As one of the most popular burger chains in America, not named McDonald’s, Shake Shack has its sights set on expansion in a big way. In January 2025, the company announced its plans to operate “at least” 1,500 restaurants in the long term, a whopping 356% increase in the number of restaurants it has today.
Shake Shack is already a fast-food favorite, even though it only has 329 locations. You can’t visit a Shake Shack location without trying out one of its famous milkshakes. Whether you try the regular or curly fries, you’re in for a treat. 4 million Americans are set to retire this year. If you want to join them, click here now to see if you’re behind, or ahead. It only takes a minute. (Sponsor)
Key Points
This means there will be a massive expansion for this beloved chain with its excellent french fries, burgers, and milkshakes. At the end of 2024, Shake Shack only had 329 restaurants as part of its US footprint, so there is no question it’s setting its sights on becoming a formidable force for fast food in various markets around the country.
15. Why People Love Shake Shack
The biggest question anyone should be asking is why Shake Shack is so beloved that it plans to open over 1,500 new locations in the near future successfully. First and foremost, the chain is known for its high-quality, gourmet-style burgers that use 100% Angus beef. Coupled with outstanding milkshakes and french fries, there’s something that feels tastier and more upscale than McDonald’s.
14. Specific Things To Enjoy At Shake Shack
First and foremost, you can’t stop at Shake Shack without trying out the brand’s “Shacksauce” secret sauce. Described as being “creamy and tangy,” this is something fans of this restaurant love more than anything else. The same can be said for its crinkle-cut fries, which saw fans revolt online the last time the restaurant tried to take them off the menu.
13. Is Shake Shack Overrated?
With all this conversation around new store openings, the question becomes whether Shake Shack is overrated. Some people may find the hype too much, so it’s easy to be let down. However, the reality is that most online reviews point out little things, such as the burgers being smaller than anticipated. Still, the overall verdict always points to the milkshakes and fries making any trip worthwhile.
12. The Best Milkshakes
You can point to many reasons to visit a Shake Shack, but none is more important than stopping by to grab a Brownie Batter Hot Cocoa shake, a personal favorite. Of course, you have standards like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, but you haven’t lived until you have tried the Thai Iced Tea Shake or the Cherry Blossom Shake.
11. Six-Point Plan
As part of the company’s efforts to open up new stores in 2025 and beyond, Shake Shack has introduced a six-point strategy, according to CEO Rob Lynch. This includes 1) Bolstering its leadership, 2) Optimizing restaurant operations, 3) Driving comp sales by boosting the frequency of returning guests, 4) Building and operating Shake Shack with “best-in-class returns,” 5) Accelerating its licensed business, 6) Investing in long-term strategic capabilities.
10. Sterling, Virginia
- Anticipated opening date: February/March 2025
The newest Shake Shack location arriving in the US will occupy a 3,000-square-foot space previously occupied by a McDonald’s. Located at 21000 Southbank St., the area will open as part of the Cascades Marketplace shopping center.
9. Short Pump, Virginia
- Anticipated opening date: 2025
Scheduled to arrive as part of a mixed-use development including 100 condominiums, the newest Shake Shack in the Richmond area will be ready sometime in 2025. This marks the third location in Richmond as the company looks to dominate up and down the East Coast.
8. Cincinnati, Ohio
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
Opening toward the end of 2025 near the University of Cincinnati at 259 Calhoun Street, the newest Shake Shake is ready to cater to university students galore. Centrally located near University Square, there is every reason to believe this location will be a bona fide hit.
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
Charlotte, North Carolina residents better prepare as a new Shake Shack is coming to the Charlotte Premium Outlets near the Saks Off 5th Avenue entrance. This is the perfect combination of shopping and milkshakes for residents of the area.
6. Mount Kisco, New York
- Anticipated opening date: Summer 2025
Arriving in Mount Kisco, New York, in 2025, this new Shake Shack is set to open at 176 N. Bedford Road. The space, formerly occupied by Dunkin’ Donuts, will be the company’s first in Westchester, New York.
5. Long Island, New York
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
Get ready, Long Island, New York, as a new Shake Shack is coming in 2025, and this time, it’s arriving with a drive-through. Shake Shack had to receive special permits to open up this location at the corner of Blue Point and Middle Country roads.
4. Holbrook, New York
- Anticipated opening date: Late 2025
A new Shake Shack is coming along with the opening of a new shopping center on Sunrise Highway in The Shops at SunVet in Holbrook. The chain is set to be located near Crumbl Cookies, Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, Sephora, and other popular shopping destinations.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
- Anticipated opening date: 2025
Shake Shack is surprisingly replacing an outgoing Wahlburgers location at Heritage Court and Battery Ave. Along with eight other Shake Shack locations in the Atlanta area, this location will be the first restaurant among any of the company’s locations in the US to have a bar.
2. Naples, Florida
- Anticipated opening date: TBD (sometime in 2025)
A new Shake Shack at 9105 Strada Place will become the 21st Florida location. While the company’s efforts have been concentrated in the tri-county and Orlando areas, this marks the chain’s first attempt to dominate the west coast of Florida.
1. Elk Grove, California
- Anticipated opening date: End of 2025, early 2026
The fourth Shake Shack location is a highly anticipated option that will arrive before the end of the year at the intersection of Big Horn Blvd and Wymark Drive. While the shopping center is still under construction, the hope is that it will take less than a year for this new Elk Grove, California, location to open.
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