Along with his sons, Jerry Murrell of Five Guys Burgers and Fries built a 570-store chain that enjoys a cult following.

Sell a really good, juicy burger on a fresh bun. Make perfect French fries. Don’t cut corners. That’s been the business plan since Jerry Murrell and his sons opened their first burger joint in 1986. When they began selling franchises in 2002, the family had just five stores in northern Virginia. Today, there are 570 stores across the U.S. and Canada, with 2009 sales of $483 million. Overseeing the opening of about four new restaurants a week, the Murrells are proof that flipping burgers doesn’t have to be a dead-end job.

In an Uncertain Economic Climate, Candor in Cuisine Is the Catch of the Day
Moving into a new decade, while emerging from one of the toughest years in recent history, The Next Idea sets forth its food and dining outlook for the coming year. For both the kitchen and the consumer, 2010 is poised to be an interesting one.

Burgerville in Portland, Oregon puts the calories right on the receipt — an excellent idea.