What Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard Is

Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard is a regional burger chain based in Colorado that operates locations across the Mountain West and Great Plains. The chain is known for flame-grilled burgers made to order and fresh frozen custard served daily. Unlike national chains with thousands of locations, Good Times has a smaller footprint — roughly 50 to 70 locations spread across Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and a few neighboring states, though this number changes as the company opens and closes restaurants.

The restaurant operates as a casual counter-service model where you order at the register and pick up your food at the counter. There is no table service, and most locations are designed for quick meals rather than lingering. Good Times competes directly with regional burger chains and local independent burger shops rather than with McDonald's or Burger King, and the pricing reflects that — burgers cost more than fast-food chains but the portions and ingredient quality are positioned as a step up.

Key Takeaways

  • Good Times operates roughly 50 to 70 locations across Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and nearby states, making it a regional chain rather than a national one.
  • The menu centers on flame-grilled burgers made to order, fresh-cut fries, and frozen custard served daily, with limited chicken and vegetarian options.
  • Prices run higher than national fast-food chains but lower than sit-down burger restaurants, typically $8 to $14 for a burger and fries combo.
  • Most locations are open year-round, though some seasonal locations in tourist areas may close during winter months.
  • The chain does not operate a loyalty program or mobile app for ordering, so you pay in cash or card at the counter each visit.

The Menu and What to Order

The core menu is straightforward: burgers, fries, and custard. Burgers come in single and double patties, and you can customize toppings at no extra charge — lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, mayo, and grilled or raw onions are standard. Cheese options typically include American, cheddar, and Swiss. Some locations offer bacon, jalapeños, and specialty sauces, though these vary by restaurant.

Fries are fresh-cut daily at most locations and come in regular and large sizes. The custard menu changes daily — Good Times posts the flavor of the day on its website and at the restaurant, and flavors rotate through classics like vanilla, chocolate, and seasonal options like turtle (pecans, caramel, chocolate). Custard comes in cups, cones, or blended into shakes and concretes (a thicker, spoon-eaten version).

Beyond burgers and custard, the menu includes hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and salads at some locations, though these are secondary offerings. Dietary options are limited — there is no dedicated vegetarian burger, though you can order a veggie-loaded burger without meat. The chain does not publish full nutritional information online, so if you need details on calories, sodium, or allergens, you will need to ask at the counter or call the location directly.

Pricing and Payment

A single burger with fries typically runs $8 to $12, depending on toppings and location. A double burger with fries costs $10 to $14. Custard cups and cones range from $4 to $7. Combo meals are not always offered — some locations bundle burger and fries, while others price them separately. Prices vary slightly by location and have increased over time, so calling ahead or checking the location's website before your visit is worth doing if budget is a concern.

Good Times accepts cash and card at the counter. The chain does not offer a mobile app, online ordering, or a loyalty rewards program. You cannot pre-order or pay ahead — you order and pay when you arrive. Some locations may accept third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but this varies by restaurant, and delivery fees will add to the final cost.

Finding a Location Near You

Good Times maintains a location finder on its website where you can search by state or city. The chain's presence is heaviest in Colorado, where it originated, and thinner as you move into Wyoming and Nebraska. If you live outside the Mountain West or Great Plains, there is likely no Good Times location within reasonable driving distance.

Hours vary by location — most are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, but some close earlier in the evening or have reduced weekend hours. A few seasonal locations in ski towns or tourist areas close during winter. Calling the specific location or checking its hours on the website before you go is the safest approach, especially if you are traveling.

How Good Times Compares to Other Regional Burger Chains

Good Times sits in the middle of the regional burger market. It is pricier than Smashburger or Five Guys but offers a similar made-to-order burger experience. Unlike Shake Shack, which has expanded nationally, Good Times has remained regional and does not have the same brand recognition outside its core territory. The frozen custard component — made fresh daily rather than soft-serve — is a distinguishing feature that appeals to customers who prioritize ingredient quality over speed.

Compared to local independent burger shops, Good Times offers consistency across locations and a known menu, but less uniqueness. If you are in a Good Times market and want a flame-grilled burger with fresh custard, the chain delivers that reliably. If you are looking for a gourmet burger experience or a unique local spot, an independent restaurant may offer more.

What to Know Before You Visit

Good Times is a counter-service restaurant, so there is no table service and you order at the register. Seating is usually limited and shared — expect to eat quickly or take your food to go. The restaurant is not designed for long visits or work sessions, though some locations have more seating than others.

Customization is built into the ordering process — you can add or remove toppings without extra charge, and the staff will grill your burger to order. If you have specific preferences (well-done, rare, extra toppings), communicate them clearly at the counter. Wait times during lunch and dinner rushes can stretch to 15 to 20 minutes, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly if you are in a hurry.

The chain does not have a website ordering system or app, so you cannot check real-time wait times or reserve a spot. If you want to know the custard flavor of the day before you visit, most locations post this information on their social media pages or you can call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Good Times have locations outside Colorado?

Yes. Good Times operates in Wyoming, Nebraska, and a few other Mountain West states, but the chain is not national. Colorado has the most locations. If you live outside this region, there is almost certainly no Good Times near you. The website location finder will show you every operating restaurant.

Can I order online or through an app?

Good Times does not operate a mobile app or online ordering system. You must order in person at the counter. Some locations may accept third-party delivery apps, but this is not consistent across all restaurants, so check with your local store.

What makes Good Times different from Five Guys or Smashburger?

Good Times is regional rather than national, and it emphasizes fresh frozen custard made daily as part of the experience. The burgers are flame-grilled and customizable, similar to those chains, but Good Times is less expensive and has a smaller footprint. If you are in a Good Times market, it is a solid alternative to national chains; if you are not, you will not find one.

Are there vegetarian options?

Good Times does not offer a dedicated vegetarian burger, but you can order a burger with all the vegetable toppings and no meat. Some locations may have salads or other options — call ahead if you need to confirm what your local restaurant offers.

How long does it take to get food?

During off-peak hours, expect 5 to 10 minutes from order to pickup. During lunch and dinner rushes, wait times can reach 15 to 20 minutes. Burgers are made to order, so there is no way to speed this up. Arriving during slower times (mid-afternoon or late evening) will get you faster service.