Five Guys, Einstein Bros. eateries coming to Aiken

Two new eateries are planning to open in Aiken.

Einstein Bros. Bagels and a Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant have both confirmed they plan to open up shop in Aiken, though site selection is still ongoing.

A spokesperson with Five Guys Burger and Fries said the burger chain has set its sights on Aiken, but the time frame and where the eatery will be located is unclear.

"We are working on a location though no lease has been signed yet," said spokesperson Molly Catalano. "Things could always change, but we're pretty confident."

According to its website, Five Guys Burgers and Fries' basic real estate requirements include a 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot space, ideally a corner or end cap; a building that offers unique or progressive architectural character and a minimum of 20 feet of frontage, ideally 28 feet.

City of Aiken Manager Roger LeDuc said he had not heard of any site selection news related to the two restaurants but noted it is not common for him to hear anything of that nature unless the chains are large like Cracker Barrel.

In 2008, the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group announced it signed a franchise development agreement with mother-and-son team Wendy and Skyler Steele to bring four Einstein Bros. Bagels restaurants in four years to the Aiken/Augusta area.

Franchise Development Vice President Kevin Kruse said Einstein Bros. Bagels is still coming.

"Our franchisee is excited to bring Einstein Bros. delicious bagels to the Aiken community and is currently looking at several possible locations. As soon as the location is finalized, we'll release the details of where and when it will be opened," he said.

Einstein offers more than 20 varieties of bagels, a variety of cream cheeses, made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwiches, Darn Good Coffee selections, soups, salads and other baked goods.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries menu items include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches. Customers can choose between Five Guys style fries or Cajun style. A variety of condiments are free and include A.1. sauce, grilled onions, jalapeno peppers, hot sauce and green peppers.

The West Side Bowery owner Sam Erb, former president of the Hospitality Association of South Carolina, said he believes restaurants have a better chance of surviving if they fill a need.

"Another restaurant is that, just another restaurant; and it makes the market harder," he said.

He also said he does not believe the economy is back up to where it was several years ago even though the National Restaurant Association claims this year will be one of the biggest in the industry.