Shake Shack to Open in Westport, Connecticut

Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group announced plans today to open a Shake Shack in "the idyllic coastal town" of Westport, Connecticut in the second half of 2011. It will be, as the press release states, the "first true roadside Shack." Will there be a drive-thru? This summer, USHG announced plans for new Shake Shack locations in Washington, DC and in Battery Park City in New York, both slated for 2011.

SHAKE SHACK TO OPEN IN WESTPORT, CT;
FIRST TRUE ROADSIDE SHACK!

Beloved Burger, Hot Dog and Frozen Custard Stand Opening in The Constitution State

Friday, October 15, 2010 New York – Shake Shack to open in Westport, CT. Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) plans to bring Shake Shack to the idyllic coastal town of Westport, CT in the second half of 2011. One of NYC’s most lauded eateries and beloved community and family gathering places, Shake Shack is a modern day "roadside" burger stand known for its delicious all-natural burgers, hot dogs, seasonal frozen custard, beer, wine and more. The Westport Shake Shack will make its home at 1849 Post Road East (just off I-95, Exit 19). Centrally located in this charming culture-loving Connecticut community, this will be the first true roadside Shack.

“My colleagues and I are thrilled to announce plans for our first Shake Shack in Connecticut,” said Shake Shack CEO David Swinghamer. “We’ve been attracted to Fairfield County for quite some time, and we look forward to becoming a part of the fabric of this beautiful and vibrant community.”

“Shake Shack was inspired by the many classic roadside burger stands sprinkled across the country, and it is incredibly exciting to have at last found such a location to realize a tradition that first began in America’s suburban parking lots,” added Danny Meyer, CEO of USHG.

The Westport Shake Shack will build upon the success of five siblings throughout New York City – Madison Square Park (the original Shack, founded in 2004), Upper West Side (2008), Citi Field – home of the New York Mets (2009), Theater District (July 2010) and Upper East Side (August 2010), as well as its new Miami Beach Shack (June 2010) and Saratoga Race Course outpost in Saratoga Springs, NY (2010). Shake Shack also recently announced plans for a location in Washington, DC and New York’s Battery Park City – both scheduled for 2011.

With its deep commitment to employees and its industry-leading management training program, Shake Shack has become a highly sought-after company to work. Recently, Time Out New York featured Shake Shack in its “Best Jobs” issue. “We are excited to create new jobs in this area and to welcome the next generation of Shake Shack employees to our first Connecticut outpost,” said Swinghamer.

Shake Shack was born from a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park created by Union Square Hospitality Group to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s first art installation “I ?Taxi.” The cart was a success and lines formed daily, so it re-opened for an additional two summers in 2002 and 2003. In July 2004 USHG was awarded the contract from New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation and the Madison Square Park Conservancy to create a permanent food kiosk in the park. Shake Shack opened and instantly became a NYC institution with a loyal following, receiving numerous accolades from the press including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Magazine, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, Food Network and The TODAY Show among others, and was voted one of the Most Popular Restaurants in New York according to Zagat.

· All Shake Shack Coverage on Eater [-E-]