Five Guys Set To Open. Really. Truly.

The wait is over. Almost. Or is it? For more than a year, Montclair residents have been walking by an empty storefront a few doors down from Williams-Sonoma in Upper Montclair, confronted with the same banner reading "Five Guys Burgers and Fries." A peek inside has revealed a smattering of tables and chairs. Then, last month, company spokesperson Molly Catalano said that the restaurant was slated to open in early July, even though she didn't have an exact date.

So what gives? No one's sure.

But on Monday, Catalano called Patch to say that the veil was finally about to be lifted on one of Upper Montclair's most hotly anticipated establishments. Really, truly.

"The restaurant will open in three to four weeks," she said, adding that finally "they are almost ready to go.

"The buildout has just taken a little bit longer than expected," she said.

If it ever does open, the Arlington, Va.-based burger chain will have its work cut out for it. Earlier this month, Smashburger on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair introduced an array of tasty new dishes, including a BBQ Ranch SmashChicken, and a number of sides and new salads. At the same time, Elevation Burger, also on Bloomfield Avenue, is drawing crowds.

But Five Guys is a popular chain in many parts of the country and it drew a lot of attention last year when President Barack Obama made a surprise lunchtime stop at a Five Guys in Washington, D.C. He ordered a cheeseburger with tomato, lettuce, mustard, and jalapeno peppers, and also ordered several burgers to go for his staff.

In general, Five Guys boasts a wide selection of choices for toppings -- everything from relish and A-1 sauce to grilled mushrooms and jalapeno peppers. Until now, fans have had to drive more than five miles to East Rutherford—the closest restaurant—to get their fix of the chain's always well-done burgers.

The new Five Guys business will open at 622 Valley Road—fingers crossed.