, prompting online backlash.
Murrell joked about not wanting to be "shot in the back," alluding to UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination.
Five Guys apologized and relaunched the promotion for four days in March, acknowledging failure to meet customer demand.